Rain, rain, rain most of the night – finally stopped shortly after I got up. Another cloudy and chilly day, but got on the bike just after noon. There are so many great cycling paths around here that you hardly ever have to go on a road with cars.

Headed east to begin with – did go a very short way on a narrow side road and encountered a delivery truck that was trying to turn around in a very small area – hardly a 3-point turn. I backed right off and watched from a safe distance while he went back and forth 8 or 10 times to complete a half-turn on a corner and go back the way he’d come. As I continued I saw why he’d had to turn around – it was a dead-end for vehicles, but bikes and pedestrians could go on.

Crossed a road, then the path got more and more narrow – I had to pull in my elbows and duck my head at one point to avoid the bramble-bushes hanging down and on both sides.

Crossed over a motor-way then encountered a gate that blocked my way. I probably could have hefted the bike over, but it was fairly obvious that the path was only meant for walkers, and was very muddy from the rain.

Turned around and went down another paved path that again dead-ended near the motor-way, so ended up back-tracking almost all of the way home. Took a little ride around on the local cycle paths, then just went home – rode for about an hour in all so not as long as I’d have liked, but better than nothing and my fingers were getting cold.

Had another great fresh pasta dinner, which I followed up with strawberry cheesecake – very tasty but way too sweet for me to eat on a regular basis.

Another gray, chilly day, but no rain yet – waited until the afternoon to go for a ride hoping the sky would clear, but no luck there. Neighbour Lynn brought over some homemade muffins, and gave me her wi-fi info – works much better than Jane’s since it’s so much closer.

Rode back to the canal but turned left towards the city centre this time. Most of the way it still felt like I was out in the country – very quiet, and not as many pedestrians as yesterday until I got nearer to the centre.

Passed more and more houses and some apartment buildings, a playground, etc as I neared the centre. Didn’t go all the way to the end of the canal, but stopped a km or so before it joined the river as it was now right in the city and not as quiet and peaceful.

Headed back the way I’d come, narrowly missing an oblivious pedestrian standing in the middle of the path talking with another oblivious pedestrian. There’s no bell on the bike so whenever I come upon someone I yell ‘bicycle coming’ so they aren’t taken by surprise and don’t suddenly step in my way. I was still in the city and the two (a man and a woman) were stopped right on the path gabbing away, both standing sideways to me so really should have seen me as well as heard me yelling, not once but twice that a bike was coming, then my third yell was ‘HELLO!!’. The woman slowly turned her head to acknowledge me, but barely bothered to move – I rode around them on the grass, which thankfully at that point was wide enough that I didn’t have to ditch into the canal and swim around them.

Got back to the house after just over 2 hours riding – the arm I hurt yesterday doesn’t feel too bad – at least it doesn’t impede my riding. Had the rest of the venison for dinner, along with some fresh pesto pasta – quite a nice combination, actually.

Off to a bit of a late start on my ride – didn’t get on the road until around 12:30. Made my way north along the paths towards the canal that runs all the way from Worcester to Birmingham, but came to a gate that was closed with ‘do not cross’ tapes. Turned east along the sidewalk and ended up in a Sainsbury warehouse parking lot that I thought might have an exit north – it didn’t. Had just turned around to back-track when a security guard called out to me. Went over and showed him my map to find out exactly where I was, and told him where I wanted to go. Had a bit of a chat – he’s from the former Yugoslavia so was interested that I had been in Croatia, and his partner mentioned that he had a cousin that lives in Vancouver – it’s a small world after all – ha ha.

He told me how to get to the canal, which I thought was totally wrong – back the way I’d come then head left when I thought I should be heading to the right. Riding along the sidewalk I saw a vine hanging in the way – at the last moment I realized it was covered with vicious looking thorns so slammed on the brakes to avoid getting slashed across the face. My left hand slipped off the grip and my forearm scraped heavily along the handlebar. The pain was so bad I had to just grit my teeth and start riding – if I thought about it I knew I’d start to cry so I tried not to breathe too deeply and just kept pedalling. The pain would ebb for a moment, then return – I tried to ignore it. After a few minutes I took a quick look at the damage – a bit of skin missing and a small lump – I’m going to have a lovely bruise in a day or two.

