Day 8: 110km
Penrith to Thornhill, via Carlisle, Gretna Green (no way of avoiding it!), Dumfries
So why is it that when I sit down at the keyboard, I instantly forget all the witticisms I had been composing in my head as I rode along during the day? Not even re-running the route brings them back. Partly, maybe, because today's ride has been reasonably easy: no great climbs, no exceptional towns, and no spectacular weather. There has been low cloud and drizzle then heavier rain pretty much all day - warmish dry spells in between, but poor visibility, so that although we have been running along the Solway Firth, we only caught dull glimpses of it. Very much hope that the weather improves as we get further up the coast as it would be a shame to miss the views completely.
We have arrived this afternoon at the lovely home of Clare and Ronald, friends of Jony's from publishing days. With the promise of a meal, a load of washing, bed, the dentist tomorrow (for me - I broke a tooth a few days ago) and a day off the bikes! Judging by the cake we have already eaten, we are in for a treat - thanks very much Clare!
Gretna Green was as terrible as ever. We attempted to avoid the 'Famous Blacksmith's Forge Experience' by going into the town for coffee instead, but sadly there is nothing there and locals sent us back to Costa's at the 'Retail Outlet'. We gave in, against our better judgement and I had an undrinkable cup of pondwater. Our next stop was a farm icecream parlour just before Dumfries (don't ask - just accept that it was raining and we couldn't find anything else) but surprise, surprise, the coffee came from a proper machine and knocked spots off the pondwater.
[Ed: Can you knock spots off pondwater?]
We are just over halfway now, properly in Scotland, and are planning a bit of island-hopping next, starting with Arran and Kintyre. Should be a lovely way to weave our way up the west coast. We have also heard [from the maestro of the Glens, aka Ronald] that there is an off-road route to take us through the Great Glen. This will be great as people are saying that the road is awful - full of lorries. It will be good to have a chance today/tomorrow to do a bit of planning, although I have to say that Jony has come equipped with enough technology to keep us, and Kennedy Space Centre, pinpointed and well in-touch.
Today's sort-of pun is for Dawn and Sarah: the world's worst (and hopefully unintentional); Barracks House Care Home.
Penrith to Thornhill, via Carlisle, Gretna Green (no way of avoiding it!), Dumfries
So why is it that when I sit down at the keyboard, I instantly forget all the witticisms I had been composing in my head as I rode along during the day? Not even re-running the route brings them back. Partly, maybe, because today's ride has been reasonably easy: no great climbs, no exceptional towns, and no spectacular weather. There has been low cloud and drizzle then heavier rain pretty much all day - warmish dry spells in between, but poor visibility, so that although we have been running along the Solway Firth, we only caught dull glimpses of it. Very much hope that the weather improves as we get further up the coast as it would be a shame to miss the views completely.
We have arrived this afternoon at the lovely home of Clare and Ronald, friends of Jony's from publishing days. With the promise of a meal, a load of washing, bed, the dentist tomorrow (for me - I broke a tooth a few days ago) and a day off the bikes! Judging by the cake we have already eaten, we are in for a treat - thanks very much Clare!
Gretna Green was as terrible as ever. We attempted to avoid the 'Famous Blacksmith's Forge Experience' by going into the town for coffee instead, but sadly there is nothing there and locals sent us back to Costa's at the 'Retail Outlet'. We gave in, against our better judgement and I had an undrinkable cup of pondwater. Our next stop was a farm icecream parlour just before Dumfries (don't ask - just accept that it was raining and we couldn't find anything else) but surprise, surprise, the coffee came from a proper machine and knocked spots off the pondwater.
[Ed: Can you knock spots off pondwater?]
We are just over halfway now, properly in Scotland, and are planning a bit of island-hopping next, starting with Arran and Kintyre. Should be a lovely way to weave our way up the west coast. We have also heard [from the maestro of the Glens, aka Ronald] that there is an off-road route to take us through the Great Glen. This will be great as people are saying that the road is awful - full of lorries. It will be good to have a chance today/tomorrow to do a bit of planning, although I have to say that Jony has come equipped with enough technology to keep us, and Kennedy Space Centre, pinpointed and well in-touch.
Today's sort-of pun is for Dawn and Sarah: the world's worst (and hopefully unintentional); Barracks House Care Home.
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