Saying goodbye is always difficult and more so if you will not see them for another 4 years. So when it came to say goodbye to my brother it was a difficult moment and naturally a delayed start to the day. But this was also going to be my first day wild camping, maybe that was also a reason for a slow start to the day.
I’ve wild camped before but usually in areas where it is expected or known to be tolerated. Never just stop in a secluded spot and setup camp. There is always something at the back of my mind when wild camping that I might get moved on, attacked or bike stolen. This happens very rarely and usually only in cities, which is why you should always camp away from populated areas!
But first I have to cycle away; with a heavy heart I push down on the pedal. Why am I in the highest gear! I let the bike roll down the hill and change down. I continue onto the park in Chippenham and through into the trails behind. These are hidden gems which I didn’t know about and make the journey towards North London more pleasant. I was able to ride all the way to the Avebury stones with barely going onto a road. After a short lunch break to wander around I continue onwards towards Marlborough.
Whilst passing through a gentleman jumps out of his house and offers to refill my water bottles, much needed for the sun was beating down. We got chatting and discovered he also cycle tours but not as much as he use to and was visiting the area and wanted to know about areas to cycle. I suggested Avebury so you can stay off the roads! During our conversation his partner opens the door and offers me a bit of flapjack, a very generous offer and the best food for any cycle tourist!
The second half of the day was a relatively easy ride along the canal. A quick stop of a pint and then it was on to looking for a spot to wild camp. I passed quite a few places constantly ticking them off as a bad place, to near people, to near roads, to near barges. My indecision lead to anxiety as time crept on and it wasn’t until 21:30 when I finally stumbled upon a place. It was next to the canal but easily enough space for a tent. And away from people.
I had difficulty getting to sleep, developing a fear that rolling over would lead to me falling in the water! This has never happened in all the time I have been camping let alone been an adult! The location also had running trains and a road which seemed to be used a race track within earshot. Oh and don’t mention the air traffic which also seemed to use the area! Evidently I have to get better at picking my spots!
Unfortunately this lead to tiredness the next day and a long cycle to my friends JK and Lottie’s house. As well as a rest it was also a chance to actually have time to play and get to know their daughter, Thea. Who because of lockdown I have never really had a chance to meet.
Rain, rain, go away… come again another day
Leaving the next day to a day full of rain, I am going to have to get use to this. After having donned waterproofs all day and only getting a rest bite by visiting McDonald’s (good WiFi), I decided to skip part of my journey by taking a train to Harwich. No one likes to store a wet tent. I do like train journeys and I considered travelling the World by train. My next adventure perhaps?
I wasn’t leaving Harwich until late the next day, time to have a quick look at the harbour town. Harwich is a lovely little harbour town but not much else. A small part of it’s beach has won an award. I was unable to find out what for though.
I set off towards the port to catch the ferry taking me to Holland, collecting supplies along the way. Ferry food is always at a premium. I meet several other cyclists all starting on their own journeys. One group on a fund raising ride to Bruges from London. Another visiting the dams from the Dambusters mission in WW2. I am excited to leave the UK. Although I am not sure if it is about the journey or whether it is the little kid within me ‘we’re going on a big boat.’
Once onboard I start to think about all the things I will miss from UK, friends, family, secure job and income. Then I realise I get to miss the Government and it’s pandering to the masses – all is well! However it does bring a tear to my eye, although that might be the pen I jabbed into it. I never knew journal writing could be so dangerous.
Then as the rumbling of the engines starts and we pull away from the harbour in the night I start to get a sunken feeling in my stomach and some old questions arise again, whether I can compete this task, what will I do when it gets tough, what am I getting from this trip? Only time will tell…