Jack Allen (AKA my Dad) Travel Blog

Map of Thailand

2012-01-23T18:45:00.001Z

Just nipped into The Works to see if they had any books on Thailand. No books but I picked up a map. Bargain at 99p. When I got to the til they told me it was a BOGOF so I went and picked up another map of Thailand. That's one for me and one for Dad for the grand sum of 99p. If that's not a bargain I don't know what is!

I doubt it will be any good for navigating but will be useful to see where Dad is and where he is heading on his trip.

He's off again .... and this time it's Thailand

2012-01-21T13:04:00.000Z

Well he's been talking about it for awhile but he's now booked his flights and Dad and his bike are off to Thailand in February and this trip he'll have some company as his pal Dave King is also going.

Dad is heading out a few days earlier than Dave and his first stop will be the island of Phuket - now be careful how you say that because in this instance the "Ph" is NOT pronounced as "F" ! No real plans yet other than bike, coast and pedal, so if anyone has "must see" tips on places to visit then let us know. Also any useful advice on things to take, places to stay, or any contact information for friends out that way would also be most welcome.

He's heading off on the 18th February, so watch this space for updates on his trip.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T17:40:00.001Z

Well here we are in 2012. Dad saw the New Year in up in the Lake District. He's probably been up some mountain today .... starting the year off as he means to go on ! He's only off for a few days so it's not a long adventure !

Hope 2012 brings you much joy and happiness.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-21T12:23:00.000Z

Well doesn't a year go quickly .... here we are with just a few days of 2011 left. Dad has no plans to go away at Christmas but will be off up the Lake District to bring in the New Year. He is already in the planning stage of his next trip in 2012.

We would just like to take this opportunity of wishing you all well and to say ...

A letter from Cuba

2011-11-15T19:28:00.001Z

While in Cuba earlier in the year my Dad met up with a guy and they shared a common interest - bikes ! My Dad gave him some spares parts for his Raleigh bike as Dad was nearing the end of his trip and no longer needed the spares. I wrote in Dad's blog about the meeting - Day 20 .

My Dad received this lovely letter last week (took nearly six months to get here !) and I thought I'd share it with you. If you click on the letter it will open it in a new window.

I'll write back and hopefully it will not take six months to get there.

Almost 10,000 views

2011-10-14T21:40:00.001+01:00

Can you believe, almost 10,000 page views on Dad's blog ... so who actually is reading this blog ?

Apparently there have 444 pageviews in the last month - bizarre. The post I wrote on Charmouth Aug 17, 2009 while Dad was cycling around the coast, always seems to be the top of the list of views. This last month it had 39 views. Why, what did I write on that day that was so interesting ?

Always strange to look at the stats of the audience viewing the blog. There were over 100 views from the UK this last week (probably all me !) but then US had 26, Canada had 15, Russia 10 (can the Russians understand what I write) and India and Japan 3 views each - all this sounds a bit like the voting on the Eurovision Song Contest !

53% of the readers view the blog in IE, 22% Firefox, 13% Chrome and then Safari, Opera and less than 1% on NS8 - whatever that is.

Most users are using Windows (83%), then Mac (10%) and then through Linux, Andriod and with less than 1% on a Blackberry ... well they have been struggling this week !

Still get a high proportion of traffic from Mike Carter's article in the Guardian and from Facebook and assume from his followers.

Now my own blog which has been going longer has had just over 500 hits ... says a lot really !

Lake District Day 6 and 7

2011-10-14T19:31:00.001+01:00

Didn't get chance blog yesterday. Had a quick phone call with Dad last night. The weather had turned good so they all headed off up Scafell Pike. Unfortunately they didn't quite make it to the very top as the cloud came down. They had two attempts but in the end decided against it. It was quite a long day and they'd not long been in when I spoke to him. Dad was "killing a bit of time" waiting for Spag Bol for tea !

Today the weather has been dry but a bit dull and cloudy. However still a good day for walking. They decided to stay low level today (still feeling the affects of Scafell from yesterday). They finished off the walk at the pub for a celebratory pint ! On the menu tonight was stir fry ... hopefully Dad might come back with a few more recipes up his sleeve !

Heading home tomorrow.

Lake District Day 5

2011-10-12T22:46:00.000+01:00

Spoke to Dad earlier. Yet more rain! Apparently overnight it had "lashed" it down and there was some localised flooding! Thankfully Dad's friend Bob who was camping down at the pub had pitched his tent on higher ground and stayed dry overnight ... the kids out doing Duke of Edinburgh Award hadn't faired so well ! Lesson to be learnt there I think.

A late start this morning while they waited for the rain ease. When it eventually did stop raining about 10.30 am they headed off for a coastal walk. They walked from St Bees to Whitehaven and then headed back on a slightly inland route.

Dad's turn in the kitchen tonight. He did chicken curry (from a tin) and rice. They ought to be thankfully he didn't buy a tin of Butcher's Choice, thinking it was curry, like he did when he was cycling round the coast ! Pudding was peaches and rice pudding. When I asked if he'd made the rice pudding, he said "yeah, I opened the tin" ! Food must have been good, or they were starving, as they cleared their plates.

No nipping off the pub tonight ...

Lake District Day 4

2011-10-11T19:31:00.000+01:00

Just spoken to Dad. Weather hasn't been brill today again but they managed to get a low level walk in around Gosforth. They didn't set out until 10.30 and had to have lunch sheltering from the rain but at least they got a walk in. They'd finished walking by about 4.00 pm.

