Every expedition I guide I always say “expect the unexpected” – this week I am hanging around mountains and trying to avoid crowds. I’m in Wales, in a place called Ross-On-Wye which will take me to Brecon eventually.
I aim to walk (slowly) up and down a few mountains during the week to try and get my legs stronger before I head out to the the Himalayas at the end of this month. Tonight I’m living it up in a local B and B called Castle Lodge https://www.castlelodge.co.uk – as soon as I walked in the owner Steve showed me around. I noticed an original newspaper hanging on the wall of the first ascent of Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Like a child I started blurting out how incredible this was and what it means to me. I think Steve thought I was a bit of a loon! as this bit of paper meant so much to me.
He eventually got rid of me as I headed to my room – then at dinner Steve gave me the clipping as a present –” it means more to you than it does hanging in this place”. he said…
This is so true – I feel like a kid again. How wonderful this is – to receive such a kind gift of a stranger. I love the article but I also loved looking through the adverts of the day along with the other main news reports.
In 1953 there was a “little” historical event happening in the UK – something called the Coronation of the Queen of England.
Thank you Steve, The Castle Lodge and Ross-On_Wye – what a great place, great people and a wonderful unexpected event…
