11 October 2025 (cloudy and cool, becoming fine and mild)

Up at 6.30am. Julia showered first then I shaved and showered to wake myself up. Funny how sleeping in a bed I can still feel sleepy when I wake, but sleeping on a mat outside on the ground and I'm awake and ready to go. 

Grabbed a cup of tea and then had some breakfast as Ian was up, so we sat talking to him, before he went to pick up Emily who was at an overnight Girl guide camp indoors.

Got some washing on, Rachel began cleaning out the guinea pig hutch with Emily and Julia giving the guinea pigs a cuddle on the couch.

We hung out the washing and by that time it was about 11.30am.  Julia and I walked into town, mostly along the canal, which was lovely. The sun was trying to break through as we went, but it was still cool.



English Ziggy helps her owner with navigating the canals.



Our ride to London will be a little different than our cycling anywhere in Europe I feel. There is supposed to be some fog and frost due this coming week and perhaps a small chance of some rain, but it looks like excellent cycling weather all up. We're both excited to get on the bikes again and see what England has to offer.










Once in town we walked around the walls taking shots. For anyone into their Roman history, this city is a wonderful example and dates back to AD 79. I remember as a teenager romping around these walls and township, but now a leisurely stroll was enough to satisfy.

Found a lovely little cafe serving the full English and since our breakfast had been hours ago, we both had one. Great value and delicious and they served gluten free toast. Nice hot coffee as well. 


























More sightseeing and photographing before making our way back along the canal to Ian and Rachel's.

Checked out some motor homes on the way. Very nice and very reasonable prices.

Picked up some stuff from the supermarket and reached the house, just before Rachel and Emily arrived back

I cleaned and lubed the bikes and did a test ride whilst Julia brought the washing in.

Updated the blog which we had been getting quite behind on and then sat down to a delicious curry, courtesy of Ian, who had even made gluten free onion bhajis and flat bread.

Had a good chat and a laugh and I helped Rachel with some of her gym exercises.

So, we are all set for the final leg of our journey. We have six days riding left, on what has been an incredible journey and we are hoping this section will be as enjoyable as the rest.



Comments

  1. JimmyOctober 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM

    Gosh the blogs get better every time ( don't know how you manage it ) I was very fond of Chester and when my Dad and I used to stop there on our way yo Wales he got a shandy and a Lemonade for me and we sat outside the Dublin Packet ( pub)
    it was owned by Dixie Dean ( famous footballer Everton ) who had a steel plate in his forehead through an accident on the road. And you both looked as though you enjoyed walking around the wall.

    ReplyDelete
  2. JimmyOctober 11, 2025 at 2:22 PM

    See if you can catch the town Crier in the middle of Chester before you go. Give my love to Rachel Ian and the kids too. x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Twin 2October 12, 2025 at 10:33 AM

    English cycling looks to be pretty good so far. Hope it stays that way for your last 6 days. Fantastic hospitality from everyone too

    ReplyDelete
  4. St Toffa October 12, 2025 at 1:02 PM

    Gosh I’d nearly forgotten how gorgeous and historic Chester is. Great photos to capture it. Seems still quite busy in the town centre,I guess it’s that sort of place ,it will get tourists and local visitors most of the year ,at least until proper Winter hits.
    You’ve certainly had the hospitality of the relations which must have made it so comforting after 4 months on the continent without knowing anyone.
    Look forward to seeing your next stage guys.

    ReplyDelete

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