Monday 22 August

In spite of dire forecast, it rained heavily overnight, but not much wind and woke up to dry day. Had breakfast in the hotel and left at 9.15 a.m. Not feeling brilliant this morning - I had fish at a pub up the road last night, and it wasn't the best. Stomach is upset, and I'm headachy and lethargic. This is not the day to be doing a long ride, but today we have 41 miles to do :-( Luckily the start was gently undulating hills - nothing too taxing. I might be a bit dehydrated - I must drink more water. I did try to get a water bottle with a straw before setting off as I thought this might be a problem, but couldn't find one. I don't want to use a camelback, as I don't want anything on my back. I'm thinking of buying one anyway and strapping it to my crossbar somehow. Started raining along the way, ho, hum. Got to Wellington - where Adrian lives - and met Alan and Liz at a church on route. They took us to Adrian's house, which was literally just round the corner from our route through. Liz whipped up a lovely pasta dish with runner beans and tomato. Choc and cream pud to follow. Thanks Liz - just the ticket! I felt much better after that. Having discovered we'd crossed into Somerset without realising it (we were looking for the sign, but came in on a back road, with no sign), Alan volunteered to take me back up the road in the car to take a picture. Weird being in the car after so many days on a bike! We spent a pleasant hour there (thanks Adrian, sorry you were at work!!) and were just about to leave, when Adrian's friend Nina arrived. Lovely lady! Left reluctantly and carried on towards Taunton. Had to go on the A38 for a short distance and it was very busy. Glad to get off again onto very quiet back roads. Sun came out. Got to Taunton and tried to find the canal cycle route. The road with the cycle route signs on had been closed for construction, so we had to find a different route. Alan and Liz mentioned Morrisons, people we stopped mentioned Morrisons, but were beginning to think that this was just a mythical store, when we finally found it. Very pleasant cycle route along the canal. Quiet, flat, who could ask for more? Had to get off to go on the A361 - what a shock!! Loads of traffic, narrow road. We went across the Somerset Levels, and this is very flat and straight roads. Traffic rushing past, but we cycled on, and on ... and on. Wanted to stop for a cup of tea, but couldn't find anywhere open. Where is everybody? Is it half-day closing on a Monday here? Asked Peter if the stove was easy to get at - Yes - we stopped at a field gate at the side of the road and brewed our own. Getting a bit saddle sore today - OK up to about 30 miles, but a stop for tea helps! Cycled on and got close to Street where we're staying with Mario and Mary for the night. Zero points to Street for a) cycle routes in town; and b) courteous drivers on the approaches. As Peter said after one driver went past, 'If I'd have had a second skin, he'd have taken it off'. Arrived, nonetheless in one piece at Mario's and had a warm welcome from Mario and Mary. I am currently typing on Mario's computer (so much better than tapping in one fingered on my phone, which takes all evening to enter a blog) after a splendid dinner - and pudding. We're definitely going to be heavier when we arrive at JOG at this rate. But I like it ... Thank you both for your hospitality.

Thanks to all who have made comments. Much appreciated.

Arrival time: 5.20 p.m.
Total mileage today: 47.41 miles
Total ascent today: 2742 ft
Highest point: 518 ft
Height now: 147 ft