Stretton near Warrington

Thanks Marge! When we retired late last night, Angela discovered her side of the bed was wet. Don't blame me. The heavy rain we'd driven through had blown up and under the van's opening roof window. It's fortunate that Angela's 'child size'. She 'almost' fitted on to the downstairs bench seat.

A beautiful start to the day this morning. Warm and bright. Some archers arrived, setting up their targets on the far side of the cricket pitch, which was meticulously being prepared for today's match. We walked a little way into town to stretch our legs before leaving, our ten pound donation placed in the collection box outside the club house. Thank-you Kendal cricket club for a safe and convenient overnight stop.

Head south Marge. Early afternoon we arrived in Merseyside, where we spent a few hours catching up with John's daughter.

Then onto Warrington to the small village of Stretton to the Stretton Fox public house which offered overnight stops for vans in its car park. We were too late for food, so relaxed over a drink whilst we talked about our packrafting course and our plans going forward.

Back in Marge, we ate Strathdon Blue cheese which Angela bought at the fam shop at the Westmorland service area yesterday. As one of our grandchildren would say, 'it was delicious!'.

Thelwall, nr: Warrington.

Marge is groaning. We said, groaning Marge, not moaning. She is under strain from the bikes on the bike rack, extra clothing and food supplies. We are heading to Scotland's west coast where food supplies are limited, and then later in our trip across to the east coast for a three day pack rafting course. This is to be an activity holiday. Cycling, walking and kayaking.

Angela, inhaler in hand, on the mend after a two week chest infection, will tomorrow plan our month long journey around this beautiful area taking in some of the western isles that we've not visited before. Will it all run smoothly? Well, we'll see. As Angela's late brother used to say. 'Life is for living, rules are for breaking'. So we're going to live life and no doubt Marge will break the rules!

Tonight a pub stop, just a few miles from the M6 motorway. The Pickering Arms is an 18th century black and white pub in the village of Thelwall, unknown to many who drive by as they head north or south on the nearby motorway. For the price of two drinks, plus a meal if you wish, you can stay in a quiet spot, safe and secure in the pub car park. What's not to like? 

Tomorrow, we'll cross the border into Scotland. It's been eighteen months since we were last there and we are looking forward to seeing the area during springtime. We are armed with midge nets for our heads and midge cream. Sorted We hope. Let the fun begin.