Now, about the cow

Last year, 3 people were killed by cows as they hiked in the United Kingdom. Hard to believe. One, sadly, perished trying to save her dog. A brave woman. I only discovered this after my "incident".

I strolled along the wall in the middle of my 4th day on the Hadrian's Wall Path and surprised a cow, who was hiding (I am convinced) behind the wall and waiting for me. I walked slowly-- forward-- towards the fence and she came up behind me. I turned to find her smashing her head into me and knocking me to the ground, deep in the summer mud of Northumbria. I screamed at her, sort of like a little girl, and then got up and jumped the fence so fast, even she did not believe it. Nasty creature. I was less than gentlemanly as I addressed her for the next few minutes. Later, a marvelous woman I met at the B&B-- Margaret from Vancouver-- was surrounded by this very same cow and her gang (were they the Jets or the Sharks?). Fortunately, lovely Margaret was unharmed.

That night, at the King's Arms (why are pubs always named after royal body parts?), I have beef, beef, and more beef for dinner. A poor hikers revenge.