Whilst out walking Dad found a very wet wallet, with cash, driving licence, cards, etc in. It was a local address and when they'd finished walking Dad went off in the car in search of the owner. He asked at the Post Office and Campsite if anyone knew the address. Eventually he found someone to give him directions and headed off to find what Dad described as "the most remotest house ever" ! Luckily there was someone in and Dad reunited the son with his wallet. Apparently he had lost it some time ago whilst out on his mountain bike but he actually thought he'd lost it in the house so hadn't applied for a new driving licence. The lad gave Dad £15 for returning the wallet - nice gesture. The money is currently drying on the heater in Dad's room and he is planning on going down the pub with it later !

Dad's friend Bob has arrived and is currently camping down by the pub ... so that's another excuse for Dad to nip out to see him !

Lake District Day 3

2011-10-10T19:25:00.002+01:00

Just spoken to Dad. They've had a very wet morning. In the end they ended up getting the waterproofs on and walking to a cafe half an hour away, having a brew and walking back again. They then had their packed lunch in the cottage and by that time the weather had cleared up and they headed off for a walk around Wast Water. On the way back they stopped off at the pub ... Dad thought the women would head back to the cottage but they all stayed for a drink !

Dad was just waiting for his evening meal when he rang. So far the food has been good with each taking a turn to cook the evening meal ... I can't wait til it's Dad's turn!

Tomorrow, Dad's friend Bob is heading up but he is camping at the pub ... well I think that's just another excuse for my Dad to visit the pub ! Hopefully they will get another walk in tomorrow but again the weather forecast not very good.

Lake District day 2

2011-10-09T19:10:00.001+01:00

Spoke to Dad earlier. The weather hasn't been as bad today as forecast. They've done some low level walking in dry and relatively warm weather.

Dad had a good night down the pub last night - got his dinner and his beer bought for him by his friends for his birthday. That's always a good night out.

When I spoke to him they were just getting ready for the evening meal .... they'd over come a bit of a crisis in getting the oven to work. That must mean there is more than just cup-a-soup on the menu tonight if they are using the oven!

Hopefully speak to Dad tomorrow and I'll update again.

Lake District

2011-10-08T19:31:00.001+01:00

Dad is off on his travels again ! He's off to the Lake District for the week. Not a great start ... wet, misty and damp were the words he used!

They had a good journey up having lunch at Windermere and a cuppa at Ravensglass and got to the cottage just after 4.00 pm (earliest they could gain access was 4.00).

They are staying in a cottage at Santon Bridge, Eskdale and some how Dad has managed to swing it so he's got the biggest bedroom and the double bed ! Hope he doesn't get used to the "luxury" .... he's used to sleeping on a mat in his tent. Only place with a phone signal is the attic bedroom. Tonight they are off the pub for a late birthday meal, any excuse for a pub meal !

Tomorrow they are staying low level to do some walking as the forecast is not good but forecast should be improving come Tuesday.

Happy Birthday

2011-10-07T10:42:00.000+01:00

Today is Dad's birthday ...

Hope you have a great day Dad.

Back-packer returns ..

2011-10-02T21:07:00.001+01:00

Dad got back on Thursday evening just in time to settle down and watch Stoke beat Besiktas live on TV.

He had a great trip with great weather. After coming off Cadair Idris on Wednesday they'd camped at Hafod Dywyll Campsite which is close to Kings Youth Hostel. There they met up with a guy named Geoff who kindly sent me a photo of Dad and Bob as they were about to depart on Thursday morning.

They then headed on back to Fairbourne.

He's picked a good week ...

2011-09-28T22:00:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has picked a good week to go back-packing! Weather has been great for late September. Dad and Bob headed off on the train on Monday to Aberdovey. They then walked along the beach to Twywn and headed inland 4 miles to the campsite which was next to a steam railway. Monday nights menu was fit for a king ... cup-a-soup, noodles with a sprinkling of mature cheddar cheese and the final touch - a sachet of tomato ketchup which Dad had picked up from a cafe earlier in the day.

Spoke to Dad earlier today and they were just below the summit of Cadair Idris. They were just having lunch. Dad's usual of cheese and onion sandwiches! Great weather, great views. Apparently yesterday they found a nice spot for lunch but it was a bit whiffy. At first they thought Dad's mature cheddar had matured a bit too much. Only turned out that were sharing their picnic spot with a dead sheep !

Tonight they are camping (somewhere with no mobile phone signal!) and then they will be heading back home tomorrow.

Tour of Britain - Stage 3 Stoke-on-Trent

2011-09-14T19:56:00.003+01:00

Had a great day yesterday out with Dad and Andy "chasing" the Tour of Britain around Stoke-on-Trent. Initially we headed down to Trentham for the start. It was great to wander around the support vehicles and team coaches looking at the bikes and catching a glimpse of the riders.

Mark Cavendish

Team Sky Bikes

Team Sky bikes

Mark Cavendish and the rest of the riders rolling out from Trentham

We watched them roll-out of Trentham and then after we picked up a quick coffee "to go" we headed over to Gun Hill. After last year we decided this time to leave the car at the bottom and walk up. It wasn't too bad a walk up and we had plenty of time. We found our spot on a the windy top of Gun Hill and waited for the riders to come over.

Sky riders and Cav coming over the top of Gun Hill

Once the race and all the support vehicles had come over Gun Hill we headed back down and jumped in the car to head up to Hanley to catch the end. Dad took the "scenic" route back and I was giving him updates roughly where the race was from Twitter updates. Dad was confident we'd make it back to Hanley with plenty of time. As we were heading up Holden Bridge I told Dad that the leaders had only 5km to go .... it was then a made dash up to Hanley. Dad dropped me and Andy off on Town Road while he went park the car and we legged it across Hanley. We could see the helicopter and as we got closer we could hear the commentator. Just as we rounded the corner we heard that the leading group had already crossed the line! However we did manage to catch the rest of the peloton and the stragglers at the back. The stage was won by Lars Boom of Rabobank.

