Day Seven
Tonight we are camped in a sheep farmer’s field. The campground that we set as our goal today turns out to have been developed into a neighborhood two years ago. A man walking his dog suggested that we ask at the post office about other camping options. A lady in the post office drove to a nearby house to talk to her sister. The sister’s neighbors gave us permission to camp in their field. And so here we are!
The farmers brought us a local cider and a delicious Polish chocolate bar this evening. But they also seemed to feel sorry for our children. “It’s very hard on the kids,” said the woman, looking mournfully in the direction of Lyle and Ruby, who were reading in their tent.
The folks at the inn last night seemed to feel the same way. They looked at the kids with faces full of pity and concern.
Geez. Are we blowing it as parents?
A quick summary from the kids:
Lyle’s favorite things: the pigs, bakeries, thatched roofs, old churches, chocolate. Least favorite things: the hills and not being sure if we’ll have a place to camp.
Ruby’s favorite things: the pigs, rivers, and bakeries. Least favorite thing: the (up)hills.
Down is fun!
A little over 80 miles to Plymouth. We’re seven days and 219 miles into our bicycle tour. — Liv
Love today's stories! The lady in the post office, the cider and chocolate, and sleeping in the sheep pasture. All perfect. About the kid thing: That'll change when you get out of England, into countries that have biking as a part of the culture, where whole towns go for Sunday rides, where the folks eating at outdoor restaurants will stand and applaud as you ride by. Just the fact that you're out there, all day, every day, is perfect. Thanks once more for the great report!
ReplyDeleteOnly 80 miles to Plymouth! Yeah! (Horrible, horrible parents you are. Rocco says he's sooooo glad to have to go to school tomorrow instead.)
ReplyDeleteI am sure that you’re doing a great job with the kids. It is a great experience - both now and to remember later. You can’t love all the hills, can you?! :)
ReplyDeleteHooray for pigs!!! Hahaha, remember the look of horror on that lady's face as Mom and I pedaled away from the campground in France on Day 1 of our second trip? She covered her mouth to muffle the screams. I guess we looked like we were about to topple over and crash. Poor, poor children who get to explore the world on the back of a tandem bicycle! Oh woe, oh woe...
ReplyDeleteOh, and hooray for sisters and Polish chocolate !!
ReplyDeleteThe misterious Giorgio is eagerly waiting for you all! Keep pedaling, you're almost there :-)
ReplyDeleteSmile and admit to yourselves that even although the stokers may have their mournful moments they are accumulating memories for an entire lifetime--right, Liv? I rather suspect that were you to peek inside those tousled heads you would discover that they are proud of the way that they are being different with their Dad and Mom. Stay the course.
ReplyDeleteVon P
you guys are awesome!! I just found my way to this chronicle and I will be following along as if I were there.....only without all the hills and pedaling....but also without the pigs and bakeries :(
ReplyDelete