Day 16: Knighton to Newcastle, Wales

Knighton.

Josh didn't manage to set up camp until quite late last night and after such an arduous day yesterday he decided to take it a bit easier today and set out to get about half way to Montgomery. Before he left Knighton he walked into the village where he was able to get access to a computer and catch up with his email. Josh left Knighton very late, at about 15:00 and set off along the Offa's Dyke trail, which kept him away from any traffic and made the journey more peaceful but probably slowed him down quite a bit. Once again he met another hiker who is walking the same trail and as they were chatting Josh asked him where he was planning to camp tonight. The hiker replied that he would probably make for Newcastle tonight. Josh looked at him stunned. "But I am going to be passing near to Newcastle on my journey to Edinburgh and that is weeks away yet!", he exclaimed. It took a few minutes for the penny to drop that they were talking about completely different Newcastles. Newcastle in Wales is a small village just 6 or 7 miles NW from Knighton and that is also where Josh has pitched his tent tonight. The other hiker hadn't showed up when I spoke to Josh, earlier this evening, so he had the field completely to himself. Next week the schools break up for their summer holidays so the campsites will start filling up and the narrow roads will be crammed with caravans and holiday makers.
Enjoy the peace while you can, Josha!
I get the feeling, as he slows his pace northward, that Josh is very reluctant to leave Wales. I can't say that I blame him. The country is beautiful and so are the people.

We are so excited about all the people that have started to contact us, leaving encouraging messages and making VERY generous donations! Thank you all so much ! I am also excited about new contacts that have been made with distant branches of the family and am looking forward to discovering lots of interesting facts that I never knew before.

I am also preparing to join Josh for a few days. I hope I don't slow him down too much! Maybe that is what today's slow down is really about. Getting into training for "old codger" mode. ;-)

Distance travelled today: Approx. 7 miles.