The American Ladies Go To England

Ok, so we're new to blogging. (We're still trying to figure this thing out. )

My sisters and I are all Realtors (shameless plug for our website: www. AtHomeInTexas.com) but we do have a life beyond real estate. Or at least we try to.

Quite often our personal experiences spill over to our business life. That was the case with a recent walking trip to England I took with my mother and eight other 70 to 80 year old women.

Hands-down, it was one of the most inspirational trips I have ever taken. I hope you enjoy the journal entry highlights...

Day 1: From Austin, Texas to Cornwall, England

And here I am at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport; in an Irish pub with my Mom, launching in to a walking trip to England with her 70+ year old friends. Honestly, I’m scared. There is no doubt these women will walk circles around me and will be far more prepared, They are seasoned travelers, and I’m sure their suitcases are neatly and deliberately packed. Mine weighs 49.0 pounds -- one pound shy of paying an extra fee at American Airlines.

When we land, six of the nine women meet at the Heathrow airport -- it is an exciting and loud reunion. They sound like my 17 year old daughter and her friends. Everyone is talking at once and reminiscing about the past 15+ years of trips and anticipating the next two weeks together.

I am really excited to be a part of this group. These women are like characters from a story book that my mother has read to us, with each character having her own special story. Nicky, our guide has been leading this group for 19 years. “The American Ladies” so named by Nicky’s sons have gone through life together. They talk about their families, their challenges, their health concerns, their joys. They are a sisterhood and group therapy all rolled in to one beautiful package.

I am honored to be here.

Favorite Gear of the Day: My new pants and jacket from Chicos. Seriously wrinkle-free. I slept in them sitting upright on a nine hour flight and they still look good!

Day 2: I borrowed my sisters boots and I may not give them back.

Best advise before we started: Have the right gear. This means good hiking boots and socks. I’ve asked the ladies what is in their backpacks and waist packs (you can’t say “fanny packs” as fanny is a bad word here…I’m snickering already).

They wear lots of layers: t-shirt, followed by a long sleeve blouse, plus a sweatshirt or vest, topped off with a wind breaking jacket. Packed in their backpacks are gloves, hats, water bottles, sunscreen and, according to legend, some women carried a flask of their favorite beverage. Tissues are a must. My nose is running already.

Today’s walk was promoted as a “gentle 4 miles”. Yeah, right. We‘ve climbed over cow gates and walked across some really uneven terrain.. I worry about these ladies. Can they handle this walk? It’s rocky and unsteady in spots. Will someone fall? Some ladies are falling behind. But the group seems un-fazed and they plow forward.

Nicky is certainly concerned about everyone’s well being but assures me that “These women do not want your help. They want to do this on their own.” Still, she moves like a sheep dog, keeping an eye on everyone, yet respectfully gives these women their space and time. It’s what they’ve come for.

The walk across Talland Bay is spectacular -- I am seeing plant life I’ve never seen before. And the village of Polperro is darling. We eat at a pub. Life is good.

Favorite gear of the day: good hiking boots (I love my sister’s Keen brand boots). S0 comfortable!

Day 3: “Who signed me up for this?”

It’s raining, I’m cold and I’m on a ferry. Where is the loo? Ok, the nearby village looks interesting and I am on a trip to spend some quality time with my mother…but here? Now? I’m not seeing a Starbucks.

There seems to be two distinct groups forming here -- the Walkers and the Strollers. Nicky explains that this will be a challenging walk and those that don’t want to navigate the terrain can walk through the village of Fowey. I’d love to join the Strollers, but my mother is walking and I don’t want to look like a weenie. It’s really cold, windy and rainy. A sheet of rain just came off the harbour and hit us like a car wash. But I have to admit the flowers are beautiful -- wild garlic, primrose and bluebells. Wow.

Again we eat at a pub. I’m loving the fish and chips. The Strollers meet up with us in Fowey for shopping. They are dry and happy and I bet their feet don’t hurt.

Favorite piece of gear-of-the-day: my rain pants. Don’t walk England without them!

Stay tuned for more adventures...thanks for reading!