Chapter TwoWe gathered outside the Inn at six the next morning with the sun not yet up and a fresh westerly breeze bringing the tang of Atlantic salt. Our voices sounded hollow as we hoisted our rucksacks, stamped our boots on the gravel and tapped our sticks to hear the sound. Kate had one of our two maps and checked us all for equipment as if we were novices on our first trip to the hills.
'You all have your boots?' She looked downward. 'Well nailed and sturdy I hope? How about you, Christine, let me see.'
Christine dutifully lifted her boots while Kate inspected the soles and heels.
'The walker who essays a long hill walk without nailed boots is a fool,' Kate said. 'She doubles her fatigue and is putting herself in danger.' She looked at me and gave a grin that revealed something of
