Thank you all so much for your recent blog responses, emails and texts. I do seem to be finding it harder the closer I get to home. I guess I just want to be home now and, if I'm honest, I'm cycling in an area that doesn't really inspire me. I loved all the mountainous areas and right to the end of my days in the Vosges, I was cycling through scenery and villages that seemed to be trying to outdo each other in exceptional prettiness. At the moment, I have these debilitating headwinds (& no Robbo & Ade to hide behind!), fields that go on for miles and completely empty, lifeless red brick villages that remind me a little of the outskirts of Manchester just with more countryside!! In fact, Peronne which I cycled through today is twinned with Blackburn which may give you a better picture!! I am so very homesick at the moment & missing everyone terribly. I am so looking forward to seeing you all again massively!
Disappointed in the UK, JB? Are you kidding! I'm so lucky, I love where I live, despite the pretty atrocious weather most of the time! I know how lucky I've been to experience the generally very good and sunny weather that I have on this tour. About time too after all my years of touring in the wettest/coldest/snowiest on record!! And after Thursday this week, the forecast is rain, rain, rain so I'll be re-introduced to England rather abruptly!!
So many of you had storms last night! From the UK to Geneva. I was glad not to be in the tent as well, Mary. No storm but the winds really picked up last night and the heavy rain - wowzers! It's v breezy now so it will be a good test for my broken tent pole. Fingers crossed! I don't have a replacement pole, it's a sleeve that fits over the broken bit. But yes, Teresa, not my best moment of the tour! Great to hear you're back and enjoyed your tri-camp so much and sorry about the sucky expensive home owning bit :-(
Charlie, I love the fact that you're already thinking of names for the e-book! Anyone else? I was going to go with something like My Summer Sabbatical: Cycling in Switzerland and France. Not very catchy! But the sort of words I used to find cycle touring e-books. Is that a really awful title? Thank you for the tips, John, as well. I'm excited about this project!
Phil, Ken, Bri, I can't wait to meet you all next Tuesday for the escort home! I'll be the exhausted one slumped on the table in the corner of the cafe snoring!!
And, when I say tan everyone, I mean a tan for me, i.e. I've finally achieved everyone else's normal level of white!!
I've not toughened up either. The infamous gilet has been on all day today although it's in the 20s. I know some of you will struggle to believe the gilet has been off at all! I had terrible goosebumps sat at a cafe yesterday and was shocked to see it was 27 degrees! Hopeless!
Best of luck to my Sis for THAT scary Board meeting next week and I look forward to visiting you Mum ASAP when I get back to see all the home improvements.
Stay in touch everyone, I'll blog again tomorrow xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Hey sis, no need to be homesick. You have a duty to keep supplying us with entertaining blogs. How are you going to do that from Ilkely!? I am definitely finding it hard to believe that you have been removing any layers of clothing. Don't think that has happened since 1984. Once you are home you will also have to cut back on all those lovely cakes/ice cream/pastries otherwise you will turn into a porker. I'm sure Gus will be able to come up with some great names for your e-book. I reckon I will have some pretty good contacts to help you put this together. I had to review James C latest e-book before it was released! Rain and chilly weather is on the way to the UK so not much to look forward to there. Typical BH weather I guess! Keep soaking up the sun now that you are not lilly white and reflecting the sun.
ReplyDeleteOff for another Toby session tomorrow - that's always worth a giggle, normally for him not me.
Keep peddling and think about your daily rewards.
Jan xx
Hey, I'm back! Twice in one day - impressed??!!Just been swimming with Linda Lewey and I promised that I would remind you about Sept 1st (Sat)for a possible film and food eve at hers.... Are you up for it? Have a think anyway... And what you're feeling now sounds very normal plus not having inspiring scenery to help you out... My advice, be nice to yourself. Eat extra pan au chocolats each day, have bigger glasses of wine in the evening and chin up, you'll be so proud of yourself when your done plus the weather is crap here!!! I head to my sisters tomorrow for 'death by children' but am back the Thurs after you return so looking forward to a catch up and checking out this suntan!
ReplyDeleteLook after yourself and if in doubt, drink more wine!
see you soon
Teresa :-)
Please don't go home - what will I do to cheer up my day down under??? I love reading about your adventures!! And work is over-rated!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was last in Calais I definitely remember sitting outside a lovely cafe drinking coffee and eating icecream - so hopefully I haven't jinxed you and they're all gone now!!
Be safe and enjoy your last few days!
Jane
x
Hello Darling! I am sorry to read that your blog is nearly over and even more so that they have put hills in the flat country to make your life difficult!! I like the comments of your family and friends... during the entire blog, but particularly today to cheer you up -'death by children' good one! I have not been one little bit active but I am sucking up all the warmth and sunshine I can as unless we manage to drag them with us the shock will be depressing! However you will have your e-book to make, so many people to meet that you won,t have time to dwell on the weather! Meeting Mary and Max today. I hope my directions are good enough for them to find us ;-§ . Lots of love. T
ReplyDeleteGus' suggestion for e-book title at 6am this morning and yet to wake up, two wheels and a kettle or In search of the greatest cup of tea. Look forward to hearing about a boring flat ride soon. Jan xx
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