Day 5 - Jamaica Inn to Launceston

Thursday 9th was one of our shortest at 15 miles, which was welcome on two counts: firstly, we could do with a late start after the long day yesterday, and secondly it was to be our first day carrying all our gear as we will not return home again during this journey, so we had to have everything we needed in our packs, and no more. The early morning was spent preparing and packing and we were driven the 40-odd miles back to Jamaica Inn to continue across Bodmin Moor. It was grey when we set off, wit a strong breeze from the south - again luckily at our backs as walking into the wind would have been very hard work. The moor looked bleaker under the scudding clouds and intermittent rain meant that we had to wear anoraks with the hoods up. We were following an old route dropping down from the high moorland to the farms below which was a lot easier than the the cross-country adventure of last evening.
The lanes we followed wound through high farms and hamlets and we were grateful for the protection from the wind offered by the hedgerows and trees lining the road.
John and I didn't know each other that well before we left, and have certainly never shared a room, and we will be in very close proximity for the next many days. So far we have got on well, sometimes walking together talking, sometimes walking apart but always companionable. We have plenty of time so are not hurrying to spill the beans on our lives but the stories are coming out, along with some strongly held opinions. We both see the goal as the important thing on this trip, so that will remain the priority, but I dont imagine our relationship causing major problems, in fact it will probably e a lot of fun.
As the afternoon progressed, the weather improved and we ended the day walking down a long river valley until Launceston Castle, high up on its pinnacle above the town came into view. There was a stiff walk up into the centre of town where the tourist information centre booked us a B&B.
That evening we were invited to join my old friends, the MacDonnells for dinner at their holiday farmhouse. We spent a delightful evening among old friends along with their children and grandchildren, eating, drinking and catching up.