Warkworth to Whitley Bay

Today started off with an interesting dilemma. How deep is too deep when it comes to fords. Apparently this Ford was running shallow but when I had a paddle I wasn’t convinced. And it was slippy underfoot.  And it was quite wide.  I didn’t think I’d be safe pushing my fully loaded bike. I thought about unloading and doing a few journey but there was no where to put them on the other side. Then, in a bit of a duh moment, standing in the middle of a river with slightly cold feet I noticed a footbridge a little way up stream. Sorted. 

The rest of my cycling day passed slowly, largely because I kept stopping to eat. I had a good look around Amble where I enjoyed a massive ice cream (Honeycombe and Strawberry Cheesecake since you ask) and then later stopped for lunch at a seaside cafe.  I ate, crocheted a bit and relaxed and then bought cake (times three) to enjoy later. 

I probably should have watched the time as, inevitably I had to negotiate my way through Blyth. It’s a middle sized industrial town, easy by car but the bike route pushes you on A road pavements then through lots of tiny residential streets. It’s hard navigation and annoying cycling.  When you’re on and off roads, paths and pavements it’s hard to find a rhythm. 

Anyway. I’m in Whitley Bay. I’ve watched the football and had a pint. Explained my life choices to a curious stranger, picked a drunken lady off the floor and now I’m in a chippy waited for my tea.