It was raining as expected, when we awoke this morning, so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast waiting for the predicted stop.  As soon as we saw the break, we went for it, trying to ignore the dark clouds behind us,
but prepared for them, nonetheless.  The wind was still blowing, but not the gusts of yesterday and it was slightly off our shoulder; so it was not a hinderance, but an occasional assist.   A last minute change on our course took us along a scenic canal. We had only gone a half mile before the downpour reached us.  It was a soaker, but soon tapered to a shower/drizzle.  It was a perfect day for riding, not too hot, not too cold and the scenery serene, if not spectacular.

Notables of this country:  All the homes here have names and all the villages have a Church Street.  There is a strict code/law to the roads; Everyone stops at a stop light/sign.  If you dare to cross a road (whether by foot or bike) without a green, the cars have no obligation to stop or slow to allow your completion.  Though the drivers don’t seem keen on turn signals, they are Very considerate of bicycles, even on very busy roads.

Our entire ride was in the country, passing interesting (antique) shops, homes displaying colorful flowers and an occasional hamlet large enough to warrant signageand one very old (1220) Bolingbroke Castle, birthplace of a King.

About mid-day the sky began to clear and the flat countryside we had enjoyed for days began to roll.We are sure some of our new found British bike friends will laugh, but these “hills” were tough; the grades brutal.A quick stop on a park bench for a much needed orange, as the villages were not large enough to support a sandwich shop, and then a push to town. It was a short ride today (37 miles), as it was the only choice (that included a roof and hot shower) we had within a 100 mile radius.  But the town was worth the stop, quaint streets, pretty markets and the Church of St. James.A great day and a good pick-me-up from yesterday!