Hello all
I've had four fine days so far, it is not to continue though!
I got lost in my second hour of the first day!
Luckily I'd turned back deciding it was too steep (an alternative 'rugged' track having decided I shouldn't go the wussy way after one hour!!!)
Luckily a local dog walker set me straight!!
The first two days had lots of paths along cliff edges, I am not sure now that I'd be comfortable with that.
It was very desolate, in Exmoor, saw no one for hours. No ponies either though I saw some feral goats.
Each night is in a coastal town, usually with a river mouth, bit of a harbour and a rocky beach which is overrun with excited children on holidays. Every family has a dog, Labradors, Spaniels and Westies in the majority. Dogs are mostly well behaved too.
The last two days have been more up lanes in between sheep paddocks, across hills( including Devon's highest hill and cliff edge- 318m) and up and down into bays.
Today there were holiday people out walking to the coves and beacons so more around.
You can be in the middle of nowhere- you think- and then a lane pops up- amazing. There are tiny roads everywhere.
I also passed a few lovely caravan parks, great views. They also have very flash tents here. I thought Australian's knew how to camp, well they are much better set up here with four room tents, and everyone has a screen up. Not sure if it's for privacy or a wind break.
I'm staying at a lovely town Ilfracombe but kept walking to Woolocombe which has a beautiful 2 km sand beach with small waves. All of Devon was there I think with parked cars for kms before and after it.
I got the bus back then and will repeat that tomorrow (I couldn't get accommodation there due to school holidays)
Tomorrow I walk past 2 more big beaches.

I actually got a bit sunburnt today on my arms (only bit exposed). I'll wear long sleeves tomorrow.

My backpack is heavier than I'd hoped and is giving me grief. I am only taking it off for a break late morning and then a late lunch. I'm not hungry and am trying to force myself to eat breakfast and a bit of lunch. I'm eating rubbish for dinner (chips and beer last night, cheese & onion pasty tonight- and a beer. Beer mainly for rehydration- 600 mls goes down easier than a cup of tea)
I haven't had a pit stop once yet in the four days so know I'm not drinking enough.

I have not met one single person yet who is doing more than a day walk, which I hadn't expected.
Maybe it will change as time goes on. Hope so.
Carol.