The gate that had been taped up when I first passed it was now open – another rider had just pushed through and was sitting on a bench overlooking a pond and smoking a cigarette. The path, which was to the right, not the left as the security guard had indicated, led onto an old road, which led to the canal – I knew the guard had given me wrong directions.

The canal was awesome – I entered the canal path right before one of the locks, and a boat had just passed through. I passed some more locks in short order before things flattened out a bit. There were quite a few boats – mainly tour boats, but also house boats, some in transit and some tied up along the canal-side. The boats are long and very narrow so they can pass each other and fit into the locks, which are also very narrow. Passed a couple of guys with fishing lines in the water – asked one what he was after and he said perch (and something else I didn’t understand). I asked if he sold them or kept them for food and he said he just threw them back in – he had a tray of four different kinds of bait – all live wiggly things in various shades of white and pink.

Rode as far as Dunhampstead, where I left the canal path just to see what was there. There are many entrances to the path, and this seemed to be a main one – there was a sign for ‘party parking’ so I thought it might be a small town or something. There was a bridge that said ‘Weak Bridge’ so I thought that was the name of the place, as well as some houses and other buildings. There was a party happening at the place on the canal that had the parking sign – kids running around and stuff – maybe a wedding reception or something.

Got back on the canal path and headed towards home. Found my way back after leaving the canal no problem – my sense of direction isn’t too bad, most of the time, and I didn’t even need the map (or bad directions from any security guards!).

Stopped at the store on the way, then as I arrived home found Jane and Lynn having a chat at the front of the houses. Stopped to tell them where I’d been – Lynn laughed when I told her I’d been as far as Weak Bridge – apparently that’s a generic term for a bridge that can’t take too much weight – ha ha on me!

Left the house around 10:30 to ride around the area without going down into the city. There are lots of bike/pedestrian paths with no cars so I rode until I got to a nature park, then the rain started. Turned around to head back home under a downpour – was pretty soaked by the time I got there.

Had lunch while waiting for a break in the rain so I could go to the store. Neighbour Lynn, who got back from a short vacation in Cornwall last night, came over to introduce herself and see if I needed anything. I told her I was going to be cycling around so she popped back to her place and brought me a walking/cycling map of the city and surrounding area, as well as a tour bus guide book with destinations, dates and prices.

Watched a bit of the world athletic championships on tv – they’re taking place in London so a lot is being shown. Didn’t go out again after riding to the store – the sky keeps clearing up a bit, then black clouds move in and it pours for a bit.

No rain, at least not yet – yay! Did yoga, ate breakfast, then tried to get the bike ready to ride into the city, but immediately had a problem with the pump that Jane had leant me – it was lacking the bit that connects the pump to the tire.

Ended up walking the bike to the nearest gas station where there was a fellow with a beemer filling up his tires. He told me if I was quick there would be enough left of his 50 pence fee to fill up my tires. To save time he pushed a couple of buttons on the air machine and inflated the tires for me – all set.

Rode down into the city, although I somehow got on a different road than I had used before – I figured that as long as I was heading downhill I was going in the right direction. Every once in a while there was a sign showing ‘city centre’ so I knew I was on the right track. At one point I turned right and realized (a little too late) that I was heading towards two lanes of oncoming cars that were stopped at a pedestrian light on a one-way street. I veered left onto the cross-walk and came face-to-face with a policewoman (I had already hit the brakes and was practically stopped with one foot down). She said ‘do you know you were riding the wrong way on a one-way street’ and I explained ‘I only realized that after it was too late – I’m totally mixed up and have no idea where I am – I’m looking for the food festival’. She obviously could tell I wasn’t British and rather than give me a lecture or a ticket she simply, and very nicely, told me to go straight, then turn left and I’d find the festival.

All of the roads going into the actual centre of the city were blocked off so no cars to contend with – just oblivious pedestrians. Rode around very slowly, then asked a lady where the river was. She very kindly directed me to the closest and easiest way for someone on a bike to go and I found it no problem – the river Severn.

Turned left and rode along the riverside – I’ve never seen so many swans in one place in my life – even a statue of one on top of a pedestal. Continued on for a couple of miles, then circled around and back on a different route to the centre of the city.

Explored the food festival some more – tried a couple of samples of pork and beef sausages, then bought a small jar of honey.

