Day 5 in the UK: Day 2 on the Trail

It's morning of Day 5 in the UK, Day 2 of Hadrian's Wall walk. Sleep was elusive until now.... I finally got some restful sleep. And I feel almost new. Legs are tired but they did do a lot yesterday so I'll give them a pass. I'm asking much of the same from them today. 

Last night and this morning was all about the ABC's of foot care. Last night, stretching, massage, lots of lotion (medicated and orherwise) and shortening the toe nails. This morning, preventative moleskins on the tender toes, layering socks (my liner socks look funny but no skin touches and I think that was my saving grace yesterday when they got wet) and pre-medicating! 

Lastly, a full English breakfast to get my calories and therefore energy up for the long walk to Walton. 

I should have shared the routes for yesterday and today. AllTrails has a nice display and preview of the routes. 

Day 1 - Hadrian’s Wall: Bowness to Carlisle on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/cumbria/hadrians-wall-bowness-to-carlisle?p=-1&sh=f7wzq9 

Day 2 - (note this link goes the opposite direction and I'll only be going as far as Walton) Hadrian's Wall: Lanercost to Carlisle on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/cumbria/hadrians-wall-lanercost-to-carlisle?p=-1&sh=f7wzq9

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Day 2 of Hadrian's Wall walk is in the books and I'm on cloud nine! It was another long day (by the guide book, 19.2 km (or 12 miles)) but it went great today! I was moving along, loving the English countryside, and the weather was spectacular! No rain, just sun! 

There weren't any visible signs of wall, but I did walk along top of a section of the wall, just under turf. 

So, I've made it to Walton and I'm staying in the Coach House at Old Vicarage B&B, which, you guessed it, is part of an old vicarage. It also has so much history (including an important court case involving murder\manslaughter by the vicar) which just makes it all the more exciting! Our hosts Graham and Charlotte shared amazing stories with me over a delicious and hearty lasagna dinner! 

I'm so happy that not even 4 blistered toes can bring me down! Yup, after going my whole life without a blister, I now have massive blistered baby toes and the start of a blister on each big toe. (Thanks Daddy and Tania for walking me through how to deal with my blisters) 

So I'll switch shoes tomorrow cause this is where we really start getting to the scenic part, which also means, the hilly part!

I've taken a lot of videos along the way which I'll share. Honestly, it makes me feel a little less alone and crazy if I talk into the camera, rather than just to myself! (I still do that too!) And this way I can describe what I'm experiencing and seeing! 

Lastly, I also want to thank everyone for their encouragement. Mom has been sharing my posts on her FB and she's been sharing responses with me. And to be honest, your support, your kind words, and your encouragement has been so very much appreciated by this solo hiker, on her very own #eatHIKElove journey (thanks Tania for coming up with my very own hashtag... I think it's very fitting)