Port Carlisle to Haltwhistle
My stay at The Hope & Anchor Inn was a rip-roaring success,owned by an ex-serviceman it was more than accomodating. Several of his former colleagues had planned to start Hadrian's Wall walk the day before, but had enjoyed the fruits of the bar too much and had to delay proceedings until today. However a fabulous Cumberland sausage meal went some way to replenishing the 5000+ calories burnt yesterday.
In a complete contrast to yesterdays events, I woke up this morning to broken cloud and a bit of blue. Winds were light and in the right direction ,all seemed well. A rather splendid ride to Carlisle through some beautiful scenery & villages with views across to Scotland.
I left Carlisle, hugging the remains of one of The Romans furthest building projects. I had a bit of time to spare and take in the sights.
A couple of "Magnum Classic" stops ( white & dark chocolate ) were the order of the day as temperatures soared in to the high teens .
Just as well because I was about to hit the hills. Progress slowed as the hills came thick and fast. Several miles out from my destination I felt good . Then distracted by the activities of two RAF Tornado's I missed a vital turn. Cycling up a steep hill and through a farm with the toughest cows I've ever come across . They stood in blocking the road as if I had their "Cravendale". My city ways were no match for these buggers. I dismounted and gingerly walked slowly past them only to realise I was on the wrong bloody road,a dead-end. No option but to turn around, the return was as bad if not worse, I feared for my life.
Surviving the encounter I rode the last 4 miles up a very steep hill, this was enough as I rode into Haltwhistle and a very nice B&B. Just over 40 miles today, half of yesterday exploits but decidedly more hilly.
Gammon Steak tonight in a rather odd pub where everyone was watching Emmerdale on the big screen TV. Can't get enough farming round here I guess.
Last leg tomorrow 60 miles to the finish.
Skelly, you old dog. You kept this quiet! I would have donated if I'd known, now, I can't be bothered!!
ReplyDeleteIf you want an airlift of vaseline tomorrow, send time and grid ref.
All this talk of 'a bit of blue', 'Magnum Classics' and vaseline gets me wondering what kind of journey you've undertaken young man!!
ReplyDeleteStay on the path, don't go on the moor :0
Sir Davy,
ReplyDeleteStill following your progress with avid interest and have taken the unusual step of placing a small wager with some other members of the Royal Society who are not fully convinced you will achieve your goal. In short, if you manage to arrive at the finish line tomorrow with no fingers lost to frostbite, malaria free, no bites from any form of reptile or mammal, relatively clean underwear and at least one functioning testicle, then I stand to collect a small fortune, of which I shall donate a significant proprtion to your good cause. Tally ho old chap !
Rowley Birkin QC
PS. I spoke with old Binky Watson at my old squadron to arrange a morale boosting flypast by some Tornado's - would appear in retrospect it did not have the desired effect - please accept my sincere apologies - afraid I had the idea when I was very, very drunk. Pip pip !