This morning, we put on our wet boots for another day of walking. There are two schools of thought here regarding wet boots: does one wear dry socks and risk getting them wet, ending up with two pairs of wet socks, or does one wear damp socks and keep the dry pair for a better day? I’m of the faction that prefers to save dry socks for later, but looking at my pruny feet, I might have to change my ways. Perhaps dry socks in wet boots is the way to go.
Those pruny feet are, not surprisingly, blistered, and I hobbled the last few kilometres into New Luce today. It’s a lovely village, but the pub is closed for renovations and our kind hosts don’t normally do suppers (without lots of advance notice). Luckily we have some food, including a can of soup donated by our hosts. Supper is covered, then, but breakfast is not. We will have to walk to the next town on empty stomachs. It’s not far–just over five miles.
It was a lovely walk here. We didn’t get lost–we couldn’t, since we followed the same road past sheep and cattle farms all day. And wind farms–several of those. We also figured out how to use the OS map references on our directions to identify where we were. Matthew even has a compass, which is invaluable.
The threatening rain held off until just after we stopped for a midday snack–a full Scottish breakfast leaves little room for lunch–and then it started to pour. This time I was smart and put my camera–which slowly came back to life over the morning–away. Eventually the sun came out. I stopped to take off my boots and socks, wondering aloud if I ought to put on a dry pair. Hardly had the words “dry socks” left my mouth than it began to rain again. It rained on and off for the rest of the day. It’s raining now.
We’re safely under a roof, though, and resting after our walk. Soon we’ll think about supper. Until then, it’s time for a nap.
Looks like very pretty country to walk through today. More rain isn’t a favourite thing, but at least it wasn’t steady all day long. It sounds like you stayed drier today. I’m in the camp that never puts on wet socks, even if my boots are wet. That said, I usually carry or find newspaper. Were you able to get newspaper to put inside your wet boots, or were they saving it all for fish and chips wrappers? Works brilliantly. I’ll even take my still damp socks to bed with me and generally they’ll dry over night. Looking forward to your post tomorrow and I wish for you to find sunny blue skies!!
Christine saved the newspaper from last night’s fish and chips and her boots were dryer than mine this morning. Still not dry, though! Our B&B hosts didn’t take a paper unfortunately. I’m hoping for more scattered showers tomorrow—at least that’s the forecast. Anything but another downpour.
Hey Ken, It’s Sara from pilgrimage conference. Love and appreciate your pictures and thoughts. I was in Whithorn a few years ago — holy old place for sure! Wishing you some warm (and drying) sunshine!
Hi Sara, I’m looking forward to seeing Whithorn and also St. Ninian’s Cave. Still some walking to do before then!
Hello you two! Looking good! Too bad about the rain, but everything is so green and lush….
Kathryn
It’s a beautiful place and the rain is part of its beauty.
How long will you be walking for, Ken? That’s always disappointing when the local pub is closed. Glad you had something to eat though. I’m in the save the dry ones till later school. Either way dampness is a challenge. May the sun be on your shoulder very soon.
I’m hoping that my boots are a little dryer today! We finish on Sunday.