I waited around and watched the podium presentations, had a photo taken with Dean Downing and then had to go in search of Dad. Eventually found him sitting outside Go Outdoors !

A great days racing around Stoke-on-Trent.

He does come back ...

2011-09-14T19:23:00.001+01:00

My Dad is like a boomerang ... I post he's off on his travels and then forget to post when he's back. Anyway he does come back !

Delemere Forest was a bit wet. In fact one night the tent resembled an Ark as it was surrounded my water ! It wasn't raining in from the top but lapping up over the door ! Anyway after a bit of drying out the following day they were fine.

Dad went off in search of and eventually found the Eureka Cafe - or as he likes to call it Ikea! I was starting to get worried when he said he'd had breakfast in Ikea as I had visions of him cycling along the M62. It wouldn't be the first time he'd got escorted off the motorway.

He also found a boat museum which he thought was on Manchester ship canal. It was in fact the Shropshire Union canal!

It wasn't the driest of weekends ... but what did he expect for a Bank Holiday weekend !

The bike is out again

2011-08-26T22:21:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has gone off on the bike for the weekend and the rain has made an appearance. He's camping at Delamere Forest. He managed to get the tent up and then, in Dad's words "it hammered it down". It rained that much that outside the tent had flooded ... so I suppose the tent was more like a boat ! When I spoke to Dad the tent hadn't rained in but there is still time !

The ride over to Delamere had been mainly rain free ... with about a half hour when the rain gear had to come out.

Camp site is quite busy, but I suppose that's because it's Bank Holiday weekend. Got a good spot up by a hedge, so if wind picks up tonight they will have some protection. Highlight of the evening was the Fish & Chip van and the pub is a bit too far to walk.

Tomorrow he is off to the Eureka Cafe ... well he is if he can find it again !

Review One Man and his Bike - Mike Carter

2011-06-26T20:13:00.000+01:00

Just left the following review on Amazon

Just finished reading Mike Carter's One Man and his Bike and I loved it. Ok I had a vested interest for reading the book as both my Dad and myself get a mention, but that aside, this book shows that Britain is not broken.

One Man and his Bike takes the reader on a journey around the coast of Britain. Mike writes really well and the book is a compelling and an enjoyable read. In places I found myself laughing out loud especially when he talks about what he packed in his panniers! There is no room on a bike for a “just in case” ! He talks about the places and the people he meets on his trip. How strangers want to talk to you, are interested in what you are doing and most of all offer such kindness. I know this to be true as while Mike was cycling anti-clockwise around Britain my Dad was cycling clockwise. Strangers think nothing of inviting you into their home, feeding you and offering you a bed for the night.

Most people will have visited or know of the places that Mike talks about so when reading this book it will bring back many fond memories of times spent around the coast of Britain.

For anyone with a bike, a tent and few months on their hands, forget about doing Lejog/Jogle this is what you should be doing. Oh and don’t do it for charity …. do it for the fun of.

Camping/biking in Scotland

2011-06-26T19:19:00.000+01:00

Dad has had a few days camping at Barcaldine camping and caravan site which is about 12 miles north of Oban. A nice campsite but the only drawback the nearest place to eat/get a pint was 12 miles away (that was probably Oban !). He's had a hike up to the trig point on Glen Stockdale but mostly he's been out on the bike. There are some good cycle routes around that area. He's had a couple of rides into Oban.

On Friday he took the ferry from Port Appin over to the Isle of Lismore. Bargain at £1.50 for foot passengers - the bike went free! The isles is just 12 miles long by 1.5 miles wide (I think even I could ride that !) so Dad rode out to the lighthouse for dinner. The name Lismore comes from the Gaelic "Great Garden" ... I think that would be lost on my Dad ! Dad was going to stop off somewhere en-route back to the campsite for tea but couldn't find anywhere so it was back to the campsite and Dad rustled up "Jack's Greatest Menu" - cup-a-soup, beef curry and smash and a tin of rice pudding for afters! He managed to see two eagles. One was in the distance the other was flying down the lane in from of him. Wonder if Dad managed to tuck in behind and get in it's slipstream!

On Saturday it rained so he decided to head off on his bike to the Sealife Centre. However there was no where secure to leave his bike - they told him to "park" it on the car-park so Dad decided to give it a miss. Why advertise the Sealife Centre on the cycle routes if there isn't anywhere secure to leave a bike ! So Dad headed back to the campsite with a Sunday paper. By the time he'd read it the rain had stopped so he went off for a ride. He managed to see deer and he also saw another eagle which landed in a tree but by the time he'd got his binoculars out it had flown off.

Just spoke to Dad - he was in the shower block. I did say that was a bit much information! It rained all last night and today. It rained so much last night that his tent sprung a leak (an ex-plumber should be used to dealing with leaks!) and his sleeping bag got wet. So tonight he is in Loch Lomond YHA. Dad apparently got the last bed It's a great hostel - I've stayed in it myself. I was giving Dad directions to the local pub/restaurant but Dad has said if it doesn't stop raining he ain't going out! He's been down to see what food they have on in the hostel but apparently the Chef hasn't turned up. I can see my Dad offering "Jack's Greatest Menu" to others in the hostel :) I wonder how many cup-a-soup he has left !

He's met a fellow septuagenarian cyclist in his dorm who is tracing a route he cycled in 1952 ! I bet there will be some cycling stories swapped tonight.

Tomorrow he is heading on down to the Lake District to meet up with friends.

He'll probably be home Wednesday.

