Day 8: Over to you Daisy...

Well what a commotion!  I was woken at some ridiculous hour to get ready for the day's walk  I was ignominiously placed in the back of a rucksack...and unlike my niece, I was strapped-in!  Well at least I would have a good view of the scenery and learn a little more about this Roman wall that I had been hearing so much about.

Setting off this morning

Viv and Richard arrived promptly and we all set out at quite a pace under a warm sky and a gentle breeze. The path initially took us across farmlands and open meadows. From what my companions were saying the nature of the agriculture was changing...there were new livestock breeds more suited to the lowlands of Cumbria and we even saw the beginnings of crop farming. At one section of Hadrian's Pathway we were walking for a fair distance on top of the unexcavated wall. The valum was still visible and there were sheep grazing peacefully and blissfully unaware of the wonderful history below their meadow,

At two junctions along the pathway  there were diversions due to the bank erosion which had taken place along the River Eden. Such awful flooding had taken place at Christmas time last year...many houses were still needing renovation and were uninhabited...the people my companions spoke with were quite resilient and optimistic for the future. What amazing strength under such conditions!

At times we lost Viv...but we knew where to find her! She was always nestling in the hedgerows picking the most scrumptious blackberries for our lunch. Such a treat! Richard was our new map reader for the day, and I envy him his sense of direction...as many of you know, my companion's sense of direction is not only poor, but dangerous at times - who knows where she could have landed up...

Viv collecting blackberries for lunch

As we were approaching Carlisle, the path took us more into small hamlets with village greens, neatly kept gardens, children playing and walkers  picnicking; such a pleasant Sunday morning! My companions didn't meet many fellow walkers today...two Canadian men walking in the opposite direction towards Wallsend and a few day walkers. We did stop at a farm for a drink...it is so lovely to see "honesty boxes" alive and well. Those extra treats along our walk make the day special.
Well, we arrived at Carlisle, having crossed over the M6 and were walking to our next B&B when Richard was stung by a wasp...such bad luck. But the wasp certainly did not survive! It was now time to say goodbye to Richard and Viviane as they needed to leave us and return to London. It was quite sad to see them go, and we were so grateful to have had their company and support for the last two days.  Safe journey home...

I'm not quite sure what was meant, but I overheard one companion say that she had discovered muscles she didn't even know existed! I'm now quite ready for a good night's sleep in a warm bed and I hope that I will not be awakened too abruptly tomorrow morning. I am so looking forward to seeing the Irish Sea on Tuesday, but I believe we have another long day ahead of us before that delight! Good night and sleep tight.  Dx

A long needed rest