We had a very good journey to Barnstaple, where we are staying in another Travelodge (room bought in the sale.)
When we arrived, there was a chick issue. See the separate Chick Invasion section for details.
Back on the Tarka trail, like in December 2011 (see previous diary), we cycled on the old bridge across the river, over some hills and arrived at Appledore, across the water from Instow.
Pikachu climbed on this giant anchor:
Then we cycled to a nature reserve and on to "Westward Ho!" which must be one of the only places in England with an exclaimation mark in its name!
We did 46km and I had a bit of a sore rump as I haven't been on the bike since January!
GPS Data shown on Google Earth for the ride:
Today we cycled Westish to Saunton Sands where Pikachu made some beach art in December (see previous diary.) We were shocked to find that after three months exposed to wind, rain and tides...
nothing was left of it!
It was a very nice day...
Although Pikachu had to tell these kayakers that the tide had gone out:
If you remember, in December when we cycled past the military base on the trail, I didn't take any photos in case I got arrested. Well this time, as there were no signs telling you not to, I did.
and a close-up of the massive "playground" and mini-tanks.
and finally the map and GPS data of our 37km ride today:
It was forecast wet and cold today and it was. I drove to the start of a cycle trail about 6km South-West of Ilfracombe. It was at an elevation of around 180m so I wasn't looking forward to the return journey.
In fact it was colder than I had expected and the drizzle was persistent so I basically cycled there, had a quick cycle round then back up the hill to the car. This is the map. In total I did about 16km:
And this is the elevation data. Nice and fast on the way there, a steady 11km/h on the way back.
Some of the ride is through cuttings and there is a short tunnel but at one point, it goes past two dammed lakes. This is one of them. Can you see Pikachu?
All text/images (c)2012 M.Sidey