Kinlochleven

2011-06-21T20:01:00.000+01:00

Spoke to Dad earlier. He has moved on from his friend Bill's house today to an independant hostel at Kinlochleven. I think it's probably Blackwater Hostel. He had tried to get in at the hostel at Glencoe but they were full.

Today has been wet. He did set out walking up one of the munroes but at around 2,000 ft the cloud and rain set in so he turned back. Shame as there were only another 1,000 ft to go.

His intention was to camp tonight but the rain put the dampers on that ! Up until today the weather has been great. It's not been going dark til about 11.00 pm. Tonight he's hoping to get a pint or two in.

Tomorrow he is heading towards Oban.

Still in Scotland

2011-06-19T19:50:00.000+01:00

Spoke to Dad earlier ... well it is father's day ! He's had a good time at Dundonnel. He even had chance to go up An Teallach which at 3,400ft is quite a climb! Weather has been mixed while they been at Dundonnel.

He is now staying with Bill again at Cuil Bay Duror. He's been there a couple of days. They had a trip part way up Ben Nevis in the gondala and watched the downhill mountain bikers. They can get down from the gondala station to the bottom in four minutes ! Dad says it's like they are flying down the mountain. Rather them than me !

Today he has been for a walk along the Cuil Bay this morning and this afternoon Dad has helped Bill in the garden. Dad is no gardener and cannot distinguish a plant from a weed so had to be given lessons on what to cut and what not to cut!

Tomorrow they are off to Glen Etive.

What makes a man a Dad

2011-06-13T18:25:00.000+01:00

I entered a competition on Photobox ... Man to Dad. What makes a man a Dad. The photo I entered was Dad returning from cycling the coast of Britain. Not the best piece of photography I've done but it caught the moment as he saw us all out waiting from him on his return.

Well the photo got shortlisted to a list of 70. It then got into the Judges Favourite of which there are 21. I'm well happy.

This is the photo I entered

Scottish trip.

2011-06-11T22:11:00.000+01:00

Had a few texts from Dad when he could get a signal.which I seem to have deleted ! Apparently they'd never planned to go to Skye. Dad had assumed when they were heading to Mallaig that they were going to Skye. He even commented that they had set off at the wrong time to catch the ferry ! However it was the ferry to Inverie that they were heading for!

Following a few days in Inverie they headed off to Achininver where they stayed in the Hostel . Looks a very nice isolated hostel ! Spoke to Dad when he was on the top of Stac Pollaidh or Stack Polly. Well it was one of the few places he could get a signal. Great views from up there !

He is currently at Ullapool staying at the hostel. It can't be very photogenic as there is no photo on the web page ! Today it's been a wet day but so far on this trip he hasn't done bad for weather.

On Tuesday he'll be heading for Dundonnel and staying in Sail Mhor hostel.

Will update when I hear more.

Mike Carter - One Man and his Bike

2011-06-06T21:03:00.001+01:00

Well Dad's fathers day present arrived today ... Mike Carter's book One Man and his Bike. Mike cycled in the opposite direction to Dad around the coast of Britain. Dad met up with Mike twice. Just flicking through the book and I notice as well as Dad I get a mention. The only time I see Kendal in print is in a road atlas ! So I've had to order another copy!

Anyone interested in the book - Amazon are selling it for £6.95 at the moment.

Looking forward to reading it.

Cycling around Coast of Britain some updates

2011-06-05T18:44:00.000+01:00

Mike Carter the journalist who Dad met up with a couple of times whilst cycling around Britain has published his book and it's now out. It's called One Man and his bike . Got Dad a copy for fathers day .... just waiting for Amazon to deliver it. I think I may have a sneaky read before Dad as he's away until the mid/end of June ! Apparently Dad gets a mention !

I've also had a tweat from a Anne Hughes (@EatSleepCycle) who is in the "planning" stage of her own cycle ride of the coast of Britain. She has a blog as well for those who want to follow her journey.

Bonnie Scotland

2011-06-05T18:10:00.000+01:00

Well Dad had a good journey up to Bonnie Scotland calling in at Fort William on the way. He had a few days staying with a friend a Cuil Bay. Weather was fantastic ... clear blue skies. They had a drive over to Glencoe and a walk around the lake watching the fishermen.

The plan according to Dad was on Friday to catch the ferry from Malliag over to Skye. However I got an answerphone message to say there had been a change of plan and they were now in Inverie - which when I looked at the travel plan that Dad's friend had done that's exactly where they should be! Dad was probably reading the plan upside down (a bit like his map reading !).

So Dad is now in Inverie. They are staying in Torrie Sheiling bunkhouse - which is so remote I can't even find a photo !

Anyway I don't expect to hear from him now until Tuesday as the area has no phone signal. !

Will update when I hear again.

He is off again

2011-05-31T19:28:00.000+01:00

Well Dad is off tomorrow. He is heading up north of the border. He's having a few days in Oban visiting friends, a few days in Fortwilliam and then he is heading over to Skye and then back to Scotland. He'll be away 3 to 4 weeks. He's taken the tent, the bike, a chair and they've also got hostel accommodation booked !

He'll send me some updates so I'll keep you posted on his whereabouts in and around bonnie Scotland.

Dougie Mac cycle ride

2011-05-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

Dad took part in the Dougie Mac cycle ride today. He was on the 50 mile to Nantwich. He managed to get off by 9.30 ... it took an hour to "check-in". A bit of a blustery day out on the road but the rain that threatened most held off.

I headed out to met him on the way back. However Dad had given me duff instructions as to which road they were heading down so I decided to wait at the drink station in Wrinehill - at around the 38 mile point. I text Dad to tell him I would be there.

