Every Day A Saturday: Over Hill, Over Dale

Day 7: Orton to Kirkby Stephen
Miles today: 14.91
Total miles: 85.52

Jim and I had a very nice stay in Orton at the Barn House. One thing we didn't count on was how late we would start every morning. Since we're both early risers we figured we'd get up, have a quick breakfast and be underway. That's not the case though. Breakfast is typically served between 8 and 8:30 and is a three course affair. First is fruit and cereal, then toast and jam followed by cooked breakfast. A full English breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, baked beans and black pudding (don't ask!) Jim usually has everything except the black pudding and I have tomato and mushrooms and maybe some beans. We aren't used to such hearty breakfasts!

This morning we took even longer because we were talking with another couple, Ruth and Mike, who are doing the C2C east to west. We were surprised to find out they have been to Door County. They are the first people we've met who have really even heard of Wisconsin. Usually, we tell them it's north Chicago and then then they have some idea. Everyone else we've met who have been to the USA has been to Florida (Disney) or New York.

Anyway, their daughter's husband is studying in Chicago so they had been for a visit and were telling us how much they liked Door County. Then they said they had come in December! Too bad they didn't see it at its best. We told them to come back in spring or fall when it is really pretty, not the cold, gray winter.

Finally we were underway by about 9:15 and walked up the road to catch the trail. As we approached, cars pulled up and a group of people got out. It was the church group we met before. Seven of them are walking and they have a house rented in the area that they are using as a base. They then walk the trail and get a cab back to their car. We had walked with them a couple of times and it was good to see them again.

Today's walk was very hilly, but no strenuous climbs. We were mostly walking through pasture lands so it was easy on the knees and joints. It started out chilly, but with bright sunshine. At 11:00 that changed and a storm blew in complete with rain, sleet and high winds. We donned our rain gear and carried on.

We walked with the group off and on throughout the day. They're all telling us our next walk *HAS* to be the Camino Way. They talked on and on about it and even told us about stopping in the "hippie" shop and the brownies they got! They are very entertaining.

By 3 in the afternoon, we strolled into town just in time for tea. Today was our fastest pace yet.

After checking in at the B&B, we had dinner at The Mango Tree, an Indian restaurant. It was a nice change from pub food, but we stopped by the pub afterward and met up with our old buddy Mark. He was with David, another walker he met at the campground. I hope they can walk together because I fell kind of sorry for Mark continuing on his own after Ray dropped out.

We hoping for a good night's sleep because tomorrow starts with a 5 mile climb!

A few pictures from today-they don't begin to do justice to how pretty it really is.