WELLS TO OKEHAMPTON

Today was to be another 90-miler so a prompt start was indicated. After an excellent breakfast in a very pleasant B&B this place had thumbs up from us all. As we removed the bikes from the garage we had one last gaze over the gleaming Rolls. Sunny morning - dare we hope for a repeat of yesterday's weather? Again into a fairly flat rural maze of lanes. The weather didn't quite hold out to yesterday's standard, but the showers were light although there was a bit of a troublesome headwind. Still, spirits and progress were good. Arrived in Taunton via cycle path for a refuel at "Morrison's" (vfm). (drink and cake. jerry-2 cakes) ploughed on through Taunton , Cullompton, (it as around here somewhere that we happened upon the Truro Police team that undertaking a fast/supported end to end, although young fit 30somethings, some of them looked a bit dejected, and it probably didn't help having a load carrying 50yr old overtake them on a flat bar! however we did still purloin some of their peanut butter and jam goodies from their support vehicle) Eventually Crediton -this was the around the 70 mile mark so a "lunch" stop was definitely required, Jerry and Chris had Tesco express sarnies while Julian and John made for the chippy (you have to trust your cravings!) It was rather a late lunch so John's fishcake, chips and mushy peas hit the spot! carried on into the chilly westerly towards Okey. Approaching the edge of Dartmoor and our day had gradually transformed from a balmy flattish affair to wind beaten hill climb. tough last 20-30 miles. approaching Okey on a mountainous climb we passed Amy and her Mum (a plucky lady for sure) from the East coast of Ireland struggling under the conditions and some panniers that were straining at the seams. Had a little chat about routes (they were working from a tiny road map) we heard later that they had arrived in Okehampton. hope they made LE ok. Exhausted on arriving to find julian had booked B&B on the top of a hill! Relief to arrive in huge old house that apparently used to be a school. Walked down to pub to meet up with old end to end mate of Jerry's, Trish (large with child) and her hubby John. Pub grub! and off to bed

miles: 90 approx
yellow jersey: Chris