Our room last night was exceeded only by the breakfast they offered in the morning.  Beside an incredible offering of fruit, they served a full English breakfast; thankfully, we asked for the reduced version….even Morgan can gain weight eating like this.After that size breakfast, we should have no excuses for not flying through a long ride.  No excuse until we step outside to wonderfully warm air and a stiff wind, in our face.  But we could hardly complain as it was a beautiful morning.Our rolling hills became a bit more aggressive,but the scenery remained stellar.Several miles down the road, we were waved to a stop by two individual motorists; apparently our laundry hanging from our bikes to dry was running astray…..too kind.  Even with the monster wind, we were enjoying the interesting sites, including a windmill or two.Just off the coast, too far to photograph but easily close enough to ruin the sea vista, was a huge windfarm.  As one Brit told us, “They don’t work when the wind blows and they are useless otherwise!”

The villages and hamlets were charming; the churches abundant.

Stopped for a mid-day cappuccino among lilacs and cooing ring neck doves that we’ve seen everywhere.  Since we had just had coffee, we did not stop at The Duck Inn, but did stop for the ducks.Passed a construction college, that was originally built as barracks for the RAF.

Running low on energy, we stopped for a sandwich and the ever ready conversation.Though the lunch served to help, we were ready to get there.  Our navigator gets an A+ today for keeping us off the busy road for our last eight miles into town.  Instead we enjoyed peaceful paths,meant strictly for bikesand country laneswith many walking paths.Our last stretch into town directed us through an immense park, filled with kids just getting out of school; uniforms directly from a Harry Potter movie.  A quick turn onto a market streetand then our hotel.We were beat after our 51 mile ride into the wind……we needed a plate (or three) of pasta; our first since arriving.

A (must eat crow) note to my father, who for years has insisted we ride the UK; my main objection was the poor food that England had a (terribly misplaced) reputation for.  Not only are we not starving, we are enjoying the food immensely….Thank You for your persistence.