We arrive in St Bees to find our son Matt and his wife Cammie waiting at the train station. They have come from New Mexico to join us for the first week on the trail.
It is sunny with an invigorating breeze, as we select our pebbles from the Irish Sea, and head north along the coast.
The jaunt along the shore is scenic, all greens and blues.
At the lighthouse we will turn inland and aim for Cleator Moor, and our first lodging, the Ennerdale Country House.
As we change our heading eastward, we are met with green fields and a multitude of sheep.
Being in need of refreshment when we arrive, we experiment with the first of many exotic fruit ciders, all of which prove to be delicious. However, there is no substitute for thorough research, so we employ a meticulous approach.
The next morning we encounter the first significant climb, Dent Hill. At the top, we bid farewell to the Irish Sea.
The stone walls along the way are particularly worthy of appreciation.
On our trek, we are constantly amazed at the varied construction that has gone into crossing fences.
We arrive early in Ennerdale and have plenty of time to sample the local hospitality.
The grassy back yard is especially inviting.
The painstaking quest for the best liquid refreshment in the country is ongoing. This might take a long time.
Our hostess for the night retrieves us from the Fox and Hounds, and we are whisked to stately Rowrah Hall.
A huge, comfortable, beautifully furnished room awaits.
Tomorrow we will enter the Lake District.