I had around half an hour wait, chatting to the cyclists as they stopped off for a drink. I then spotted Dad heading down the road.

I gave him a shout and he waved at me. Shouted again and that's when he noticed me, so he pulled in for a drink.

Had a quick chat, a drink and he had his photo taken.

and then he was back on the road again.

He was back at Michelin by 1.30 pm. It had taken him 4 hours with a 15 minute puncture repair.

Some photos

2011-05-08T19:51:00.001+01:00

Well Dad took with him a disposable camera ... I wish he'd move into the digital age - as disposable cameras don't give the best results ! Anyway here are a few photos from his trip

Some of the old cars in Havana and a yellow taxi

Old Station in Havana

Dad's taxi ! The Casa he was staying is just behind

Carribean sea - just outside Santiago de Cuba

Casa in La Boca

Evening meal at the Casa in La Boca. Fish, veg, salad and fruit.

Bay of Pigs

Casa at Cienfuegos - roof top view

Guama - reconstruction of a Taino village

Local transport !

Giant Crab ... Dad said there were lots on the road - not sure they would be quite that size !

Here's one I caught earlier. Guess what's on the menu for tea ! This was a Dad's Casa.

The north coast of Cuba - Playa Jibacoa

View from Casa at Vinales of the Mogotes

Vinales - Mogotes

Playa Baracoa

Motorbike and sidecar

Tall ship Havana

Dad told me he'd done this trip on his own ... but look what I found in his photos ! Looks like he had quite an entourage. They were a group of Italian cyclists.

He's back !

2011-05-05T11:36:00.000+01:00

Got a text off Andy last night to say Dad had landed and was just waiting for his bike. Had another about midnight to say they were home !

Just spoken to Dad and he slept like a log last night. He was off to Asda to stock up on supplies !

Day 28 - he's on his way home

2011-05-04T15:17:00.000+01:00

Well I got a text in the night to say "flight delayed five hours" so I've been keeping an eye on departures from Cuba and his flight has now left Cuba destined for Gatwick Airport. On the last check he was roughly half way - some where over the ocean. Still another 4 hours 45 minutes to go. He should get into Gatwick around 8.00 ish this evening.

Unfortunately I'm out this evening but will update later.

Day 27 - Havana

2011-05-03T21:41:00.001+01:00

Well the bike is boxed and ready for the journey home. Dad is spending his last day in Havana on foot !

His flight home is just after midnight Cuban time (5.00 am our time). He is due back at Gatwick at 3.00 pm tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully he'll have a good journey home.

Will update if I hear anymore off him ...

Day 26 - Havana

2011-05-02T22:21:00.001+01:00

Well Dad is back in Havana today. He had an easy day and was back by 11.30 this morning and the weather is cloudy ! I assume he's staying at Casa Galeano because his plan was to leave his bike box there.

He text to say he was in Baracoa last night which is about 8km inland. Wasn't a paritcularly good night ... in Dad's words it was a bit like Blackpool ! The Casa was very busy and there were alot of people around the pool which was very noisy.

Today it's rained for the first time since Dad arrived in Cuba - told Dad it hasn't rained here for weeks! He's had his first mishap - the frame for his bar bag has broke. It's a good job he's heading home tomorrow !

Day 25 - possibly still Baracoa

2011-05-01T21:58:00.001+01:00

Had a text from Dad earlier to say he'd got not signal at the Casa. He was down by the beach. He'd been for a swim in the pool at the Casa and he'd been watching the May Day parades in the towns and villages. What he didn't say was where he actually was ! He'd had a good night last night ... I should think so he'd got the bed while the family slept on the floor !

Tomorrow he is heading back to Havana.

I'll update if I hear back as to where he actually is.
Updated to say yes he was still in Baracoa !

Day 24 Baracoa

2011-04-30T22:15:00.000+01:00

Dad has had a good day on the bike. Today he's biked out of Batabano ... which he didn't particular like nor the accommodation he was staying in. Tonight he's in Baracoa which isn't far from Havana. I was slightly concerned when I Googled Baracoa and found it right over on the eastern tip of Cuba ... and I thought Dad would have needed more than a strong tailwind to get there in a day and he certainly wouldn't have passed a drug test ! Anyway I text and asked which one and he clarified the one just outside Havana.

Today he's cycled through Bejucal (which apparently is where Andy Garcia lived until he was 5 - but Dad has probably never heard of him) and then on through lots of small villages. There has been plenty of arm waving as Dad has been asking for directions - the Cubans flap as much as my Dad when directing.

Unfortunately Dad couldn't find a bed for the night but someone has taken pity on him and offered their bed - they are sleeping on the floor. So today he'll be dining with the Cubans and his bike sharing the yard with some pigs! He did say they were very friendly family. He's off for a swim later.

Day 23 Batabano

2011-04-29T21:47:00.000+01:00

Dad sent his usual early evening text (well early afternoon in Cuba). He is now in a place called Batabano which is on the south coast of Cuba. Today's route has taken him through many none tourist places - Candalarie, Artensia, Guira, Demelena and into Batabano. Dad had hoped to get on a ferry over to Juventud but they will not take his bike and told him come back tomorrow. Dad is not taking the risk of getting over there and then not being able to get back to Havana.

Dad is in a house tonight but he's moving back to the north coast tomorrow as he's not liking Batabano area.

Day 22 Soroa

2011-04-28T19:56:00.000+01:00

Dad text earlier. He's had a hard day on the bike today ... well it make up for the easy day yesterday. He's cycled 100 km (around 62 miles) but it has been with a headwind. He said he could have had a lift on a ox cart but decided to tuck behind a tractor with a trailer load of people for about half an hour.

