o1st September Malham Cove to East Marton We knew today would be a short day as we were to meet Mon and the boys for awhile. It started as usual. The tent was damp and the routine the same. I was unimpressed by Malham and although a normal summer a riverside walk would of been great today it was not. it was the wettest and muddiest under foot of the whole walk so far.I swore my way to Hanlith and Airton beside cow poached and bog beside the River Aire ,it was no fun! I was pleased when we climbed away from the river over fields and 3 miles on walked into Gargrave.We stopped at the canal(Leeds Liverpool) and watched them the lock keeper open the lock for a few boats. I got her to get Josh to crank the handle. We walked into Gargrave and bought french bread salad cold slaw and tuna sat next to the river being seranaded by a chap strimming. On finishing we started walking on full stomach with my metabolism saying Roge you can sleep now. I was in a tired strop and Josh carried my pack much to his bravado and proof to me he could do it. We were about a mile out when Mon phoned saying she was in Gargrave. I said we would meet in East Martan three miles on. Josh powered on and I expected him to hand my pack back. His felt really light and was a relief if only for a small time. Ny Newton Grange farm a chap in full tweeds ,flat cap forked walking stick and black labrador stood by a stile he looked like something from a country mans clothing catalogue. I said to him had the tourist board planted him for show ,he laughed. We got to East Martan and sat with boots off on the canal side and waited for Mon to turn up. We walked up to the pub, the x keys, and found them having received a phone call. A pint later we decided to go to a youth hostel but all local. ones were full. One which was about 25 miles away still had rooms so with packs in car we sped to Slaideburn Youth Hostel in the quaint village of same name. The roafd was so windy I started to feel sick and regreted the decision plus I was tired. We got there and the volunteer Warden sorted us out with 2 rooms. We ate a light supper and in beamed lounge with lit fire we whiled away the evening with boys playing and jolly chat with Monique and Maria. Although it was only in Hawes we had seen them last it was a better more relaxed informal hostel to be in. What a treat it felt sipping beer with my family around me. J and I read Ranulph a story in his bunk and we shared a room with Mon and Anton. I think I must of slept with a smile on my face. We may have only done Ten miles today but to see the gang and know I have their support means so much.

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