Mike and Terri were there to wave us off this morning - which was wonderful.
Was a difficult first section this morning but Hereford woke us up and after a rest we managed to get back into our rhythm and enjoyed the sunshine, scenery and hills.
Physio Nick who has come down for a couple of days met us on the road just before Monmouth. After a brief chat he headed off to find Greg who had been back into Hereford and then on for a long cycle and was last seen heading for Monmouth. A short while later Nick came back towards us with Greg and his bike on board. Next time we saw them was in the centre of Monmouth high street - Greg and the van facing one way and Nick with his car facing the other - both looking quizically at a one way street with a no entry sign, that we simply ran down to the bridge and out of town. I don't know how they found their way out but they eventually passed us and pulled into a lay-by.
During our rest we met a couple of walkers, Waltraud and Barry. Waltraud impressed us greatly when she told us she had cycled to Munich and back on a tandem... Hmmmm now there's an idea. John - can you ride a bike? John? John?
We enjoyed a lovely last 6 miles along the river Wye in the evening sun.
By some strange coincidence the 630 mile mark was right next to a pub garden. Funny that. Nick had the massage table all set up but we had to wait our turn while he worked on the red ball - I'm beginning to think this ball is getting more attention than we are.
We enjoyed a lovely drink in the evening light and a great chat with a young couple Darryl and Clair. We must also mention May King who made a very generous donation to the cause while we were running in.
Following a careful bit of navigation (and one wrong campsite) we arrived at our stay for the night - only to meet another end to ender, who is walking with his two dogs - northwards (yet another drunken bet). I should just like to point out that at no point in the planning of this adventure has alcohol played an influential part. And that no animals were harmed - well not by us anyway. (We have seen quite a lot of road kill - and just as an aside, I won't be buying Highland water from Sainsbury's in the future, because I know just how many deer and sheep there are in it).
Nick stayed for dinner and then set up an inpromptu massage room in the gents toilet and showers. What a guy.
When I got back from my massage JT was holding an impromptu party with two ladies and a baby. Erica and baby Rugi needed somewhere warm while Greg helped her husband Simon put up their Yurt (answers on a postcard). And Valerie seemed very impressed with our efforts and came across to sponsor us. We are surrounded by lovely and very interesting people.
So the figures 630 down 230 to go. Big day tomorrow - wind permitting we cross the Severn Bridge and turn right! I can hardly wait. If I wasn't so tired I'd be so excited I wouldn't sleep. But I am (tired that is) so I will.....