Richmond

I went out for supper with Debbie and Ginny the 2 Coloradians and an Australian Annie who they had met earlier on their trip. I think we were all pretty tired. I headed back to the Buck. I had been a little worried about staying in a pub for the noise and I could hear the base of the bar music from my room. I was so tired that I fell asleep anyhow at about 9:15. I woke up at 10:15 and all was quiet so they must have shut the bar down early on a Monday night.

I awoke the next morning to rain. This had been forecast. I have had the first nine days of this trip with essentially no rain which is pretty unheard of so I have to count my blessings. My problem with walking in the rain is that when I put on my rain pants and coat, I get very hot. I started with them on but when the rain let up, I had to take them off only to put them back on again. I finally met my first East to West C2C hiker. She was doing it in 12 days, had a dog and was camping. It rained continuously well into the afternoon. During one downpour I happened to come by a beautiful church that had an honesty box-selling treats on the honor system. It was providence and I took it as a sign that I was being watched over. I am back into sheep territory and dairy. Lots of gates and stiles to cross. One farmer had put his own trail markers up. Very helpful. I only got lost a few times. I made it to Richmond by one which was really good time. My guidebook had recommended a hack. Hike onto Brompton on Swale today and take a taxi back. That would be a total of 31 k today and would reduce tomorrow's hike from 37 down to 30. I can't say that the hike after Richmond was that scenic. In fact it even went under the M1 highway. I tried to get an Uber from the Farmers Arms but something wasn't right. After 15 minutes I went inside to talk to the barmaid and she advised me no Uber around Richmond. She called me a cab which I will get me to take me back there tomorrow. It cost me 20 pounds for a 2 hour shorter day tomorrow. I am staying at the Frenchgate Hotel. Nice place but no drying room. I connected with Lisa and Cathie and I joined for Indian food for supper. They continue on tomorrow but I don't think we will be staying in the same places again. Many of the hikers I have been with like Joy and Derek and the Coloradians will have a rest day here so I will be leaving many of my travel friends again.Read more