Day 3 in the UK: Lakes and the Coast

Day 3 of my UK adventure was a travel day but still absolutely amazing! Jet lag is a real thing... I was wide awake until 3am last night. I desperately needed sleep but it was elusive. 

So this morning, I decided to take it easy. I had thought of going back into the Peak District for a few hours but decided to stay in Manchester. After a wander around the city centre, where I stopped at Sackville Gardens to check out the memorial to Alan Turing (father of computer science), I had a few hours to get my luggage sorted and prep my backpack for the hike. A late checkout gave me ample time to pack up. Then, it was off to the train station for my trip north. 

My train from Manchester to Carlisle went through the Lake District. I fought back tears (I think this might become a daily thing, the random sobbing) while taking in the beauty of the Lake District by train. I was here 15 years ago (Keswick had the best fish and chips) so didn't build it into this trip but was honoured to see it. Now, my favourite song of all time is "The Lakes" from Taylor Swift's Folklore album. So I listened on repeat and savoured every single moment. (I recommend you listen while looking through today's photos).... and I did cry this time when I was relooking at photos. 

Then, very quickly, I was in Carlisle. I'll be back here tomorrow but I'm starting my walk on the westernmost point, Bowness-on-Solway. So a short cab ride later, I had arrived! 

It's been a lot of emotions the past few hours. Nervous because the thing I've been dreaming of for the last 3 years actually starts tomorrow. And excitement, for the exact same reason. And gratitude, that I have the privilege to do this. And encouragement, that my body is capable and will get me there. 

So once I checked into my B&B, I ventured through Bowness while the sun was still out and shining through the clouds. I really wanted to get into the water so I ventured down some steps, to a very sketchy ladder. After some encouragement from other walkers, I braved the crumbling ladder (the last 2 rungs, nonexistent) and was on the beach. You'll see in a video how far I got.

So, I feel like I've officially started my hike. I've been to the West coast, I've stamped my Hadrian's Wall Passport, and I'm packed and ready for anything (as you can see from the weight of my backpack, fully loaded). 

Oh, I almost forgot, tomorrow will be interesting. The remnants of Hurricane Nigel make landfall on the west coast tonight\tomorrow, so that's a whole other thing to prepare for. 

Anyways, I'm sipping tea and preparing for a big day tomorrow, so thanks for the support and encouragement!