Kington to Hay on Wye
14.50 miles
7 hours
Stinging Nettles numbed the arm yesterday and lasted all day today
House next door out my window. No window coverings, and it was easy to look down and watch the dishes being washed, and last night the family watching TV on the far end.
Saint Mary's Church in Kington.
Thomas Vaughan of Hergest Court, and his wife, Ellen the Terrible.
"Thomas was killed in the battle of Banbury in 1569. Ellen the Terrible, named because it is believed she killed her cousin John by piercing his heart with an arrow as an act of revenge for his killing of her brother David." They were ruthless people back then.
Woke up to a gray and rainy day. That was expected as the weather people these days generally have their predictions correct. They were. The morning was misty, the afternoon steady showers.
Some sheep lost parts of its coat.
Makes it easier to start the day in the waterproofs then stopping later to dig them out and maneuver getting the pants on over mucky boots. And for some reason clothing worn on the body doesn't feel as heavy as clothing folded up and riding on the back.
As they trotted by I asked if they were racing. Yes, they race, but not today.
Because on this journey of returning places from a few weeks ago - maps are generally not needed, so no standing in pouring rain trying to solve which path to take. Do Not follow the skinny path which most likely has been made by sheep! Only the narrow path if there is a sign post with the acorn symbol on it (acorn is the identifying sign for a National Trail). Occasionally the route goes through dense overgrown plant life.
I see that piece of sweet corn.
Watched part of "Marley and Me" last night. First saw that with Mary at the Cedar Creek Mall as part of her bank's special offerings for customers. That was fun to do with my friend, and we were able to eat popcorn at 9:00 am, and still go out for lunch afterward.
After stopping at a Spar in Kington to get food for the day, I met a walker coming towards me. He smiled, the smile of a fellow walker in greeting. Suddenly I recognized him from the C2C as the father in the father and son duo. Mike and Peter. When I asked if he had done the C2C two years ago there was recognition - "Aw, your the American who did it both ways".
Monkey puzzle trees and NO wild ponies today. They were probably off trying to stay dry lower down on a slope. Disappointing, but I did see a few the other time up on the ridge.
Approaching Saint Mary's Church in Newchurch (3rd St Mary's for the day) another walker approached from the south. We both turned in at the gate. After releasing ourselves from backpacks inside the church and getting the hot water boiling, we did the basic introductions. Where are you from. "Wisconsin" we both said. The man was from Racine. Siegfried Christoph is retired from UW-Parkside after 32 years as a German professor. Born in Berlin, Germany. Went to Champagne/Urbana. Retired in 2013 and hiked the Pennine Way that year. Last year did the C2C. Agreed he had probably started with the most difficult. Lots of info can be learned over one cup of tea, if everyone talks fast.
Follow the Acorn.
Couldn't figure out what half a tennis ball was doing way up on the ridge. Later figured maybe a Dog brought his toy up.
The boots LEAKED, again. Wet wet SmartWool socks. Not happy.
Second sheep rescue mission. Approaching and climbing over another stile (many today and they have become common), the sound of a sheep drew my attention. Looked around as I couldn't see it. The sheep was deep inside a hedge/thicket with its head stuck through a wire fence, but not a double fence like the other day. I couldn't reach through the dense brush so went back and climbed over the stile. This time got the camera ready in advance, but was only able to take one photo as the sheep became frantic. Forget photography. Help sheep. This time it was easier as all that was needed was a gentle pushing back of the head and Sheep Was Free to rejoin its mum.
Must be what it is like in a rainforest. Lushness. Greenery. Moisture. Dripping water everywhere.
Extremely MUDDY track for a long section today. After finally working my way through that mucky mess came out of the woods and found my friends Colette and Mark (C2C) getting out of their waterproofs. Colette was even combing her hair in preparation for entry into Hay on Wye. Lois left her waterproofs on and didn't bother to comb hair. Keep thinking about what a Wild mess this person must look like arriving in these towns and presenting herself at someone's home.
Walked the last half hour with the couple as it turned out we were staying at the same B&B tonight - St Mary's. We got separated as we entered the town, and went off looking for different things before heading to the night's home. Met up again in the grocery store and again became separated.
Hay on Wye is well known as "The Town Of Books where there are over 30 bookshops with over a million books for sale on every conceivable subject." Lots of antique shops also.
I returned to the Outdoor Sporting Goods store as I wanted to take a photo of the label from the Sealskinz waterproof (so called) gloves I had bought here 4 weeks ago and I plan to Complain about them, and the need to purchase a second pair at Llangollen.
Interesting how such a short time ago these Welsh names meant nothing to me and now they can easily be found on the map and mentally the places can be seen filled with real people I was privileged to make a short acquaintance with.
Clock Tower Hay on Wye.
Laundry.
Royal Family on Balcony for the Queens Birthday.
No, I was not there. Took this off the TV.
This village has so many books that in places they are just left out on the "honor system.
Found a Castle here.
Wedding Party came out to be photographed, so of course I took their photo.
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