It is somehow quite fitting that I should start this journey on Air New Zealand’s Hobbit plane. New Zealand re-exporting something English to England.

LAX airport helped reaffirm my choice of Europe rather than the States as the destination – hopefully Europe will do the same.

Now after a mad dash across London, I heading north to Bronty country at speeds unheard of by Kiwi Rail. Actually when I say “mad dash” I really mean I sat on the underground for 30 minutes and 23 tube stops to get to Kings Cross plus conquered countless escalators carrying 40 kilos of assorted bike, gear etc. 

 

Well didn’t get to see the Black Caps play. The first day’s play was cancelled – possibly due to the wind, hail, freezing temps and- did I mention the rain. But at least I catch some cricket the next day when Haworth played another village team

  

And it also has a bar with local beer

 
 

There is a certain exhilaration in riding a fully load touring bike thru London traffic. Mercedes and Audi  drivers proved that they are just as  arrogant  and idiotic as in New Zealand and probably elsewhere. So it was good to get to the canals and off the road.

Harlow, possibly the real “Which way Essex” and all unscripted. I got lost for awhile amongst its delightful 60’s concrete bunker of a city centre and the mammoth pharmaceutical factories and office blocks  before being released back into the country again and a night at the Fox Inn in Matching Tye. A beautiful old pub with great accommodation, real beer and a not meal.

Now tomorrow the weather is rain….. Guess some felt that today was too good. Still must take the bad  with the good

There is something almost therapeutic about cycling in the rain, passing thru The English countryside in the soft mists as rabbits and pheasants range across the landscape. Possibly this is because, as a schoolboy the bike was my escape as I explored country lanes and paths.

Okay enough of that drivel, the rain can be a pain. It is wet thru your shoes etc etc. but then again I could be doing this

Instead I have bridges like this

Reality can strike’ -arriving in Colchester -I’ve been to Tesco’s for food etc – makes Pac&Save look provincial

Tomorrow the ferry to Denmark…

Well I’ve made it to Harwich, okay I must admit I took the train for the last 21 miles – something to do with the cold and wet. Had to oil the chain as it was rusty after yesterday. Stayed at the Rose & Crown on Colchester last night. A 14th century inn now in a busy road intersection on the way out of town. This is it.