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So I've been off cycling around the exotic delights of the Isle of Wight with Daisy ensconced in the new trailer and the reluctant husband (who's very happy not cycling) pulling Molly on the trailer-bike.
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...peering over the side we espied an eel. Who needs zoos and amusement parks and Blackgang Chines (apart from Molly) when you can go for a dainty saunter on your bike in the countryside and come across a live eel going about its business?
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The other excitement was coming across Chale Green bus shelter in which, exactly ten years ago, I sheltered from torrential rain while cycling around the Isle of Wight on my long-winded Round-England-and-Wales Coastal Tour. (In my book Slow Coast Home I took a photograh of mum - who joined me for a day - looking very bedraggled while sitting sheltering from the rain against a wall of 'VICKY IS A FAT SLAG' etc graffiti. These days it's all looking a bit spic and span - and the shingles have been mended too - though I'm sure fat vicky is still under there somewhere.
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October 12th, 2011
I cycle past Chale Green and Yafford Mill most days, what a pity I didn’t see you there. I’ve been trying to get to one of your talks for years and always seem to miss them (last time you were snowed in and I couldn’t make the rescheduled date). Now I’ve missed you again! That is a lovely campsite on the military road – I have a night or 2 there every year.
October 31st, 2011
The bus shelter has alSo lost its seat!
November 3rd, 2011
@John Batts – maybe Vicky had something to do with that 😉
@Ms Dew – great to read your ongoing adventures. Having been inspired by Wind In My Wheels and now having two children of similar ages to yours I’m looking forward to your next books!
Great anecdote about the eel – sums the joy of cycling up for me!