Well…. The day didn’t go too well until the end. Trying to clear up loose ends of work, while packing with the other hand, and not feeling too good was a challenge. When I did get away I was greeted by a French Market in town – very confusing.

From then on it was train troubles, with the first train reporting the need to reverse out of Gatwick. By the time the driver had walked down 12 coaches to the other end, he’d found the problem had cleared and he had to walk back again. But this meant after a sprint ride through London I missed my reserved bike booking on the train to Manningtree. Nobody seemed to know if I could get a bike on any other trains, other than try and see if the conductor throws you off! Sneaked into a peak time commuter train, and nobody seemed to mind (as long as I kept a thick skin over taking up 3 seats while people were standing). The journey didn’t last as long as it should, and was terminated at Colchester due to a broken down goods train.

I had plenty of time, so decided to ride. Initially along busy roads, but the last 15 miles down were down idealic country lanes and past some lovely country pubs.

By the time I got to Harwich, check-in had opened and oppertunity to chat to fellow cyclists. Met Olly who is aiming to cycle to India, while making videos, and meeting people who will point him to friends who are nearer to India (he hopes!), I’ll be watching his you tube channel with interest.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtZNwhqv6hP5W_tgt8yauvg

The Harwich- Hook of Holland ferry, really is top class. Excellent cabins good (obviously slightly expensive) food, and a couple of well deserved beers while chatting about cycling and travelling. Met up with an old friend, Sue who is motorbiking up to Scandinavia. I’m starting to remember why cycle touring is so enjoyable.

PS spell checker for WordPress in my phone is shocking – it takes perfectly good words and is misspelling them. Honest