He's back in Soroa which he cycled through on Monday. He's sorted himself a Casa for the night. It's one he'd spotted when he was cycling through. He was just off to have a shower.

Dad met an English lad a couple of days ago. He was out in Vinales for the rock climbing. Must have been good to have someone have a decent chat to.

Dad will be heading back towards Havana tomorrow.

Day 21 Pina de Rio

2011-04-27T20:11:00.000+01:00

Dad has had an easy day today ... in fact he'd done by 10.00 am ! He'd cycled the 30 km down from Vinales to Pina de Rio which is out on the western most province in Cuba.

So once he arrived in Pina de Rio the day has been spent walking ... he's walked his legs off. The place itself isn't very big on tourism - there isn't even a Wikipedia page for it ! However there is a cigar factory and a rum factory - I wonder if Dad went on a tour of either of them ! He's booked himself into a Casa for the night.

He's not sure where he's heading next ... he's got four days to get back to Havana.

Day 20 - Vinales

2011-04-27T09:27:00.001+01:00

Dad has had a great ride ... in what the Lonley Planet says is the most interesting ride in Cuba! What it doesn't say is that it's also the most pot-hold ride in Cuba - funny how guidebooks miss that out. It is a route that the Vuelta a Cuba races on. Wonder what Dad's average speed for the ride was ... a lot slower than the pros but then again they are not carrying a month's worth of clobber with them.

Dad's route took him through La Guira - which was originally a colonial estate known as Hacienda Cortina, La Palma and into San Vinente. Dad has riden past many Mogotes. I spent a good 10 minutes wondering what that could be in text speak! Well it's actually a real word and it's a limestone hill formed during the Jurassic period.

The VinalesValley is a national park area and lots of tourist visit. However Dad did say he'd not seen many tour buses today. Dad has managed to find himself a Casa for the night. There seems to be quite a few in the Rough Guide so he would have had not trouble finding one.

He also said that when he was in the spa town of San Diego he meet an English teacher who took him on a tour of the spa. The teacher was also a biker so Dad left him some spare parts he'd taken with him. Hopefully not all of them especially as he's been riding on pot-holed roads !

Day 19 - San Diego de los Banas

2011-04-25T22:27:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has made it San Diego de los Banos (or page 192 of the Rough Guide to Cuba !). According to the guide book this is a "laidback little village with healing waters". Tourists and Cubans visit for prescribed course of treatments as well as beauty therapy .... Dad may still have time to become the Handsomest Man in Cuba !

Another good day on the bike. Today it was walking and biking day as some of the hills were a bit on the steep side. Dad cycled through Las Terrazas, past a couple of lakes and onto Soroa. Dad then picked up the Motorway (I assume cycles were allowed on it) and he cycled 35km to Los Palacios. He then picked up some small roads and headed on to San Diego de los Banas.

There are few signposts in Cuba and apparently Cubans swing their arms about more than Dad when giving directions - I find that hard to believe !! He's sorted himself a Casa for the night.

No idea where he his heading tomorrow ... so watch this space.

Day 18 Las Terrazas

2011-04-24T22:16:00.001+01:00

Got a text off Dad earlier. He is about 5 km short of Las Terrazas which is a small community and nature reserve in the Sierra del Rosario mountain range. On reading up on Las Terrazas it is a ecotourism site and one of the most important in the country.

He's had a great day on the bike, probably one of the best of the trip so far. He'd been following the coast road at the start of the day to La Boca. He then headed inland to Mariel which is about 40 km from Havana. It was then onto Cabanas (I've just spent the last half hour looking for a place called Cabaoas which is what Dad text !) . Lots of lakes and mountains ... and to quote Dad "it's like cycling in the 50's no cars and small roads". The 50's are way before my time !!! He's probably clocked up around 75/80kms today.

He's sorted himself a Casa for the night. No Easter eggs on the menu ... he said they would probably melt in the heat !

Handsomest Man in Cuba - Lynette Chiang

2011-04-24T18:05:00.001+01:00

I've just finished reading Lynette's book ... I know I've taken my time reading it but with blogging and everything else I just don't get time at the moment to read! I found it really useful as it gave me an insight into Cuba that the normal tourist books don't. I could imagine the places Dad was cycling through and the people he would be meeting.

Anyway I've left the following review on both Amazon and Goodreads as I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone who can get their hands on it. Just a pity we didn't find it before Dad set off. Anyway he can read it on his return and who knows Dad may publish a sequel to the book.

****
Forget about the Guidebooks to Cuba ... Lynette has written about the everyday life of ordinary Cuban people. She takes you with her on a journey around Cuba. She shuns the tourist routes and expensive hotels and instead she lives on a small budget staying with the people she meets on her travels. The book is about their life, their culture, and how they survive on a modest income.

The book is very readable and offers not only an insight into Cuban life but also into Lynette's life as well.

I only wished we'd found this book before my Dad headed off on his bike to Cuba earlier this month ... however thanks to the wonder of the Internet and text messages I have managed to get him to track down at least one of the families Lynette talks about in the book and they offered my Dad the same hospitality as they did Lynette.

I would definitely recommend this book to people who want to experience the "real" Cuba.

Day 17 - Havana

2011-04-23T19:33:00.000+01:00

Dad is back in Havana tonight staying at Casa Galeano - I should know because I booked him in ! There was more traffic on the road today, probably because it's the weekend. Dad took the coast road passing through Santa Cruz del Norte, Campo Florido and back into Havana ... well not before he was escorted off the motorway but the police as there was a tunnel coming up and bikes were not allowed through the tunnel. Dad took the ferry instead. Never a trip goes by when Dad isn't escorted off some motorway or other by the police.

