Newquay to Launceston - 76k - Wed 13 June

From the top of the cliff the views were enchanting looking back on Newquay. Words cannot describe. Today we followed the traditional End to End section to Padstow - 20k of couast and about 8 massive climbs - each with its own corresponding descent. We should have known. The End to End book callls them 'rolling hills'. My bet is they did it in the car!!!

At Padstow we descended rapidly into this famous port, and joined the Camel trail (along the Camel river) to Wadebridge). It was flat and went for about 20k. We took the highway from there to Camelford, where we picked up the End to End route across the top of Bodmin Moor. It really was across the top - we were back to sheep on the road etc.

Homework for Grandad Stewart - on top of Bodmin Moor just north of Camelford is a disused airfield from WW2, with a RAF Museum - its out in the sticks, but has that feel like it was used for Bomber Command - you may wish to check this out for me. On top it was a beautiful run almost to Launceston, except this time into the wind. We felt on top of the world.

After a few k we wentr past a side road jam for sale box. I said to Julie we should buy some, so I told her to cycle on slowly while I went back to buy some jam. I bought 2 jars of Bramble and Apple jam (home made) and then set off for Julie, who was tired and I thought might be just down the road.

Well, it too me 8k at nothing under 30kph to catch her! I was flying in my big chain wheel and highest gear at the back, and never caught sight of her until about 8k later. I was so frightened that she had turned off, and we would never find each other. By this time we were back into hedgerows and narrow lanes, so the forwward visibility was limited. I told her I am glad she was only going slow!

We got into Launceston and went for the White Hart Inn - an old pub pub right in the centre of the village, next to the 900 year old castle. We checked it out before dinner, and went to bed. We had a room with a bath - just luxury.

It was first bit of rain yesterday, and this morning we have woken to steady rain. Oh well, the body is waterproof.

We bless our friend whom we refer to lovingly and effectionately as 'Pommy Pete' who at the last minute loaned me his Ortlieb panniers. They are not only water proof, but the front panniers have tremendous height and are not restricted by a flap. We pack food in the front panniers, and when we load every 2nd day or so, they are full to the brim with eggs, milk, fruit, snags, etc etc. Thanks Pete and Gretchen (I think the front panniers are yours Gretchen). We think of you everyday.

Well - it may be a while before you hear from us agin. We head to Tiverton today (we have cut off the top route of Cornwall) and are taking the direct route to Bath.

Today we skirt around the top of Dartmoor National park again, and get to Tiverton, then to Glastonbury, then to a well earned day off in Bath.

Thanks for your thoughts and especially prayers from back home.

We really are having a good time - but are feelingf the cost of 1,000k on the road and especailly the hilly raod!

Our love is reciprocated to you. God bless you too!