Day 13. Thursday, July 10 – Hartlepool to Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Wednesday 9 July 2014
No sun to warm the morning, so the constant wind made the 57° feel frigid. Since we had missed the marina last night, we took a quick trip down to see the sights; rather disappointing. 
We followed the coastal road, totally exposed to the bruising wind
and continuous up and down, down and up roads. No flowers graced the homes or stores that lined the road; an occasional field softened the ride. 
Not sure if there was little to see, or our struggle up and down the hills into the onslaught of wind kept us from seeing anything. Tried to get a shot of a flag straightened by the wind, but this is all we could find.
After a couple of hours, we turned slightly inland for a bit of countryside;
we gained the sun, but were not able to loose the hills or hide from the wind. It seemed as if we climbed twice what we went down, but nothing was flat
or particularly interesting, except the “Angel of the North”.
Our approach through the suburbs of Newcastle offered a couple of churches
tightly tucked among the rows of homes (and hills).
On the banks of the River Tyne,
we dropped down to the waterfront. 
Hoping to stay in the city for the evening, we found two college graduations made it impossible. Managed a few pictures along the waterfront and the Millennium Bridge.
As we pedaled away from the city, we were diverted off our path for a “police incident”, further complicating our uncharted course. Checking the computer, we found a hotel eight miles away. Halfway into our quest for a shower and a bit confused as how to get there, we were rescued by John,
who led us three miles through twists and turns we would have had difficulty finding our way through. Eleven miles later and 49 miles done, we finally checked in shortly before Happy Hour (5:00 p.m.). Somewhere north of York the dialect had gotten thick (Geordie) and we are both having difficulty understanding even the simplest of questions/answers. As our “posh” waitress explained to us over our overflowing bowls of pasta, it was only going to get worse as we headed north….UH OH!
Ken Says:
Hope you guys didn’t waste your time carrying any coal to Newcastle! HA!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coals_to_Newcastle
Bobby Says:
That’s one of the first three story brick sailboats I have seen.
Ken Says:
Here’s a video of the Millennium Bridge in action. It is a pedestrian and bike bridge in Newcastle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0jWqziY3Kw
Creesta Says:
Hi guys, Finally figured out the comment process. Had a great time on Brac. Left food and water for Bella but did not see her. Still working in Oak Ridge – extended thru next Monday then heading north. It has been a pretty good experience so far and opportunities for future temp assignments look promising.
I’m enjoying your ride again and wish you safe travels. Anxiously awaiting our reunion on Brac.
Hugs
Jim Corzatt Says:
You guys missed a fine blow in Va Beach Thursday afternoon. Perhaps a tornado tore through the ocean front causing much damage. 17th Street Surf Shop hit hard, but no serious injuries. It made the national news.
travis Says:
You persevered through a day’s ride that wasn’t much fun. Chalked off a good amount of miles. Hoping you have better conditions tomorrow … tomorrow, etc.
Robyn Says:
That’s a very cool bridge….I’m enjoying your ride again this year!
Pat and M.E. Says:
Can you imagine being a professional golfer trying to hit a little white golf ball in that wind like they do at the British Open? I think it’s going to be starting soon…. maybe you’ll see them.
Jerry and Lori Says:
Aye lassie, we do believe the Scotish Open just finished this past weekend!
K-W Says:
So has it been windy there? Always seems an issue watching The Open Championship….