Day 3 Seahouses to North Shields

Monday June 12th

53 miles by 16.00 shouldn't have been a problem, but the way things had gone I had a feeling that it might be. So, accordingly I was up at the crack of dawn and on the road by 06.30.

I would NOT miss the boat. 

But I nearly did!

Beautiful Northumberland

The road was winding and hilly and there was a stiff wind in my face ( is there any other kind of wind?). The only alternative route was the A1 which is practically a motorway and bikes aren't allowed on.

By 11.30 I phoned Pauline to say that she needn't stand by and I would make it.

Then I realised that I was only half way there and it had taken five hours. Help!

 To make matters worse I lost an hour "exploring" the cycle tracks of Blyth seemingly going around in circles trying to follow the increasingly annoying Cycle route 1

So I decide to cut and run for it.

Without a map (dead phone - note to self make sure you have a paper map in future) I figured that if I got to the coast I could follow it all the way to the ferry port.

Which is what I did arriving at about 16.00.

Relieved!

I could see my ferry arriving. Would I get there in time?

Knackered!

Satisfied!

Once again in awe of the tremendous kindness shown by complete strangers. 

It had been much harder than I thought.

Maybe I should ditch the rose tinted glasses?

Once on board I phoned Pauline to put her mind at rest. I knew that she would be worried until she heard from me.

She suggested a beer but a shower and a lie down seemed more attractive!

Speaks volumes!