The ride back up the hill to the house wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be – much easier than walking. I must say that I don’t really care for carrying a back-pack while cycling – it puts my balance off and is hot, and very inconvenient for getting my camera out when I want to take a photo.

Dropped off the bike and my camera at the house and walked to the store for more food supplies. The clouds overhead were very dark and it started raining shortly before I reached the store, but by the time I got back out to walk home the rain had already stopped.

Had a nice lunch of fresh pasta (stuffed tortellini) with salad and did a load of laundry. Face-timed Dom, watched some telly, did some puzzles.

Rain again during the night and another cloudy and windy day. Only went out to the store and back otherwise just stayed ‘home’. Discovered that I can access Jane’s wi-fi from Colin’s place, although it works best when I’m outside.

Saw Jane when she was watering Lynn’s front garden – she lent me her brand new tire pump and lock that she hasn’t even used yet, so I can get the bike on the road by myself without ‘young Neil’ having to come around again.

Got the upstairs tv working – found the cable on the floor so just plugged it into the back of the set and – voila – about 15 channels or so to choose from. Emailed back and forth a couple times with Colin – found out how to turn the heat registers on (located the remote control on the fireplace mantle).

Face-timed Dom – so good to see and hear him. Saw one kitty – other one outside on the prowl.

Watched a fairly decent movie, and got to bed slightly earlier than the last couple of nights – not a terribly exciting day, but that’s ok – you can’t have thunder and lightening or marathon travels every day!

Rained off and on during the night – cloudy, windy day out. Had a wonderful salad for breakfast – the avocado I bought yesterday was perfect. Went for a walk to try to find a place with wi-fi – the first pub along the main road didn’t open until 12 so kept walking to the next one, about 1/2 mile further.

They didn’t have wi-fi but I stayed for a glass of Strongbow on tap anyway, because why not? They were playing a tape/cd with a man singing all sorts of cover songs, including ‘Killing me Softly’ and ‘Which way you Going, Billy’, but from a man’s point of view – it was quite funny. An older male customer was whistling along at times – he was actually quite good.

Walked back, stopping at the store on the way, and trying not to aggravate the blister on my heel.

Went to Jane’s place to use her internet – she had little Harrison again, as well as his older brother, who was upstairs most of the time playing a keyboard (not bad for a young fellow). She gave me a ‘gel pad’ for my blister, and repeated that I could come over any time if I need anything at all – she is really a very nice, kind person.

Got caught up with a bit of news etc, then went back to Colin’s. Oh – the bike is now out of the garage, although the tires are completely flat and I left my pump at Colin’s place in France. I’m sure Neil will be over again to fill them but I’m in no rush as I’m not going out again today – I’ve had enough of being outside in the misty drizzle and wind. It does get sunny every now and then, but not for long.

Finished the book I was reading and started another one. Also did some sudoku puzzles from the puzzle book I picked up at the store earlier – very exciting night ha ha.

Got up fairly early, considering how late I’d been up last night. Had a wonderful, hot shower, then set out to get some groceries to see me thru until I can go to the market on Saturday.

Had a good breakfast, then a neighbour came over and introduced herself (and her adorable grandson) – Jane and Harrison. Colin’s next-door-neighbour, Lynn, is the one that minds the place for him when he’s gone, and Jane is next to her. Since Lynn is away until Friday she got ahold of Jane to check and see if I needed anything – Colin sure has nice, caring neighbours!

I told her I was ok for now, and she said she was walking down to town for an appointment in the afternoon and asked if I wanted to go with her – of course I said yes, hoping to find a place that has wi-fi (although Jane did tell me I could come to her place anytime to use theirs). Did yoga for the first time in about a week – I feel very stiff and sore from the rides Neil took me on in Mansle.

The walk was almost all downhill, and at least a couple of miles or more. Jane took me to an ASDA store where she thought I could get free wi-fi in their cafe upstairs. Said goodbye to her and Harrison (who had actually been sleeping in his stroller almost as soon as we had started walking) as they continued on to her appointment. Went into the store and got some saline solution, then headed upstairs to the cafe. Unfortunately you need a cell phone to get their wi-fi code, as the login page automatically calls the cell once you enter your number and phones you with the code – no way to get it with just an ipad.