The Casa Galeano is in Vedado which is a suburb of Havana. Tomorrow Dad will be heading to Vinales. I've managed to top up his mobile phone for him so he can keep in touch. At 40p a text mobile credit doesn't go far !

Day 16 - Playa Jibacoa

2011-04-22T21:45:00.001+01:00

Dad text earlier. He's had a good ride today. Lots of ups and downs and bends and some great views. The Varadera road is a toll road which is free for bikes. However the road to Matanzas was a bike free road (no bikes allowed) so Dad took the coast road instead.

He's had problems getting a bed tonight as a lot of the cabins were full of Cubans - it must be their holiday time. However he's managed to get a Casa in Playa Jibacoa. The Casa is on the coast so he was off for swim this afternoon.

He text later to say the family in the Casa where he was staying had been fishing and caught a 4ft fish (Dad did say he'd got photos to prove) so I guess it's fish for tea tonight, well it is Good Friday.

Tomorrow Dad will be heading back to Havana.

Day 15 - Varadera

2011-04-21T21:40:00.001+01:00

Dad is now on the west coast of Cuba in a place called Varadera. He's had a hard day on the bike with head and cross winds and long straight roads ! His text says "started on 4 lane Cuban motorway" ... I hope he his kidding but knowing Dad's track record of cycling on various motorways he's probably not !

Today's route has taken him through Jovellanos, Carlos Rojas, Jose Smith Comas (unusual sounding place) and then on through Cardenas and eventually arriving in Varadera. The place he is staying is 80% tourist - Dad will not be liking that! Reading the blurb about it, it is one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. The resort is on the Hicacos Peninsula which is only 1.2 km wide ... so there is no getting away from the tourist! However Dad will probably be able to stock up on any necessities whilst he's in a "touristy" place.

Tomorrow Dad will head back towards Havana as he's asked me to book accommodation for Saturday night at Casa Galeano which is where he stayed when he first arrived in Havana.

Day 14 - Australia

2011-04-20T22:35:00.002+01:00

No Dad hasn't caught the first plane out of Cuba to Oz ... he's in a place in Cuba called Australia ! Been a bit wet on the bike, I think it's the first time he's had rain (well it's the first time he's mentioned it!). He stopped of in La Boca Guama where there is a replica Taino village. I thought my Dad's text said Tiny village - I had visions of him touring a model village ! Dad met lots of bikers in La Boca Guama. In fact three coach loads, so around 60 cyclists. Dad said he was glad he was going "solo".

He is currently staying at the Batey Don Pedro hotel. The hotel is located in the natural setting on Peninsula de Zapata - one of the most important ecosystems in Cuba and the largest swamp reserve in the Caribbean. Dad did mention that he had been riding through swamp land and he has seen lots of birds today. Reading the blurb it says the area of Las Salinas and Hatiguanico is where you can see more then 65 species of migratory, endemic and native birds and is ideal place for resting, bird watching and fishing. I bet he's not taken his binoculars with him.

Tomorrow is heading for the West Coast.

Day 13 - Playa Girdon

2011-04-19T21:29:00.000+01:00

Had a text off Dad earlier. He'd had an early start this morning. He was on the road by 7.00 am and he biked til 9.00 am. It was then a pit-stop for suncream and sunglasses and then back on the road and onto Playa Girdon which is part of the Bay of Pigs - pigs being a type of tiggerfish rather than the bacon buttie type of pig. Today's ride was mainly on flat roads and Dad had reached Playa Girdon by 1.00 pm

Today marked the 50th Anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion but in typical Dad fashion he arrived after the celebrations had finished !

He's sorted himself a Casa and planned to go for a swim this afternoon ... it's sounding a bit like a Triathlon holiday rather than a biking holiday !

He'd ordered an evening meal of crocodile ... I text him back to say "hope they make that "snappy" when serving it up ! "

Not sure of his plans for tomorrow ... but I must remember to top up his mobile phone soon or we will not be getting anymore updates. At 40p a text, credit doesn't last long.

Day 12 - Cienfuegos

2011-04-18T22:59:00.001+01:00

Got a text from Dad earlier to say he was now in Cienfuegos. He got there about 1 o'clock so he must have had an early start from Trinidad this morning. He's had a good ride. Last night Dad went "self-catering" as he had a house to look after for the night ! Who would leave my Dad in charge of a house! He must have eaten out at a restaurant as he text to say fish was on the menu.

Not sure what the Casa is called where Dad is staying tonight (I've texted him to ask) in Cienfuegos but it's on the sea front with good views out over the bay and of the ships in the port. Don't think there will be any swimming today though so instead Dad has been for a walk along the sea front. Tonight on the menu is lobster. He'll be nipping into Asda when he gets home ordering a lobster!

Well the "tip" to take £5.00 notes wasn't much use and Dad has now changed them into Cuban pesos.

Tomorrow Dad is heading for Playa Girón and the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion which happened 50 years ago to the day - well the 17th -19th April 1961 !

Day 11 - Trinidad

2011-04-17T21:37:00.000+01:00

Dad text me earlier to say he'd had a great evening meal last night in the Sol y Mar Hostel - king prawns. I hope they didn't arrive at the table with their heads still on ! Reading the reviews for the hostel it does say the "host is probably the best cook in Cuba". There are a couple of lads from Devon staying in the hostel but they are there for the music, beer and late nights. Now the last time Dad went to a music bar on one of these trips he had his wallet stolen (in Ireland) so I'm hoping he steers clear of music bars on this trip!

