Day 63 - June 11th - Alston

Today was the last of three rest days before the next one in Peebles - another 130 miles away. 
Alston is the highest market town in England at over 1000 feet. Very popular with walkers and cyclists on various long distance routes particularly the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast. 

There's a quirky selection of shops, pubs and an interesting cross section that choose to live up here. 



It was very breezy so I sheltered in a shop doorway and met Tim (or Chess to his friends) .
Where do I start? Tim is close to completing the refurbishment of the prime shop on Front St. so is in the process of finding suitable uses and tenants. He's a very engaging raconteur and I had an amusing half hour talking about wizards, politics, touring with bands, memorable days in Penzance, microdots, dolphins, North Shields, South Shields, Ley lines through the Italian Alps and his conspiracy theories over the West's involvement in the Donbass. Phew!!

Time for a coffee.

Continuing the Appleby Fair theme, it's pretty obvious who this refers to!!
I reckon Tim would have an inventive way of sorting any problem!


Comments

  1. I wish all cars looked like the space ship designs drawn!

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  2. I thought they were like bubble cars!! Sally xx

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  3. In a future post, tell us about your conditioning. Is a day’s hike easier now because you’re in great shape? Or harder due to fatigue and soreness? Also, have you changed tactics along the way — say on food, clothing, pace, or start time?

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  4. Love the drawing - very good! Alston is an interesting town/village

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Duncan. You must have been there a day or two before me. I'd be interested to hear how you found Byrness to KY. Were you as lucky with the weather?

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