Monday, June 3, 2013

Day 9 Keswick to Moffat...73 miles...674 miles to date

Compared to the rest of the journey, today was relatively uneventful. Our route today took us out of Keswick, along the flank of Skiddaw, through Dalston, Carlisle, Longtown, Lockerbie, and into Moffat. 
Started off the day making a wrong turn adding 2 1/2 additional miles and some steep hills to maneuver. Enjoyed pea soup and an egg salad baguette sandwich with tomato and watercress at Crumbs in Dalston. After getting through Longtown, I stopped off at Bikeseven. Shane was able to make a quick adjustment on my derailleur, and I was quickly back on the road.( Need LEJOG help, contact www.shane@bikeseven.co.uk or (0) 1228 792497. Did not have chance to visit the Lockerbie Memorial where 288 people died. Tonight the Inn is taking care of doing my laundry. It will be nice to have clean clothes for the next few days.

Today I climbed 4,022 feet and burned 3,437 calories. Tamar won't recognize my body. Zero fat, all muscle.

The Inn at Keswick where I stayed last night was in the heart of downtown.

Leaving Keswick this was the view on the way out of town.

Over the mountains near Bassenthwaite Common

There were four ( not two) sheep staring me down as I rode by. They were sitting on top of the hill and I swear they were saying there goes another sucker who just got lost.

This one posed for this shot. It was literally standing in front of me  20 ft away for several minutes waiting for me to take the photo.

On the descent, the city of Carlisle is in the distance to the left over the river Eden.

The Carlisle Castle

Some gypsies I ran into along the road. 

Leaving England and entering Scotland. 

Standing with Mc......something or other in the lobby of the Inn. Do you know the Tartan? Looks like it's my size. I'll sneak out in the middle of the (k)night, ( no pun intended), and try it on for size!

The Inn on Main Street in the heart of downtown. Comfortable and modern amenities.

Sharing great food and company with Nick's tour group over a few pints at the Balmoral Hotel, right across the street from the Annandale Arms. Nick Mitchell is first on the right.
Notice everyone is still smiling. Had a hearty meal of lamb, neeps, tatties, yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy and treacle pudding for dessert.

Tomorrow off to Loch Lomond via Glasgow. 

You may have noticed I raised the goal again, now to $20,000. Let' s see if we can coach some friends or family to help reach the new target! Anyone?