Character building? More like breaking!
Trip Start
Jun 30, 2009
1
7
13
Trip End
Ongoing
Maybole, Scotland, United Kingdom
Friday, July 10, 2009
Gave myself an extra hour in bed before deciding I had no choice but to get on with it. Things would have been easier if I didn't have to get over a huge hill. A hot fly-fest on the way up didn't actually feel too bad, even when I was overtaken by a guy on a mountain bike near the top. Continued on over the hill, and over, and over...it seemed a long way.
Finally made it to Maybole for a rest in the park. The park happened to be right next to the train station, on a line which would take me home. To bed. Comfy bed, out of the sun, no bike to have to peddle. It was pretty tough. I definitely questioned what I was doing (and why). I really didn't want to end it all, I just wanted to sleep. Unfortunately you tend to get funny looks doing that on a park bench on a Saturday afternoon.
After forcing some food down I realised that there was a campsite not too far away so I set off in search. Anyway, it seemed an easier option than the faff of getting the bike and all the panniers on a train!
Arrived at the campsite (that signpost saying '1 mile' lied) to overhear the woman on the phone saying "sorry, we're completely full". My heart completely sank. There was no way I could get back on the bike and travel further. I started making up my pleading excuses. Luckily, she was talking about the Open next week so I soon had my tent pitched in a shaded corner of the garden. The best bit was the Recreation Room, complete with sofa. I spent a few blissful hours sleeping on the sofa and the world seemed a much better place. Sleep is a powerful drug.
After 11 days cycling, time for a rest day. Stayed on at Kilkerran for an extra night and felt so much better for it. Got some washing done, tinkered with the bike and blubbered my way through the final pages of The Book Thief. I think that's what some people might call a 'normal' holiday!
