Dennis felt well enough today to walk, so we took the bus to Housesteads to resume walking where we had last stopped. Because this section of Hadrian’s Wall Path does not have sufficient and convenient hiker accommodations, trekkers tend to stay in one place several nights and leapfrog to various trailheads: walking forwards, and then returning by bus; or busing ahead, and then walking back to where they are staying.
Today was overcast, making for dark photos. It was very windy, with light scattered showers. As I walked, I commented that I have not been warm since leaving London a month ago. It is cold in the buildings; even with the thick down comforters, I shiver in bed half the night, especially when Dennis and I are in bunk or twin beds. Today, even Dennis was cold in our room at the B & B. We should be leaving northern England in a few days, after finishing walking Hadrian’s Wall, or when FedEx delivers the credit cards, which are now sitting in a local FedEx building. 
Tomorrow is Sunday and Monday is a bank holiday. Not knowing when they will be delivered makes planning our itinerary difficult.
Today’s highlight involves a standoff with a young bull who did not want me entering his pasture. I kept talking to him and he finally let me pass. He eyed Dennis in a menacing way, but let him pass also, then turned around to butt him. Dennis heard him grunt and jumped facing the bovine while making a loud angry sound; the bull relented and backed off.
From here to Wallsend 30 miles away, the terrain levels off and the Wall becomes more scattered and buried. We are going to attempt the distance in two days; we are both ready for France.
We had Indian food delivered to our room. I had the best Chicken Tikka Masala. We ordered what we thought would be enough food for two nights, then Dennis’ appetite clicked in. Since he has been ill, he’s eaten very little. Glad to see him back to himself. Since the start of our journey, he has lost considerable weight; I, on they other hand, have not.
Below, left picture is of Roman Alter; right one is of the milecastle ‘planter.’
Wow, Dad looks very skinny! Time to get him to have some more of that good old English tea… or maybe French pastries once you’re across the Channel. I hope the last few days on the Wall go well and that you get a reprieve from feeling cold soon.
Aine,
Now that dad is feeling better, I am sure he will “fatten up.” This morning it is 52 F and tomorrow will be 48 F. with highs in low 60s with clear skies. It should be ok for walking.
Isn’t it annoying how they lose weight and we can’t 🙂 Glad you won the face off with the bull and that Dennis feeling better now.
Thanks Susan,
The bull was young and cocky. If he continues with that attitude, I imagine, he will become hamburg.
You are both amazing doing all these walks. Are you keeping track of the miles you have walked?
Lil
Lillian,
Thanks for the comment. I would have to calculate the mileage walked. My estimate is more that 700 miles, with an additional 500 miles on bicycle.
So what are you doing in France?? Dennis is wasting away!!!
Susan,
We will be going to Normandy, France, to research the D-Day invasion and Denis’ father role in it.
Those clouds look pretty dark and ominous. I hope the weather improves for you. I’m glad Dennis is feeling better. he looks like a strong wind would blow him away. You’ll have to fatten him up once you get your new cards. I’m glad the young bull didn’t hurt either of you. It’s amazing how strong even a young one can be.
Donna,
About 30 years ago, Dennis and I had a small farm…pigs, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, and one steer. Since we purchased the calf on Halloween, we named it Goblin. The next spring, I was working in a field when Goblin decided to play with me. His idea of playing was butting heads. By this time, the animal was shoulder-height, weighing several hundred pounds, and with horns. I kept running around the tree, calling for Dennis who was mucking out the barn.
When he came out to see what the ruckus was about, he leaned on his pitchfork and laughed–which insulted me. In hind sight, I can see the humor, but at the time I was frightened. Dennis came down, grabbed the bull by the horns, and got him in control.
As I walked by this bull yesterday, I was reminded of this incident.
That is funny, but an animal that large and that strong can do a lot of damage if it wanted to, so fear is appropiate. We also live on a small farm and over the years, I’ve raised all kinds of animals. We raised Buddy (our daughters named her) on a bottle. She was so tame and mild, she would follow us around. Sometimes to get our attention, she would come up behind you and butt you with her head. If you weren’t expecting it, she could knock you down, so you always had to be on guard whenever she was around. We all loved her and she gave us many calves. She died one day, after eating a chunk of iron. According to the Vet it wasn’t unusual for cows to eat whatever would fit in her mouth. It was very sad. Anyway, your story about your young steer, made me think of her.
yes it does look pretty dark on the wall.
dennis must be feeling better if he’s facing off with bulls,
Yes, Phil, Dennis is better.
I recall when you and he had that awful bug termed the “Pilgrims virus” while walking the Camino.