Hat conditions: Hold on to your
Well, it was bound to happen. We woke up this morning to rain, and since we were in Dartmoor National Park, it was accompanied by howling winds. We lingered as long over breakfast as we could, but today was a 15 miler, so we couldn't dawdle for too long. We bundled up in our warm and waterproof gear (Al wisely stowed his hat in favour of his hood) and headed out. The wind was howling down off the moor but the rain really didn't really last too long. Once we got away from Dartmoor, it let up significantly. The wind continued to bluster but the clouds blew through and we started to catch glimpses of blue. Al pulled out his hat, since it could deal with the light drizzle just fine. Of course, the wind was still gusty, so there were a few mad grabs for it as it was about to be swept away.
Before long, Al decided that the long underwear and rain pants had to go. Much too warm even with the wind. So as we entered the first town on our path, Al spotted a bus shelter. We've discovered that these can be quite comfortable rest stops. Usually stone walls and a bench. Knowing Al, my question "are you really going to change your pants in a bus shelter?" was purely rhetorical. I tried to block as best as I could. Luckily he was quick, because just as he got his other pants on, a bus pulled up to the stop. Those poor little old ladies didn't know how close they came to getting an eyeful of Al.
Mission accomplished.
Here's me at the bus stop. Al is making me put this in because he likes the picture.
Aside from that little adventure, today's walk was pretty boring. We were along lanes with high hedges, which we appreciated for the wind protection, but didn't lend to much picture taking. So, here's one from yesterday.
We came upon this Dartmoor pony near the nine maidens stone circle. He continued to graze, completely unperturbed by our presence.
Tomorrow it's off to Tiverton, our last night in Devon. It feels like we're covering some ground again after a bunch of short days.
Location:Crediton
Wow, you guys are having fun!! I have to comment on the Harlan Ellison inscription in the werewolf book. Of course I was skeptical, but less so after discovering that the website harlanellison.com lists a contact address in Sherman Oaks! So it has to be him!
ReplyDeleteBut you never know. Donna once gave me a book that she found at a used book store. It was a present, and she was very excited about it because it was signed, she said, by Buckminster Fuller! The inscription on the title page reads: "To Lisette, Best Wishes, Buckminster". Well, what other Buckminster could it be? We have laughed about this for 25 years. (But Donna is still convinced that it is his signature!)
We're really enjoying the blog!
Tony & Donna
Our youngest is off to Dartmoor tonight for 3 days "Ten Tors" training. Not sure if you've heard of this challenge - there is a choice of 3 distances - 35, 45 and 55 miles (as the crow flies, closer to 45, 55 and 70 in reality) walking over Ten Tors over a weekend (8am Sat - 5pm Sun), carrying all kit (including tent, food and stove). It's organised by the Army and takes place in early May when the Moor is swarming with young people - oh yes, forgot to say - you can't do it if you're over 21! Youngest is training for the 55 having completed the 35 2 years ago. Eldest has also done both and reckons they walked 50 miles on the first day last year! It's a fantastic but really tough challenge and, as you can imagine, the weather can go from howling gales and lashing rain to hot sun. Tonight Tom will be in his tent somewhere on the Moor and it'll probably be below freezing!
ReplyDeletePS: Tarka is taken from the book "Tarka The Otter, His Joyful Water-Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers" - a novel by Henry Williamson, first published in 1927. Sadly, as can be gleaned from the title, Tarka comes to a sticky end.
Can't believe you're almost through Devon already!
Having ONE blustery day out on the Moors sounds kind of romantic -- glad it didn't slow you down too much, though. Cool that you saw a Dartmoor pony!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great photo of you, Dawn.
Love the pony...
ReplyDeleteMom that is a cute picture of you! That pony probably didn't mind you guys being there because he couldn't see you or anything else.
ReplyDelete