Kirkby Lonsdale - Gretna

Scotland.      Freeedom!!       

I'm past the halfway mark, the knee seems to be holding out with some help from nurofen and the knee support strap thing, and I've made it to Gretna despite the efforts of several truck drivers to kill me on the A66.

I thought I'd celebrate my arrival with a Caeser salad at the Blacksmiths Hotel, my digs tonight. The plate of brown undressed leaves and assorted cheese makes me think that the Polish barman heard me say 'cheesy salad' but didn't quite get the request for bread. Anyway, should be some interesting cheese dreams tonight..

The scenery for the first 20 miles after Kirkby Lonsdale was just amazing. I was there a few years ago for a walking holiday with Charlotte so the place has special memories for me.

After a few hours the hills and Dales began to peter out into fairly dull landscape, made duller with grey skies and rain.

No matter, I was pleased to be heading north and must make a special thanks to my left leg for doing most of the uphill work.

I have developed the habit of singing Sinatra to the sheep I pass. There seems to be a look of appreciation mixed with bewilderment as I pedal by.

Simple pleasures!

Cumnock tomorrow. Hoots!!

Hx