Vals snippets.
We are half way
through the trip, at five and a half weeks we have clocked up 1500 kms. Bracing is the word best describes the early days of the trip .
We watched brave souls, braced against the wind, dragging their dogs along bleak promenades in Ayrshire.
We, braced against the
cold, eating lunch under a flimsy tarp. Hail collected on by boots and
in my sandwich.
I did not even have to cry, we got on the train to
Haltwhistle on Hadrian's Wall.
We followed Sustrans (Sustainable Transport Systems) cycle routes east to Newcastle and down the east coast, round the big bulge of Norfolk and on to Ipswich. After a few days in London are now in Oxford.
Stats. 2 Bed and Breakfast, I boat (Georgie's) ,10 wild camps, 9 campgrounds, 3 gardens and 10 house stays.
The Weather, I am so very glad to say has improved.
Getting dressed in two wool tops and one fleece, two longjohns, wool socks with thick poly bags over, boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece hat, hood, gloves and helmet in a small damp tent in not such a happy memory. Although much of it was worn all night. Now it is shorts, shirt , sandals and away.
I found myself singing Jerusalem...something about green and pleasant lands.
Top moments
Some houses have baths.
I just love the cycle routes. Greg (our WS host in Glasgow) said 'they are just the routes you would take if you had time to find them" . They take us on footpaths, bridleways, tiny roads and safely through towns and cities.
In praise of cycleways.
In Scotland the bluebells were out, the Daffs having faded. Then came the primroses. By now I have seen all the wildflowers of my childhood; Pimpernel, speedwell, ragged robin 9in profusion on the cliffs at Branscome, cow parsley, hawthorn, poppies, cornflowers, trefoil, violets .......more to come yet.
We crossing the mighty Humber bridge. New, guaranteed waterproof gloves
(forty pounds) were full of freezing water , and sleety rain obscured
the gloomy view. But soon we were in the Singing Kettle Cafe. A huge,
sugar rich hot chocolate, the full English breakfast and cake restored
enthusiasm for life, as we dripped pools of water and steamed quietly
in the corner.
And yes, the Rohan shop gave me my money back, on the spot, for the disappointing gloves
In a tiny Saxon church we spied, behind a curtain a small kitchen. Help yourself to a drink, a sign said. Look in the fridge, and if you are lucky you will find some cake. Give a donation if you can.
The cake was home made, a jam and cream sponge.
I expect you all know that a dog won Britain's got Talent. A comment on the radio said, maybe a person will win Crufts.
New Experience
A man, in grey sneakers and track pants approached me, sideways.
"Are you not lonely, biking on your own like this he said. I, myself used to do this," gesturing at my bike, "but my companion has given up."
"I've got him," I yelled gladly, as Don shoved his bike into view.
Onwards 2000 . Oh, Don says -
Thank you Waitrose.
