England

 

England, the sixth, and final country on this trip.  Im so pleased to reach my homeland.  It represents the culmination of an epic 1800 mile journey and days of solo travelling. 

My temporary home this evening is the Drum Inn, a pub that allows campers on its field that's been trading since the 1700s.  I camped near the pylon as the wind was blowing a gale and this was wonderfully sheltered, though far from picturesque.  It rained in the night and I'd managed to leave the ankle part of my shoes exposed to the weather. Both shoes were full of water the next day. 

In the morning after my final coffee and pastry breakfast I set off. I had 204 miles left to finish the trip. Like the other countries I opted for the small roads.

They presented a lot of opportunity to catch a glimpse of real England. 

My sister, Tory, was heading south from Yorkshire and our paths crossed in Brentwood! I stopped for a coffee and long chat in the morning sun. Nice to see you sis ! x 

I don't know if it's odd or normal, but I feel happy, proud even, of what I've achieved. But really, on deeper reflection, all I've achieved is what truckers do everyday in their job! Ha. 

20 miles from home at Melton Mowbray there were several roads closed. I had to detour twice. A little frustrating, but no big stress. 

More of a stress was the buffoon in the audi that managed to knock me off the DR.  He was ahead of me on the road and stopped to allow a car to pass heading towards him. 

When the passing car didn't fit, he just reversed, for about 20 meters, without checking his mirrors and ran into my front wheel, knocking me off. What a Knob.

Thankfully no damage to me or the DR.  I didn't take photos. Just wanted to put it behind me and move on. 

I reached home, the cat greeted me, the trip was done. 

It was an amazing adventure and think I have what it takes to do a RTW loop.  

Wonder if I'll ever find out.