22nd June 2025

Sunderland  -  Blyth          34kms!

An interesting and unusual Sunday day. Read on to find out more.

On our arrival yesterday into Sunderland, Al had contacted his cousin Dawn who takes care of his uncle John and Aunt Cathy neither of whom we have seen for a long time. In his youth, Al and his uncle, the much younger brother of his mother, had spent a lot of time together walking the fells and enjoying each other's company. The decision to call in was a good one. Clearly, John was delighted to see Alan and even Cathy in her reduced state recognised Al. Quite an  emotional visit but so glad we took the opportunity to call in.

Having stayed a little longer than planned in Sunderland,  we set off to the coast and a new but unfinished cycle route. A short crossing of the Tyne on the S Shields ferry and we were into Northumberland.

These north eastern folk are a hardy bunch. The weather was, admittedly dry, but not that sunny or warm and very windy. But where was everyone? on the beach of course - some even swimming in the North Sea. Chapeau to the lot of you. The coastal path was very busy with all these folk talking, walking, looking at their phones and some on bikes. Pretty chaotic but in a good way. 

I mentioned that the weather was windy, well it got a lot windier and then the rain began. We were already well behind any normal schedule and very anxious not to repeat our experience of the earlier storms in Devon, we chose to curtail the day and stop in Blyth. An excellent decision. Missed the storm ( as in not in it) safely ensconced in our hotel room. Still blowing a hooly  but momentarily the sun is out again. Much cooler than of late but very fickle is the weather. The short distance we have covered today is small price to pay for seeing John and our comfort and safety. Must be getting old! 

Weather not very good for tomorrow but we will wait and see - can't really do much else!

P.S. 1067 kms cycled in 17 days. We're slow but we're getting closer.