Saturday 16 May 2009

Day 3: Okehampton to Taunton

Paul, did you not get the memo about the jackets?

Woke to find that radiators in room hadn't been working, so kit was still wet. John continued to display his engineering prowess, creating an impromptu drying room using a wardrobe and hairdryer, until the hairdryer packed up. After another full English, left Okehampton and soon on the old A30 towards Exeter - fantastic cycling road, being wide, smooth and minimal traffic. Made good time to Tedburn St Mary, then lanes to Crediton where stopped for 2nd breakfast. Seems that we've moved to 4 meals a day, is that normal? Also here that received first bit of road rage, unsurprisingly from a Range Rover. More lanes to pub stop in utterly Butterleigh, then downhill to Wellington avoiding charging quarry lorries, including one driven by a blonde-mulleted, scary-looking bruiser of a girl (we think) whose name was posted across her cab. Can't say what it was for fear of retribution. Soon after, the Twitcher got his own back in terms of repressed embarassing interests, as Paul and I excitedly waved at the 125 train going past.

Got to Wellington just before shops shut. John had time to buy leg warmers from the cycle shop or ear plugs from Boots - 2 nights sharing a room with me was starting to tell. The weather meant that John setttled for the former, a decision that he was later to regret as, in the middle of the night, he was forced to fashion ear plugs from moist toilet roll. He was to go back to sleep worried about waking to find the papier mache somewhat more solidified.

Stayed at a fantastic B&B called Lower Farm, Thornfalcon just outside Taunton hosted by the colourful and ever so hospitable John and Doreen who welcomed us with a glass of local ale. Short walk to the pub for an evening meal where we were joined by David, fresh from one of those everlasting Friday afternoon escapes from London.


2 comments:

  1. Couple of thoughts about Devon:
    1) Every village is on the top of a steep hill, or at least all the ones we visited!
    2) It always rains - 4 visits in May and 4 lots of rain
    Keeeeeeep Pedaling
    Cheers

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  2. I used to live in Crediton too. You really are doing a nostalgia tour of my youth.

    Michael

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