6 October 2025 (cloudy and warm 20C) 25km

After three days of hunkering down at Peggy's enjoying all the modern conveniences such as heating, hot showers, good food and endless cups of tea, we were keen to get on the bikes and outside again.  Today we are meeting the two Janes and Jo at Flissy's cafe Thurstaston, which means we'll ride along the Wirral Way. Vicky, (Jane and Jo's sister), will also be there, so that'll be nice.

After our usual morning chatting, we all got out in the garden for an hour which was great as the sun was out and it was a nice temperature.  At 10.15am we cycled off up the road, onto the Wirral Way and headed for Thurstaston, which is where we used to walk Tarza, a lifetime ago.  It's a beautiful part of the Wirral and holds great memories for both of us.

On the way as Julia was taking a photo, a lady walking four dogs began a conversation about Julia's baskets on her bike. That led onto her asking where we'd been and where we were from. She was a joiner and has a friend in Oz, who she goes to see. She wished us well and we rode on.

Arrived at the cafe to find little Jane there and we sat talking until Jane, Joanne and Vicky arrived.  Adjourned inside for a coffee and a natter.  Had a good time talking to the girls and learning about Vicky, who has taken on two young kids as permanent guardians, with husband Graeme. Vic doesn't have kids of her own and is also fifty five years old, so a huge task, but one I'm sure she will be up to.

After coffee, we took a ride with Jo, up to their field (14 acres of peaceful bliss) where they keep horses (Vicky) and grow veges and keep bees (Jane and Jo).

I never realised that bees have such short lifespan (30 days) or the process of collecting the honey from the frames, (really interesting). Plus we have never seen so many ladybugs in one spot. Think they must be nesting under the roof of the shed.

It's such a lovely spot and the girls are fortunate that their Dad bought it for them before he died, many years ago.  Cycled back along the trail to Peg's and had a late lunch.

While Julia went shopping with Peg, I went back out in the garden for another hour, before moving inside as the temperature was dropping.  Had omelette and chips for dinner and then watched some tele, including Graeme Norton, (with Taylor Swift as a guest), which was funny.

Finished writing the blog before bed.  Tomorrow we are headed to Liverpool.