Tuesday 23 August

10am start after a lovely breakfast cooked by Mario. Mary had had to leave for work at 8.30. Thanks to both for a great welcome and a really lovely stay. The weather was dry, sunny and a bit windy. In fact a head wind as we set off. We could see Glastonbury Tor in the distance. Wasn't too far out of Street before we were onto a cycle path alongside the ditches (drains?) of the levels. Went across Shapwick Heath, which had lots of swans and is an RSPB site. Suddenly started raining! We came off the track onto a road again. The wind was getting up and the area is flat, no hedges, so no protection. We were fighting a head wind most of the time. Long, long stretches of road which follow the ditches and zig-zag with them. Stopped at White Horse Inn in Mark for a cuppa. It wasn't raining this point. We set off again and had to make a left turn part way through the village. I, of course, went gaily sailing straight on, realised Peter wasn't there and, after the last episode turned round and went back to look for him. He was waiting by the turn with what can only be described as a smug look on his face (I want it recorded that I must have done at least 1/4 mile more than Peter). Turned onto the awful A38 at Tarnock, then shortly onto another old railway line (the Strawberry Line). We had to struggle up a steep bit first with the wind against us. Part way along we met 2 men coming the opposite way at a junction and they had seen us struggling up the hill. They had driven to that point of the track and were just starting on a day's ride. They thought we must be foreigners as there was an easier way to get onto the track - we are, we're from N. Wales. The SL went all the way to Yatton, past Congresbury, our overnight stop. It was early, weather was good and it was easy going so we carried on. We're now in Days Inn Services in Portbury for the night. No campsite close and forecast is not good. Caught glimpses of the Severn Bridge that we will be crossing tomorrow. Miles: 40.19