Blakey Ridge (Lion Pub) to Clay Bank

An easier day today, only 9.1 miles, five miles of which was along an old rail bed. We didn't even get lost. Left the Lion at 10:45 and with a lunch stop, along the trail, arrived at Clay Bank at 15:00. The was a race, along the Cleveland Way, that was 110 miles or 160 miles (a 48 hour time limit). Fun seeing all the runners. They'd been on the trail about 21 hours when we saw them. Fun for Robyn as she has run a number of 48 hour races.

5/22/15 Robyn Yorkshire

After our lovely breakfast and stay at The Old Mill, we bid adieu to our hosts David and Lynn. 

Off we went to the Yorkshire Moors. 

Again, beautiful scenery and I could not believe that at the top of hills we could still see the North Sea and this one ship that seemed to be anchored there. It seemed like we had walked so far! 

We saw these shooting stands in the moors like those seen on Downton Abbey and actually ate our bag lunch in one of these sheltered from the strong winds. It's always so reassuring to see the Coast to Coast markers. I wish they were more often. 

Our host at tonight's B and B, Michael, was also our "chauffeur" and even drove us to dinner and back. 

Egton Bridge to Blakey Ridge

Only a 12 mile day so we didn't leave the Old Mill B & B until 10:20. Not so many hills today and quite a few miles crossing the North York Moors. Constant headwind as we're traveling West. The benefit is that we meet all the folks traveling East. No rain and 67° high.

Upon arrival at the Lion we called the August Guest House and were transported about five miles to the B&B.

Trivia, this B&B has about 700 guests per year, all doing the C2C. About 20,000 people per year do the 192 mile C2C. It's probably the most popular 'walk' in the world.

5/21/15 Robyn continued

After freshening up at our B and B, The Old Mill, our hosts, David and Lynn, persuaded us to try their local pub, the Horseshoe. It was very cool getting there across stepping stones over the river and it was a very true English pub which we love! 

A fun nightcap to an exciting first day of hiking!

5/21/15 by Robyn

Scenery was spectacular! I could have been taking pictures at every turn it seemed. We started out after a lovely English Breakfast at our B and B which was built in 1892 and run by Jane in Robin Hoods Bay. 

We finally made it to the local restaurant/ pub in Egton where Jeff and I stayed for an extra pint before going on our way to the B and B. Looking forward to another adventure tomorrow!

RHB to Egton Bridge

Left RHB at 08:00 as we had a 17.3 mile trek. Great route initially along the cliffs. Then some real ups and downs. Stopped at Falling Foss for lunch at Midge Hall and to view the falls having logged 10.75 miles. Then a slog including a wrong turn that added 2 miles for the day. Ouch. The Brits don't believe in trail markings. Thankfully the GPS helps.

Robin Hood's Bay

Finally, here we are at RHB ready to start our walk West in the morning. We're ready!

Wednesday, May 20th

This is our travel day AND Jeff's birthday. Had a lovely dinner last night at the Lion Restaurant with Jane, Julian, and Trevor and the six of us. We sang Happy Birthday to Jeff and they gave him a pudding.

On the way to the restaurant we were treated to a double rainbow. 

Traveling today we are going in and out of Wales with the lovely bright yellow fields of rape seed and other fields of grazing sheep and cows on our way to Manchester to drop off Doug and Sara's and Robert and Gail's luggage from the Queen Mary. Then on to York where we dropped off the van, caught a train to Scarsborough then the bus to take us to the starting point of our trek at Robin Hoods Bay. 

Clun and new friends and a hike

Arrived near Clun Monday evening after our long drive and our stop in Bath. Doug and Sara's friends Julian and Jane made a superb dinner and their friend Trevor took us back to our Bed and Breakfast in Clun. Then Tuesday, the nine of us went for a hike in alternating rain and sun up and down many hills for at least eight miles.

Beautiful scenery. Clun is right on the border of England and Wales.  Went to Clun Castle then back to Jane and Julian's for more great food then out to dinner. 

Atlantic Crossing

This shows the route of the Queen Mary II crossing the Atlantic.
May 10-17, 2015

Dinner 5/17 Grasshopper Inn

On the way to the hotel we stopped for dinner at an Inn that was originally built in 1271. One of the things I love about England is that everything is so old! The big item on Sunday is the Carvery - three different roast with potatoes, vegetables, gravies, and Yorkshire pudding. Four of us had that and two opted for the Fish and Chips. Fun getting acquainted/reacquainted!

Roman Baths

Came through heavy rain from Sevenoaks to Bath, but then blue sky. Now off to Clun

Hanscom 5/17/15 Chartwell

After our lovely breakfast, we walked the two miles to Chartwell where we met up with the Lairds and met Robert and Gail Lee. Winston Churchill continues to amaze me and seeing his home, garden, and studio again was wonderful.

Hanscom 5/15-16

While the Lairds and the Lees were crossing the Pond on the Queen Mary, Jeff and Robyn took the overnight Delta flight over leaving on 5/15/15 and arriving in London around noon on the 16th. Then we took the Underground to Charring Cross, the train to Sevenoaks, then the bus to Westerham. This is the picture of our first Pub and where we had dinner.

Then we stayed at the Kings Arms. Notice that this hotel was around 300 years old. That may explain the plumbing...

Atlantic Crossing

Set sail from NYC on 10MAY, landed at Southampton at 06:00 on 17MAY. A very smooth ocean coming across. Service was great and the food fantastic.

Good that in a couple of days we'll  be starting our 192 mile trek from Robin Hood's Bay to St. Bees.

The Queen Mary II is the only ocean going passenger ship in service today. In makes trips between NYC and Southampton all year, ie, it can cross the North Atlantic in the winter, something the 'Hotel' ships can't attempt.