Day 1 of Walking

April 29th, 2013

Brooks

Walking: Day 1

Start: Chipping Camden

Stop: Stanton

Mileage: 10 miles

Today we walked from the relatively large village of Chipping Camden 4.5 miles to Broadway and then 5.5 onto Stanton, where we got to walk another half mile wandering around the tiny, sleepy hamlet trying to find our B&B. Just when Roger was refusing to take one more step up yet one more hill, we “happened” upon three women hikers we had howdy-doo’ed along the trail. I asked if they knew our place, which “yes” they did, but were as lost as we were. Thankfully, they had a cell phone and since we had all walked round and round, up and down in search of our place, one of them quickly called our B&B. Evelyn, our host, was shocked to learn we were lost, apologized profusely saying, “Sorry, our big gate with the sign of our place on it was destroyed last winter and we’ve just not replaced it.” Horrified at our frustration, she practically ran down the hill to greet us and lead us back up yet one more hill. But it was so, so worth it. After a day’s hike in wind and lots of ups and downs, not only is our little room lovely (my new favorite word and one the British use to describe everything), but has a huge, long shiny white clawfoot antique bathtub and tons of hot water to fill it up. Roger and I took turns sitting and soaking weary feet and aching legs first thing!

To manage the weather and the journey, we had bundled up early this morning with gloves, hats, jackets and guide book in hand. There were lots of kissing gates to go through (with lots of kisses), beautiful scenery, many fields of sheep and cows and horses. Pictures along the way speak so much louder than my words ever could. The Cotswolds are definitely like stepping into a fairy tale. If you haven’t read one in a while, you might pick up Peter Rabbit or Winnie-the Pooh to give you an idea. It’s very hard to believe that just around the next bend we won’t accidently run into one of the many characters from one of these books!

Coming down to breakfast a little five year-old where we were staying ran into her mother’s arms with many tears and exasperations already at 8 a.m. She loudly wailed, “Mummy, I’m feeling very poorly this morning!!!!” After big hugs and affirmations of love and assurances that breakfast was soon forthcoming, all was soon well again. I can tell you that any discomfort we’ve been feeling today that might cause us to feel the least bit poorly, have been quickly washed away with beautiful memories of the day and great anticipation just thinking about tomorrow’s great adventure.