Hikes, Rain, and Almond Croissants: October 25

 Saturday morning dawned with a mixture of fitful sunshine and clouds. My weather app predicted rain at 11 a.m., then clouds and sun all afternoon. After a breakfast of muesli and tea, we contemplated a short hike around our cottage in the morning, then accompanying Teresa on a hike she’d proposed for the woods above Presteigne when the sun came out in the afternoon.

However, Teresa was convinced that the rain was coming in the afternoon and that the morning would be dry, so we drove into Presteigne in our hiking clothes to meet her at 11 a.m. Sure enough, it was raining. We decided to brave it and see if the rain would stop, so we traversed a few trails, saw Teresa’s favorite swimming hole in the River Lugg, and climbed a hill to a park that had been developed for the gentry’s use. It was really lovely but still raining. Teresa had brought carrot cake and coffee in her backpack, so we sat on a damp picnic table and enjoyed our repast. 

We then admitted defeat against the weather, and Teresa led us to the Workhouse, a lovely store filled with handmade carpets, clothing, and many artistic handmade goods. She bought a wool skirt and sweater, and Ruth and I bought her a red cashmere sweater and a lovely white cotton nightgown. So we had fun despite the rain. 

On the walk back to the car, we passed a curio shop that displays pastries and breads on Saturdays. Almond croissants! We immediately bought three, plus a kind of jam roll. I ran to the car to get my British cash, but found I’d left it at the cottage. So Ruth and I went back to the Workhouse, paid by card for Teresa’s gifts, and got a ten-pound note besides. Ruth braved the rain to pay the croissant lady (and also to find my lost glove), and we then presented Teresa with her gifts. She was over the moon, especially surprised by the gift of the nightgown. What pleasure!

On our walk back from Teresa’s to our car, we stopped in at the

Anglican church in the village, which is just steps away from Teresa’s.

There was a young man playing the piano as we entered. Very peaceful. 

Another moment of beauty.

Returning to our cottage, Ruth and I decided to take advantage of the glorious sunny afternoon and explore a deep, rutted lane that ran off our driveway. It led us steeply downhill to a dilapidated bridge over a small stream. 

We crossed it precariously and then climbed the next hill to a pasture, where we found signs for the Herefordshire Trail, which we took with delight. Large oak groves, winding paths, a grassy walk by a stream, and walking through ancient woods—a perfect afternoon’s ramble. 

Rather than retracing our steps, we came out on a road (near Willey Lane) and decided it must lead back to our cottage. Which it did—but all uphill, for at least a half a mile (it seemed like three miles). 

The entrance to our long, rocky, muddy driveway.

Note the sign for “Crooked House.”

We did finally return victorious, however, feeling happy that we’d found such a splendid walk.

Supper was simple: fried eggs, mandarin orange, grapefruit juice. We had had enough carbs today! We both retired early (8:30 p.m.?), knowing we would have to get up early for church with Teresa on Sunday morning. Fortunately, this was the night Britain sets its clocks back, so we gained an extra hour of sleep. Which was nice, considering that it took both of us till almost 2 a.m. to fall asleep.