So today I varied away from Nick Mitchell's route so that I could spend time with Penny. Had a rough night sleeping probably a result of what I ate and drank the night before. Anyway got to sleep at 2 am and awake at 7:30. Settled on dry toast for breakfast as my stomach was still upset. On the road by 9:00 am and took a long way round to Exeter after some locals advised me of the hills I may encounter if I stayed on the route I had planned. What impresses me about the U.K. is their commitment to the environment. From recycling(everywhere) to water and energy conservation (many farms have the windmills for electricity), and approx. 20 percent of the homes have solar panels.
You can see many of the types of narrow roads with tall walls or hedges to keep the farm animals in the field. This time of year the farmers cover the fields in manure to naturally fertilize the fields before planting. A very distinct odor as you're cycling through the countryside. Today I saw the three cows together with their three new born calf's. I then spotted two black sheep and then mallard ducks and three partridges in a row. Had a beautiful ride up the River Ex valley ( reminded me of the Yosemite Valley floor). Climbed 1400 ft onto Exmoor before a torrential rainfall. I would have enjoyed the six mile downhill ride to Dunster, if it were not for the heavy rain. This was the uphill final ride tree covered road before descending into Dunster. Notice the grade.
The weather was so bad I did not get a photo of the castle, but will on the way out tomorrow. Spent this evening doing my wash and having a birthday dinner with my sister Penny. Great to catch up and spend some alone time with her.
Temp. Today started at 50 degrees and with the rain and a steady headwind dropped not the mid 40's by the time I arrives about 5:15pm.
After three days, and the worst of the hills I'll experience most of the journey, I'm pretty pleased with my progress. Tomorrow a long ride (89 miles) from Dunster to Lydney over the Bristol Channel.
