It’s Saturday, June 3 and today we walk from Orton to Kirkby Stephen, where we will get a rest day. Yahoo! It is another beautiful, sunny day in Cumbria and we are greeted right away by four ladies peaking their eyes and ears over the wall. They were so sweet to get up early just to greet us.

While we saw probably thousands of sheep today, none of them really jumped out as candidates for Sheep of the Day. But this old biddy was really giving us the stare down, so she wins. “What do you think you’re doing walking through my pasture.”

I have already said it many times, but the change in landscape is so striking. Today we are walking through wildflower meadows. Beautiful!

About three miles in, we come to a real Coast to Coast treat, the Sunbiggin Farm refreshment stand. They have build this cute little shed with delicious treats and refreshments for sale. We enjoyed a good rest.

There is an old Beatle’s song about “Buttercup fields forever.” Oh…, my mistake…, I guess it is “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Oh well. These are buttercup fields and they seem to go on forever.

This is the Smardale Bridge over Scandal Beck, a famous Coast to Coast landmark. So, of course, we pose with the bridge. And Janet, with our hiking companions Elizabeth and Rick, pose again. It’s possible that taking pictures is now becoming simply an excuse to stop and rest. We don’t really look like we have already walked 9 miles, though do we? 

Have you ever seen distance posted in both miles and furlongs? Now you have.

Those boot, and jeans, may not have any miles left on them, but they still are useful.

The English gardens here in Kirkby Stephen are delightful.

Our inn for two nights, The Old Croft House. The innkeepers, Nick and Rachel are just delightful and so helpful. The breakfast is out of this world. Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs that are the creamiest ever. And homemade walnut sourdough bread. They take such good care of their sourdough starter that they have named it Alfred. Pretty cool doorknob on the front door too.

We know the way—first navigation hurdle overcome. But let’s not think about 108 miles. Let’s just think about tomorrow’s 13 miles.

Today, we are sad to say goodbye to our hiking partners, Rich and Elizabeth. They are intrepid, positive, good company, and excellent moderators when Janet and I differ on which way to turn. It has been so much fun to have them with us. They are off to Spain to visit their daughter and then enjoy a Rick Steves tour of Scotland. Bon Voyage and travel blessings to Elizabeth and Rich. We love you!

Today’s mileage: 12.57. Total miles so far: 81.1. Miles remaining: 108.9.

What a wonderful adventure we are having.

God bless,
Coe