I did begin the Dales Way today. The thing is, I did not do a FULL stage because Grassington, where I want to go from Ilkley, where I am, is about between 19-21.5 miles depending on who is measuring. SO, I walked to Bolton Bridge (which means nothing unless you are doing it) and back to Ilkley, about 12 miles. One could not say that it was difficult except that for the first hour and a half or so, I had to put on and take off the rain gear about six times. "Why bother taking it off," you may ask. Because it is hot. Doffing and donning is an annoying and time consuming business. It really slows you down. But the walk was quite pretty. Very pretty, I'd say. We are in James Herriot country, after all!
Sign marking the offical starting point::
And it really is about that blurry!
First sheep of the trip:
And first cows:
There were many sweet stone houses with gorgeous gardens, or, in this case, climbing roses:
Church and cemetery:
Oh, those dry stone walls! They are fast disappearing because they are too difficult to maintain. But they are the essence of the Dales, are they not...well, without the barbed wire!
Black sheep:
There were some wonky stiles for sure:
One knock-out gorgeous bridge:
Bird with orangey tuft:
There was a moment of panic today when I thought I had lost my battery pack and the money I keep aside for quick access. Honestly, I worried more about the battery pack as I have already had occasion to use it. A DEAD PHONE = DISASTER. I thought that with all that taking off and putting on the rain garments, both could have fallen out of the pack. I was lucky! I simply had not looked in the right pocket, and I was luckier still, because in Ilkley, there is a small tech store that carries such items. Organization of "stuff" is a challenge. Hopefully, after a few days, I will be "all sorted!"
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