Today the paths became streams, the streams became rivers and the rivers became raging torrents. The book route told us to cross a small boulder-strewn river which, it said, "should be possible". Kevin managed it but there was no way Julia and myself were going to manage it with our shorter legs and encumbered with rucksacks, though we did try. Julia went in up to her knees twice and fell heavily on large slippy boulders, so we had to gave up. Kevin walked upstream and found a wooden bridge over the torrent in someone's back garden so we were able to use that (owner not at home to ask or object!). A little while later (by which time we were all soaked to the skin by the heavy rain) we came to an extremely steep descent with sheer drops to the sea and rocks below, which was so deep in mud that it was impossible to do it safely, especially with Kevin's injured back, so we took an inland track and abandoned the Coast Path until we got to Heartland Quay. The strong, gusting wind made walking on the cliff track precarious and the low cloud and driving rain obscured any views of the spectacular scenery.
Our accommodation here at Hartland Quay is The Cottage - which has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a sitting room with fantastic views over the bay and crashing waves.
We were joined by Kevin's family and 2 friends of mine from my time at RAF Stanbridge, Marion and Alan, for a very nice evening meal then we retired to our cottage to watch the sun sink into the sea.
Unfortunately the rain is due to return tomorrow, which is supposed to be our longest and most difficult day.
Despite telling Julia and Kevin that kissing gates are not compulsory, they now seem to feel obliged to stop at every gate, stile etc for a kiss!! Enough kids! Enough!!
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