Wednesday - Kirkby Stephens to Keld

The sun is shining! and it burst forth for us intermittently all day just enough to bolster our spirits but not overheat us. The only rain came the last few minutes as we walked into Keld. Except for squatting on a nettle (enough said) today was a perfect day.  After buying a baguette from the bakery we set off across Frank's Bridge, paused for a photo op showing our mileage,

then up a lovely path (the kind we expected) to our first sign (we LOVE signs) of the day:

We then traipsed across a field, losing or way only briefly, and stepped into the wonderland I dreamed of (and drew) so often as a child:

Path to Nateby.  One boggy spot, but only up to the ankles!

We walked this magical path all the way to Nateby where we joined the road.  Based on lots of advice from our host and other walkers, we have chosen to take the road all the way to Keld. The other routes are notorious for bogs and there are some amazing urban myths? about people sinking up to their shoulders in it.  Considering Tara's height and my upper body strength (to pull her out) we've made the cautious choice.

From Nateby it's a continuous uphill climb of 1500 feet!!!!!  But the views are spectacular and the footing easy:

It just kept going up...

Farewell to Cumbria

When we finally reached the summit:

This is what we do a LOT.  Note the beloved sign!

and entered the Yorkshire Dales, the landscape once again changed dramatically:

What it looks like up close.

It stayed pretty much like this all the way until we reached Scandal Scar:

From there until we walked into Keld, it was gorgeous, lush and full of waterfalls.  We are staying at the Keld Lodge, a converted youth hostel.  Spectacular views, tiny cubicle rooms that are wonderful:

Lots of anecdotes in the lounge before and after dinner, celebrating our pilgimage and companionship.  And that's it for now.  As I'm writing this this morning, waiting for breakfast, sheep were herded by 3 dogs and a man on a quad within 6-7 feet of me!  What a thrill.  This is what makes it all worth while.