24th July 20km ish

I chose the steep hill. I pushed the bike up the steepest bit (270m, a convenient sign) and then struggled up the rest. My plan of 'down hill but avoiding the main road' went a little bit wrong when I got stuck in a housing estate full of dead ends (and so steep ups). Apart from that little detour, it was an easy little trip. 

I had breakfast and wandered down to the beach. I spent a merry hour stone hunting (honestly) and taking photos until my belly was rumbling again and so I had lunch. 

I was holding off getting to the ferry port too early but eventually gave in. I checked where I needed to check in and then sat back to relax. 

There were cyclists on an organised tour as well as some tourists like me. They and I got chatting. It was all going so well until one less than likeable character (even cyclists can be pains in the neck you know) insulted my saddle. Well, insult my bike, insult me. He went on to spout off about his philosophies of life and the road. Eventually I went to check in early. Sitting out there in the burning sun was blessed relief. 

The ferry was quiet so the wait was short. The sea was still and the crossing was, once again, sickness free. Disembarking I saw the philosopher but luckily got talking to a bloke in his underwear (brief-ly -ha ha) so didn't have to listen a second time. 

The Newhaven Lodge was easy to find and cycle friendly, however the welcome was less than genial. The room was a bit tired but then again, so was I. 

Galley 

23rd July 18km

The rain came. 

As I wandered to the loo last night a toad hopped across my path. I wondered if it might be a sign. You know, like black cats? There was a little pitter patter of rain throughout the night but nothing much. This morning however was a different story. Thunder, lightning, the works. I turned over and went back to sleep. 

When things had dried out a little I got up, retrieved the clothes I had forgotten to take in last night and wrung them out; then I made myself a coffee. It's a testament to the heat that I still have coffee left. 

I have been studying the map. I'm in a big hole. There are hills everywhere. I have been looking at my options for cycling to the ferry. It's either a long climb on a major road but not too steep, or, a shorter climb on a quiet road but, it has not one, not two, but three arrows. 

As it wasn't too hot and I wanted to go into Dieppe I decided to test out the latter. I'm happy to report that it is indeed steep. With a couple of hairpins thrown in for good measure. I made it up but think fully loaded it might be more of a problem. So here's my dilemma: short and steep but quiet enough to stop and push or; longer and less steep but stopping is less of an option. I shall report back. 

Meanwhile...today. 

I spent a merry hour in the supermarket whilst the thunder rumbled again. I had an omelette for lunch with very good chips. I bought some pens. I got a new watch battery. I cycled along the beach. I looked round a graffitied church then I cycled back up another big hill and chilled outside my wet tent. 

Very pleasant indeed. 

Gallery

Panniers proving they work after my supermarket shop. 

22nd July 53km

I thought today would be an easy roll into Dieppe until I looked at the map. Arrows everywhere. 

Anyway, nothing much you can do about it is there?  Off I went. Blistering heat as usual but again...

To tell you the truth I often like a good climb. When there are arrows on the map it fills me with dread then, you get to the top and feel great. Sweaty, tired but great. And they are usually not as bad as you think. I don't always make it without a rest or two but, if you felt the weight of my bike and gear I'm sure you'd understand. 

When I arrived at Dieppe I decided to carry on to the site. I wasn't prepared for that one last horrendous climb (probably no worse than others) and didn't  feel great satisfaction etc. when I miraculously reached the top. 

But I got to the site. It's a little out of the way and until I realised the day (pizza day) I was concerned for my belly. Once that panic was over I set up my tent by the river (its a fishing friendly site with a special sink for cleaning your catch) and showered. The shower was cold and I was boiling but the relief was short lived. There was however a pool. I don't have a  cossie with me but after getting fairly wet sitting on the edge in my shorts I gave up and got in. 

Gallery

First sight of the sea

That implies one heck of a climb

I think we covered my height dislike last year? Deep breaths aplenty as the squeaky car took me up the cliffs. The trouble was there was nowhere safe to look. Every which way reminded you where you were and at what angle. 

The top