Day 13 - Wet, Wet, Wet

We started off on our 'sweet little mystery' tour 'wishing we were lucky', but our good luck ran out this morning as we left Kendal in torrential rain with a small, but essential supply of Kendal Mint Cake packed in Louise's panniers.

The rest of us were again pannierless (thanks to Denise). Joined by Arthur (it's amazing what 60+ veterans can do these days), we headed to the A591. The rain soaked us from above, whilst the mini tsunami created by lorries driving through puddles soaked us from below. But 'with a little help from my friends' we managed to carry on.

There's a hosepipe ban in the Lake District at the moment... seems strange as we were cycling along with puddles in our shoes!

We stopped by Ambleside Pier for our first coffee (and cake) of the day, watching the gulls sitting on our bikes as we enjoyed our coffees.

The main road gave way to fantastic country lanes alongside Thirlmere where the dam had a beautiful Victorian plaque explaining how 20 town councillors, one clerk and just one engineer were responsible for building it.

We carried along the country lanes (still very wet) until we reached the unnamed road by Carrock Fell, at which point a kamikaze sheep attempted to knock Fiona from her bike. And then the sun came out!

The rest of the run was most pleasant - all the way to Carlisle where we have just had a superb Italian meal. (Apparently Amanda looks Italian according to our very nice host; she's very pleased by this!! Well it doesn't matter how old they are; it's still nice to be chatted up.)


'Goodnight Girl's!

Planned miles: 58.2
Actual miles: 58.2 (get in!!)
Total miles: 585.5
Punctures: 0

Steve's Helmet Humidity Index: Up to 78% but now falling rapidly
Beer of the Day: Cumberland Ale