We walked across nine miles of moor covered with bright purple heather but could not see more than twenty feet in any direction - yet another new experience of English weather. Our companions pointed out several grouse along the path but we could not get clear photos in the mist.
Finally the mist cleared to one side and gave us a spectacular view of the green patchwork quilt of the farms below.
By noon we could see our destination, The Lion Inn, on a hilltop a mile ahead. We were there by twelve-thirty, our earliest time to date. Lee and Allison had kept us walking at a record pace.
Since it was lunch time we consumed yesterday's packed lunch with a pint in the garden area. By that time it was sunny and pleasant. As we were finishing lunch, who should show up but Nick and Barry, our previous hiking buddies. They moved inside to buy a pub lunch, giving us good reason to stay for another pint and a chocolate sundae.
The Lion Inn was much bigger and busier than we imagined, with several dining rooms and a car park filled with cars and bikes. People drive up from York and villages around the area to eat and enjoy the scenery; especially today since it is a bank holiday weekend.
Before be left for our new B&B, several other hikers we had met on the path arrived.
Our B&B tonight is at Church House Farm in Danby Dale. It turns out to be a fabulous place. It is a working farmhouse, large, comfortable, newly remodeled, and tastfully decorated. The hosts are Andrew and Judith, telephone 01287669303. They just opened in June and do not even have a sign up yet.
Only three more walking days to go!
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