In a secluded corner a slightly groggy and bewildered beast stood next to the path. It watched over a calf lying on the grass trying to raise its head. Both animals were exhausted and bloodied. Clearly the cow had given birth to the calf only moments before. We stood quietly by and watched the calf scrambling to raise itself. I felt extremely privileged to have witnessed the newborn calf stand and suckle for the first time.
There was no evidence of hospitality in Danby Wiske. The inn locked people out and our digs were deserted. On that drizzly Saturday afternoon desperate measures were called for. We struggled into our wet weather gear and sought sanctuary in the local church and graveyard.