A short walk today but it comes with a stunning gain of 1500 feet between mile 2.5 and mile 4. You also have to get back down to 250 ft level but they give you a few extra miles with a 1000 foot drop in the last mile. This is a toe cruncher.
We are descending into Lakeland Poets territory. Wordsworth spent nine years here and many of his best known poems were written here. His Dove Cottage is in Grasmere. www.wordsworth.org.uk
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of dancing Daffodils;
Along the Lake, beneath the trees,
Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:-
A Poet could not but be gay
In such a laughing company:
I gaz'd - and gaz-d but little thought
What wealth the shew to me had brought:
For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills.
And dances with the Daffodils
Now if you are of a certain age, you hear Bullwinkle reciting ( or trying to) the poem. I hear my Mom.
Also here in the village is a 150 year old gingerbread shop. It was once the local school. It might be necessary to take away some cookies for tomorrows classic hike.
Today was misadventure day. I had a great sleep and was escorted to the trail by the owners of the BnB. The way was totally wonderful as we gained elevation among a stream with many waterfalls. The sun is out. This is the rainiest place in England...and the sun is out. The dreaded elevation gain slipped happily by.
My walking companions, a couple from the Netherlands ,and I made an error of navigation that came up to about 2hours extra walking on what should have been a short, easy day. I opted for the easy (rocks rocks rocks) route down the valley rather than the high ridge walk.
I was completely done in by the time I got to the magnificent Glenthorne. Take a look at their site. It is a stunning, peaceful place. I have been well fed and there are many nice folks here.
I didn't get into Grasmere, but will pass through in the morning so I can grab some Gingerbread at the bakery. This hotel is certainly one that will think about returning to.
Great water pressure in the shower. I gave myself a foot massage.
Tomorrow is another short day. I do not think I will be doing either of the mountain routes. Perhaps if I manage to do it right, I will have enough energy and time to sort out the camera issue.
I am having a great time. Adventure is a good thing.
Oh, I have not seen a daffodil.
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