Dartmoor hiking weekend

In September my Aussie friend Elle and I went on a hiking weekend with a London-based hiking group called the Outdoorholics.  We shared a ride with another girl from London and drove the 3hrs to Dartmoor, in southwest England on a Friday night after work.  There was a group of about 75 of us and we met at a hostel nestled in the Moorlands of South Devon.   The hike was billed as a 'Yoga + Hike' so early Saturday morning before the hike we did an hour of yoga with a fantastic instructor, really limbering us up in preparation for the long day.  The 1st day was the most challenging and we hiked about 14 miles through the beautiful English countryside, stopping on top of a hill for lunch and eating wild blackberries along the way. 

Briefing before we start

 

 

 

Gorgeous spot for lunch

Interesting rock formations

Qintessential English countryside scene

It was so nice being in nature...I miss the fresh air after spending so much time in the city

These blackberries were delicious!

Cute little calf relaxing in the grass

 

We were knackered when we got back after the 1st day's hike so we hobbled over to some picnic benches to have a beer in the sunshine.  Shortly after we did another yoga class and while we were sore from the hike it felt amazing to stretch our tired muscles.  

After our yoga class I returned to my room and saw a lot of missed calls on my phone...after calling Mom I received the news that Grandma had passed away.  I felt completely helpless, unable to comfort my family from so far away, and wishing I could be around everyone to grieve together.  My friend Elle was very sweet to me and I was able to call the family back home as well as speak to Jamie, Barry and Lloyd in London, so that made me feel a bit better.  I was able to sit outside under the stars and just think about her, and Mom reminded me that it would make her happy that I was in a beautiful place, surrounded by nature.  The next morning I got up and did the morning yoga class and thought about all the things I was thankful for, and prayed for Grandma and all the folks back home who was surely missing her as much as I was.  I hiked for Grandma that day and tried to enjoy the beautiful weather and surroundings. 

Cute pub by the river

Quaint bridge where we stopped for a drink and a rest

The hike on the 2nd day was much easier and we only went about 7 miles, but I was still so sore from the day before!  When we walked back into the town we passed a pair of dogs just relaxing outside, and the dog laying on the sidewalk looked about how I felt after the long hikes.