Today was an absolutely fantastic day.
We started our day with a delicious, wholesome, fresh breakfast at our B+B (Trericket Mill). I learned a trick that I will try at home - Muesli soaked in apple juice - brilliant. Homemade croissant and homemade jams. Fruits at peak of perfection. A really great way to start the day.
Just at the start, we crossed a narrow suspension bridge with good views over the river. It is only one car width (barely) and I did take a picture of R crossing with a car close behind.
Whenever we are close to the river or a creek I am on the lookout for the crested newts. I really am keen to see one as they look like tiny dragons - the crest goes from their head to their tail. No luck yet.
Our first stop was the old railway station at Erwood that has been restored and is used now as a tea room and local crafts shop. Nicky, our host at Trericket Mill, suggested that we stop in and see if Erica was working as Erica was one of the locals who had carried the Olympic torch through this neck of the woods. It is actually quite an honor as most of the torchbearers are celebrities of some sort. I must say that I did get caught up in the spirit when we met Erica and she asked us if we'd like a picture with the torch. Mind you, this is area has been described to us as "the back of beyond" so this torch thing is a very big deal here. The wife of a couple who were having tea on the terrace of the shop took our picture, we thanked Erica, she put the torch back in its locked display case, and we were on our way. Except that we weren't. We had a fun and happy conversation with the Welsh couple (she of picture-taking fame) and laughed our heads off for 15-20 minutes. Here's why...
The husband told us the story of the creation of Wales:
God told an angel that he was going to make the most glorious place, with beautiful green valleys and the cleanest, clearest rivers. He would call the place Wales. Then he would make the people sturdy and good looking, and call them the Welsh. He would make them great lovers and great rugby players. He would give them great voices and make them fantastic story tellers. The angel wondered why God was giving the Welsh so much. God said: "wait 'til you see who I'm giving them for neighbors!"
I told the wife that Rick was part Welsh and she said the secret of being married to a Welshman is to treat him like a 12 year old.
The husband said they were married for 55 years - and their marriage was based on Trust and Understanding - she doesn't trust him and he doesn't understand her.
We went back and forth with them and the truth of it is they were a sweet and loving couple - and fun-loving, too. They were a joy to meet.
Back on the path and another roaring, low-flying jet screamed up the river valley. Those things are friggin' awesome.
We had a couple of very steep climbs today, but the views from the top were so spectacular that it was totally worthwhile. And, at the top of the second giant climb, we were treated to another jet fly-by - this one below us!
Lots of sheep. Blue, blue sky with the puffiest white clouds. We walked to our B+B for tonight, The Hollies, tired but very satisfied.
Dead Animal Count - 4 (all birds)
1 Blackbird
1 small bird
1 eggshell
1 crow
10 miles
He Said:
Can you believe that there can be so many sunny days in a row in the UK? This was the 10th consecutive sunny day on our walk, how lucky can we be? That has never happened to us before.
OK, yes, it is warm for walking, but compared to walking in the rain, it's fab.
The route today had a good deal of climbing steep slopes well above the level of the river. From the top, you could really see the valley shape, and also see how the river created a green and bountiful environment, whereas, up on the higher slopes, some plants looked parched by the lack of rain for 10 days.
What a surprise, we got to see one of the UK Olympic torches today, E will describe that in detail, I'm sure.
I must say that our feet are still sore from the warmth of the days, the uneven footing, and of course, the length of the trip. The views today made it all worth it; on the high path, we had a 180 degree view of the Wye valley, and several other valleys that feed into it. Although we did see a couple of other hikers today, it was mostly just us and the many sheep enjoying the sunshine; with the sheep staying in the little shade available to them.
Builth Wells is a town which we have not seen much of yet, it's had a few centuries of being a crossroads town between the North and South of Wales. In Victorian times, people came here to "take the waters" and bathe their way to happiness.
For the remainder of our walk, it looks like we may not have internet, so it could be a few days before we can do any more blog updates.
cheers....
Here are some photos we took today:
some yummy breakfast selections at Trericket Mill.
on the suspension bridge near Trericket Mill
The first part of the quiet path near the Wye
an old train at Erwood Station
Erica, one of the Olympic torch bearers leading to the 2012 London summer games
We jump on the torch band wagon
The River Wye at Erwood Station
Looking down stream at the Wye Valley from a high path
the high road trail junction...
the weather is normally wetter and the signposts are lichen and moss covered
an old stone wall built without mortar, a border for the common area
tall hedgerows near Builth Wells
Wow, what a great story of the torch and welsh couple - loved the great pic of the river w/the clouds reflected in the water. EB you look like you're in heaven!
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