Walked back home and only took one very small wrong turn, which I realized right away and back-tracked to the correct road. Passed a house with hundreds of gnomes and other little statues that took up the whole front yard – it was hilarious – a veritable gnome-city.

Back at the house I tried to get thru the gate to the back door, but the large gate key wouldn’t turn from the outside, although it had worked from the inside – again a key problem! I’d left via the front door since June was there waiting with Harrison, and it locks automatically so I hadn’t had to use the gate key when leaving. Not to worry – I climbed on top of the recycling bin that was next to the 6 ft high gate and didn’t even have to hop over – just leaned way down and inserted the key from the inside of the gate.

Discovered a nice big blister on my left heel – I guess I’ve never walked so far in my bike shoes before. Heated up my leftover fish and chips for a late lunch, then picked a book to read, and listened to some of Colin’s cassette tapes. Considered eating outside in the beautiful back courtyard, but it was kind of cloudy and blustery so stayed inside.

Checked out the garage that Colin keeps the bike in that I’m going to ride – I will need help to get it out as his mini is in the way. Young Neil didn’t end up coming over after work – I assume he worked late or something, but that’s ok since all I really need is help with the bike, and how to turn the heat on if it gets any colder.

Said a quick goodbye to Neil before he left for work as I’l be gone by the time he gets home this afternoon. Did another pack-up, and updated my maps a bit with green highlighter showing where I’d been in Italy.

Left for the Limoges airport around 1:30 – took just over an hour to get there so I had plenty of time. I’d already ‘checked in’ online, so I went thru security as soon as I could which was 2 hours before my flight. Colin waited to make sure my bags were ok and everything I was taking was acceptable. Set off the metal detector even after removing my shoes – forgot about my moneybelt. Passed both of my bags thru the machine, plus my ipad and liquids – the security guy said that my saline solution was too big – they have a 100 ml limit for any liquids, and they have to be all together in a clear plastic re-sealable bag. I indicated that the container was almost empty and he still said – too big, although he didn’t make me remove it. They did search the bag I had my camera and a bunch of other stuff in, and didn’t like my bike lock. It’s a long cord with a combo lock attached so I had to give that to Colin via a door that another security guy unlocked for me. The bike pedals and tools, however, were ok, so once I was cleared Colin left.

Went thru passport control – he asked when I’d arrived in France and I had to think about it – the last 3 weeks have seemed like months since we’ve seen and done so much, but at the same time it seems like yesterday. I think I guessed right when I said around July 11. He didn’t seem to care how long I’d been in Italy or anywhere else before that, so that’s good to know regarding the stupid 90-day rule.

The waiting room was way too small – just as Colin had said. Another flight before mine was delayed an hour, but finally boarded so I got to sit down. A couple of English men sat beside me and one commented on my Cdn flag – I said it’s so everyone knows that Donald Trump isn’t my fault, ha ha. He thinks the same as everyone else I’ve ever spoke with about it – Trump is a joke everywhere but in his own mind and the minds of his brainless followers and the desperate-for-power Republicans that don’t give a shit about their own people or the rest of the world they’re just so happy to be in power.

My flight was also delayed almost an hour, although we made up some time during the flight. It was cloudy almost the whole way, except that it opened up right before we got to the north coast of France – I could see the coast, the channel, some channel islands, then the English coast and some fields before the clouds closed in again.

Had to fill out a ‘landing pass’ to get thru British security at Bristol and he asked me a bunch of questions about why I was there and how long I’d be staying, but was very nice and no problem getting thru.

Went as quickly as possible to get a shuttle bus to the train station, and ran as fast as I could to print my pre-paid ticket, but was a few minutes too late. The train to Cheltenham, where I need to change to another train, was on another track and I watched as it pulled out – there was no way to get down stairs, over 4 tracks and up again in time. I phoned Colin’s other friend Neil (young Neil, as he’s known to Colin) from a pay phone to let him know I’d be at least 30 or 40 minutes late into Worcester, depending on the train schedules, as he’s supposed to be picking me up.

Got the next train 40 minutes later, but it took an hour to get to Cheltenham. It didn’t actually matter, as those trains only go every 2 hours, so had an hour wait. Asked a train worker if there was a payphone and he said yes – they’re just outside the main entrance. Passed a vending machine and tried to get some chips (hadn’t eaten since noon and I was very hungry) but it kept spitting back my coins. Made sure I was feeding it pence, not cents – yes, right coins, but no go. There was an awesome golden sunset happening, but, very unusually, I didn’t take a photo.

