8th May

Today was the easiest day of all, it was just about 8 miles and quite a lot on roads which made quick walking. We did have some mud and a nice walk through wooded areas.  We have seen lots of wild flowers on the walk including marsh orchids and bluebells in all colours.

  In Tim’s book, it told us that on one road we probably wouldn’t pass any traffic - well - we encountered 2 huge tractors pulling muck spreading things; a tanker type lorry and a couple of cars!  At one point we were almost running to a wider part in the road to allow the tractor to go by.

Yesterday we passed a shop in a small village and Walt decided he might like a pie - but - the shop was shut! 

Outside the shut shop!

Today when we were dropped off at  Witheridge there was an open shop that sold pies, so Walt bought one for lunch.

'Yes, I've got my pie'

The other place we passed was a 'naturist' club - Steve W was nearly in there!

We actually finished the walk by lunchtime, so we met Carol and Phil at Knowstone and all lunched together; but it did start to drizzle or ‘mizzle’ as it is sometimes called.  Much colder today, what a contrast to yesterday.

We only actually had to travel about 15 miles as the crow flies, but the drive home took over an hour as we had to go about 32 miles through country lanes, avoiding on coming cars, tractors and lorries.  Poor Phil and Carol have had some interesting driving; tomorrow we may return to the starting point via the A30; M5 and another A road - about 30 miles longer but should be quicker and smoother!

I had a nice swim this afternoon after the usual tea and cake; one or two seem to have sneaked off for a little shut eye I think!