May 22 Gurnard’s Head to Pendeen (Day 9)
We took one sick day and one scheduled day off. Luckily, our hotel accommodations were four nights in St. Ives. While Dennis recuperated, I did laundry, wrote in my journal, and rested—my shins were happy for the break.
Dennis bemoans that my paranoia of being cold on the hike caused him to pack too much clothing, which resulted in bulging suitcases and heavy daypacks. In fact, because of my fear, I purchased an additional long-sleeve shirt and sweater in Halifax. Now, I have to get rid of them. But I am reluctant to discard two unneeded pairs of shoes I added at the last minute, justifying that they cost too much to throw away.
Because he is still ailing, we decided to shorten today’s scheduled hike and get off at Pedeen (instead of continuing to St. Just and then getting taxied to Pendeen. We adjusted the logistics to accommodate changes to HillWalk Tours‘ schedule.
The shuttle taxi was 35 minutes late. At Gunard’s Head Hotel, we had to wait for cattle to cross the road. Then we missed the trail and had to scuttle to find it, losing another half hour. It’s a good thing we decided to shorten our day’s hike.
The trail was stony, muddy, undulating, but otherwise, not too difficult. Dennis’s cold made breathing difficult, so we stopped often. The trail is hard-going; the rocks, the scree ( small loose stones that cover the slope and make it slippery), the boulders, the mud, the streams, the hill climbs, and the descents make this our hardest day. My feet ache from pounding on stones, my toes throb from jamming my shoes, and my elbows ache from using the hiking poles to propel me up and then brake me on downhills.
I am elated when we get to the Trinity Light House in Pendeen. This is where we get off the trail and walk about a mile on the road to the Inn. It was a tough day!
Jane, You are an inspiration to us all on so many levels!
And I’m with you: The only thing worse than being cold is being cold and wet!
Have fun! Stay warm and dry!!
Thanks for your encouraging words. Staying dry is hard to do along this coast.
Sorry you had such a tough day in many respects–that terrain is unforgiving! It is amusing to have to stop for a herd of cows or flock of sheep–at least more entertaining than an accident on the freeway or a bridge that can keep you stuck for hours!
Hope you can “Carry On!”
I saw a lot of road traffic this bank holiday weekend. I’m glad we were on a train to Lyme Regis.