Went outside to find the phone booths – booths were there, but phones weren’t. There were gaping holes where the phones had been ripped out of the booths, but the nearby ATM was intact so I got some more BP (Colin had given me some that he had before I left his place in France). Went back to the train worker and was told there should be a payphone just across from the side exit, so went there. No phone, but did see a pizza place so thought I could get two things done at once – food and phone call. They only sold whole pizzas, so I went next door to a fish and chip place and got some food – they also let me use their phone for free. Called Neil again and told him how late I’d be in – I had told him I’d happily take a cab to Colin’s house from the train station as I knew it wasn’t that far and I had a key. Neil has to work in the morning so thought that would be fine, and he did say he’d come over before work to make sure the water, etc was all working for me.

Finally arrived in Worcester around 10:15 (UK time – 11:15 France time). Considered walking to Colin’s house, but got a cab instead – it wasn’t that far a drive, but would have been pretty far for a walk with two bags and I was getting very tired so I’m glad I got the cab

Found Colin’s house no problem – then tried the key he’d given me. No matter how I wiggled it or which way I turned the handle the key wouldn’t budge. I tried to find a way to the back of the house to try the other door but the high, solid wooden gate was locked. I then tried the neighbour, who has kind of been looking after the place for Colin, but no answer to the doorbell, no lights on, and no car in the driveway. I considered trying to sleep in the courtyard, since Neil would be over around 9 in the am, but didn’t really like the idea, so went to the nearest house that still had lights on.

Rang the bell, and a very nice fellow opened the door – I explained my situation and he very kindly let me in to use the phone to call Neil yet again. It was by this time after 10:30 UK time, but he said he’d be right over. While I was waiting a very cute white and black cat with a bandana around it’s neck came over thru the neighbour’s garden and waited with me while I petted and cuddled him/her (not sure which).

Neil arrived in under 10 minutes and used his key to get in the front door – no problem. He tried my key and it definitely was the wrong key – I was a bit relieved since I would have been so embarrassed if it had worked for him. We went inside and he gave me a back-door key and a gate key so I’ll just come and go thru the back. The house is wonderful, and has a really nice back courtyard with a bench and lots of lovely bushes and flowers.

Neil made sure the water was turned back on and then tried to show me how the tv works but no luck with that – he thinks the satellite is off or something so I told him not to worry as I was tired and if I got bored I’d read a book.

Fairly late night by the time I settled down – after 1 France time.

Woke in the middle of the night to hear hail on the roof – lightening lit up the room a couple of times, and heard thunder in the distance. Storms are much easier to deal with in a nice snug house instead of a small thin tent!

Took off for another ride led by Neil – went west this time under very grey skies. Got rained on for the first few minutes, then just hit by the wind at every turn. Visited several big burial mounds from pre-Roman times – each having huge stones in various formations and on its own hill. Very lovely views from the top of the first one.

Rode for just under two hours – not as many km as yesterday, but we did stop more often and it was a lot more windy. The only time I had to stop this time (other than for sight-seeing) was to take off my rain jacket as I was so hot, despite the wind.

After lunch Colin and I took the dogs for their daily walk – they were very focused on where they wanted to go and I was surprised when they passed the bar that gives them treats. They led us instead down to the hippodrome where they get off the leash to run. Today there was a cricket game in progress so the dogs only got to run free for a bit – we arrived at ‘half time’ and chatted with one of the home-town batters that Colin had met before. The second half of the game was about to start, so the batter went off to do his bit, and we visited for awhile with a couple of other British men talking about the game, etc before we left for the rest of our walk.

Stopped at the usual bar on the way home and had a quick drink – doggies finally got their treats.

Colin booked the train from Bristol to Worcester for me so I wouldn’t be stuck for some reason – neither my debit card nor my visa card worked so he had to use his paypal. All I need to do is put any card in the machine at the train station and punch in my confirmation number and it’ll spit out my ticket.

Had a wonderful roast-beef dinner complete with oven-roasted potatoes and carrots, Yorkshire pudding and gravy – all very delicious.