It probably comes as no surprise that after five weeks at sea I missed my own bed and dry land but just four days after getting home I was already back on a boat and missing my bed (again). It isn't as tough as it sounds - I didn't leave many home comforts behind when I went camping for the weekend in North Devon.
Every now and then I do have to mention the weather, after five weeks on a boat it is a constant topic of conversation so I can't wait any longer without commenting on this amazing summer. I was certain that the process of digging out my tent would summon the rain and I must confess I was a little worried when I was woken on the beach by the sound of thunder getting closer. I packed up, ran back to the campsite and waited nervously to see if my ancient tent would keep the downpour at bay. Thankfully it turned out to be very localised and must have just missed the campsite.
In this amazing weather there is no excuse for me to not to commute by bicycle; the only limiting factor being my lack of fitness after nearly two months doing very little exercise on a boat. I might have been a bit ambitious last week when I fitted in three hilly, twenty mile rides but I had no choice by the final one as I had to get home. The best thing at this time of year is I'm not alone on my bike and I found a fellow commuter to keep me company on the long slog out of Plymouth and up to the Moor. It is amazing how much quicker a hard ride can seem when you have some company and I'd like to extend my thanks to the kind gentleman for cycling at my slow pace and helping me home.
