Day 1

Firstly we want to say a huge thank you for the most fantastic send off yesterday. We left Churchers Junior School first and the children were just lovely, waving their homemade flags and posters - thank you. We then went via St Mary’s Sheet, where friends and family sent us on our way and then finally on arrival at the ferry terminal in the dark and rain, the Taylor tribe were there offering support and encouragement- huge thanks to you all - we couldn’t have felt more loved.

After finally being allowed on to the ferry we only got about 4 hours sleep so even though we started our day with coffee and croissants- it has been a bit if a slog. However, we have completed 55 miles, soaked up the Normandy countryside, seen beautiful chateaus and painted water towers. Mostly D roads today and there is literally no- one on them but us! Agricultural landscape and more hilly than we thought, so it has felt like hard work at times. However we are now both clean and cosy in our Logis hotel looking forward to supper! Bikes and bodies running smoothly, with just the odd complaint from one knee!
Highlights include meeting a super couple on bikes on the ferry who we shared the beginning of the day with - enjoy your Normandy tour David and Sue and that gorgeous gliding feeling as you and your bike fly along smooth roads. Huge bonus - we have hit £5000 - you are all amazing - thank you SO much. Found that out at the ferry terminal and made me cry!
Tricky moments - couple of horrid hills when I was ready to stop! All good practice for the Alps!
Sending love to all and more tomorrow. P and J XX

Room with a view XX