"Words of encouragement have their own power, and when they are said by the right people, they can change everything." - Bob Goff

 We knew we were in for a hard day according to the weather forecast. For 17.5 km from Oughtershaw to Lea Yeat it rained, it blew and it was rather chilly. We stayed in Wensleydale House in Hawes last evening and then had a taxi hire take us back to Oughtershaw to reconnect where we left off yesterday afternoon. We didn't stop for respite and arrived 6 hours later at the Sportsmen's Inn an hour before check in. Thankfully, they were sympathetic, seeing 2 foreign drowned rats desperate to get their wet boots off and find warmth. So we are tucked away at a 300+ year old inn, looking forward to a good sleep.

This morning, Andrew tried the beans, sausage, hatted egg and soldiers - sticks of toast.

Another very old post box this time with the letter VR which is the royal cypher for Queen Victoria (Victoria Regina) installed between 1853 and 1901.

Beginning day 5 of our hike - we started out smiling.

About midway and getting wetter - took a lot of encouragment to turn that frown upside down. This is the junction with the Pennine Way and the paths coincided for a ways. This section was on the Cam High Road, an old Roman road that was used to march soldiers and move supplies across England 18 centuries ago.

Another climb and we were so wet - really need waterproof boots in this weather.

Bear with me as I give you another picture of cuteness.

We crossed over the Pennine Way, meeting a few other hearty walkers, but didn't chat long, we were all anxious to be on our way. This picture is the Ribbendale Viaduct (you may have to enlarge the pic to see the viaduct through the heavy mist) - carrying the Settle-Carlisle railway. It is the longest and third tallest structure on this rail line. The viaduct was necessitated by the challenging terrain of the route. 

Getting closer to the end of our day.

Belted Galloway cattle, a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle.

Down to the pub and a warm fire - grand way to end the day.

Thoughts from today - were we wet? - yes, were we tired? - yes, were we chilled? - yes. But the satisfaction of walking another day of our hike outweighed all of that. So thankful to be healthy enough to share this experience with someone who takes my dream and makes it a reality. Andrew took the lead today, guiding me through the rough patches, testing the crossing of the becks, always scouting the best way and waiting for me on the other side. He really came through today - encouraging me with every soggy step.