This was before things got exciting! The morning started out on town streets with a bit of drizzle about 9:00 am. After a nice walk along the canal we came to our first and only town today and then headed to the mountains. The mountains were beautiful, full of low brush and sheep. Lots of sheep.
Soon we were shedding our rain gear and enjoying the hike. It was a bit difficult as they actually have mountains here so today we went up about 300 meters. It was a little cold but the views were spectacular.
We had a wonderful lunch sitting on our ponchos looking out to sea. It was really quite nice eating power bars, yogurt and nuts, very outdoorsy! Soon we were on our way and entered a whole new experience! We were walking among farms, actually between farms were they would move cattle, the mud was very deep, mixed in with cow shit and sheep shit! Not liking this very much, hoping we were getting close to our final destination. Cindy, how much farther? Not far! Right, she could tell I was loosing interest! We walked thru this type of area for what seemed like miles, thru gates, over stiles, thru more mud, over streams. It was quite tiring and then very near the end we see a sign, go right if the river is flooded! I’m thinking, that means a detour and more mileage! No way we are checking the river!
Forging the river
Finally we meet the end of the trail where our instructions say, exit the trail and walk 1 km to Ashes Pub and have them call your B&B for a pick up. It’s 4:30 when we arrive, I am hurting everywhere and a nice cold pint sounds very good! Cindy pulls on the door and it’s locked! Nooooo. There is a cute couple sitting outside and they explain it doesn’t open till 5! We are waiting! I’m tired and hungry. The couple were very cute and were just finishing the walk! They did it in 8 days and camped out!!! Apparently we just did the hardest section. I’m thinking they are just saying that so I won’t bail out.
Finally the pub opens but only the bartender is here and the chef will be in shortly! I finished my bag of trail mix, had a beer and finally about 5:45 the bartender hands us a menu, takes our order. The burgers were really good. Finally fed, we call up our host and she comes and retrieves us.
Yeah, day one is done but I have muddy wet boots and I’m expected to walk another 28 km in the morning. Valerie takes our boots and says she can put them on the boiler to dry out. I’m not optimistic but I’m exhausted. So upstairs we go, a shower and my head hits the pillow at 7:30 pm!