Dad has had a great day today in Trinidad itself. He's been to Church (well it is Sunday !). Apparently they had some "sort" of Palm Sunday service. He then did a 10 kilometre run/walk. Perhaps it was Trinidad's version of the London Marathon! Anyway Dad apparently won the over 70's prize ! I'm not sure if that was for racing or for knobbly knees (I'm just seeking clarification on that!). After a busy morning of Church and racing he then went and had a Cuban pizza for lunch. I've read about these in Lynette's book!

Well today has been a great day for Dad's footie team Stoke City. Stoke were playing Bolton at Wembley in the FA cup semi-final, so I gave Dad a goal by text report of the match, plus a HT and FT recap (so that's FIVE texts for the goals and one for HT and one for FT - so at least seven texts) only for him to text me and say "Pam text me the Stoke result - good result!" I did have to go and check my phone just to make sure I'd actually text Dad and not some random from my phone book. Anyway all my text did eventually turn up ! I bet he looked like Mr Popular with all the beeping as the texts arrived!

Dad did say he was off for a swim soon to celebrate the win ... not sure if that's his win for the race/walk or Stoke beating Bolton and getting to the FA cup final. Either way, I hope he has a fab swim.

Day 10 - Trinidad

2011-04-16T20:20:00.000+01:00

Dad text me earlier to say that today he had cycled from Sancti Spiritus to Trinidad - that's the one in Cuba and not the one in the West Indies ! He must have set off early as he text me just after 6.00 pm (which would have been 1.00 Cuba time) to say he'd made it to Trinidad. He'd got himself a Casa down by the sea in a place called La Boca. The Casa Dad is staying tonight is Sol y Mar. Looks a nice place ... and it does laundry so Dad might get some washing done! He did say he was off for a swim later. He's had a great day on the bike today as the route he took was through the mountains on roads with bends !

He's getting used to using Cuban money ... ie shopping like the locals. Today he's had a bap and an drink of organge for 3 pesos (a few pence).

Got a text a bit later to say he'd been for a swim. Weather is still VERY hot, so he's been getting up early and setting off before 7.00 am. The first couple of hours it's ok cycling but after that it's on and off the bike and finding a bit of shade to rest.

Tomorrow he is off to look around Trinidad.

30 Days of Biking

2011-04-16T08:56:00.001+01:00

My Dad picked the right month to be cycling as April is the month of cycling http://30daysofbiking.com/
All over the world people are getting on their bikes. I wonder if many in Cuba are doing it ! I don't think my bike will be making an appearance anytime soon. It's buried in the shed somewhere with a host of gardening equipment hanging of it ! It would take me longer to extract it from the shed than the length of time I could actually ride it for!

A friend is currently doing LEJOG (Lands End - John O'Groats) and he has been writing a blog each evening http://lejogon.blogspot.com/ and raising money for charity. Seeing that Jonny has only been on a bike a few times in the last 10 years (that's probably how long my bike has been in the shed) he isn't doing bad despite a few "incidents" that he's had along the way ! However I don't think I'll be joining him ... well not this year !

Day 9 en-route to Sancti Spiritus

2011-04-15T20:27:00.003+01:00

Got a text off Dad earlier to say he was on the bus from Las Tunas to Sancti Spiritus (or Holy Spirit). He is hoping to then do some touring around Trinidad.

He never did find the bakery by Arismilda's in Manzanillo. In fact he had trouble finding Arismilda's. In the end he found a school teacher who could speak English and she gave him directions. Oh well at least he found it. Apparently Arismilda has written me a letter .... so I'll wait on writing to her until I've seen her letter.

Just got another text off Dad to say he's sat at a cafe. I'm assuming the bus has stopped for a break. I "think" his text says that the journey is around 400 kilometres (about 250 miles) and it's cost him 17 C or just over £11.00 - which for a Cuban is around four weeks pay! I'm trying to find out how far he is from Sancti Spiritus or if he's arrived ... will update if I hear back from him.

He is hoping to get a Casa tonight. I've text him details of one I found in Sancti Spritus called Santa Elena only because I liked the sound of it and they offered free Spanish lesson and dance classes ! Would love to see someone trying to teach my Dad how to dance. Knowing Dad he'll probably not be able to find it !

Updated to say that Dad's earlier text was from a Cuban cafe en-route to Sancti Spiritus but he has text again to say that he's now arrived safely and found himself a Casa ... so he'll not be coming home fluent in Spanish and able to salsa !

Day 7 & 8 The International game of Dominoes

2011-04-14T21:46:00.001+01:00

Had another couple of texts earlier off Dad. He filled me in a bit on what he had done while visiting Arismilda and her family. They played the International game of dominoes or 3's and 5's ... well they weren't really going to sit round playing Trivial Pursuit ! I wonder if in Cuba they "knock" when they can't go. Following dominoes he sat and watched a baseball game with them on TV which featured the local team. Dad would have had no idea of the rules! Hope Dad enjoyed the afternoon and evening he spent with them.

Dad is now in Las Tunas. The route he took today was pretty flat as he was heading inland. He is staying at the Islazul hotel and for 18 CUC (roughly £12.00) it looks pretty good. Rooms have satellite TV, bath, terrace or balcony and most importanlty air-conditioning. It's been a hot day out on the bike today (temperature in the low 30's) - so after the bath the air conditioning must be very welcoming.

Tomorrow he is thinking of taking the bus up country and onto Sancti Spiritus.

Day 7 Manzanillo

2011-04-14T16:20:00.001+01:00

I didn’t hear back from Dad last night. I gave up about 11.30pm (or time) and text him to say I was off to bed. I did start to wonder if Arismilda and her family had been hospitable to Dad or if they’d abducted him ! I need not have worried. Just got a text off Dad to say he had a good night last night with Arismilda and they were very hospitable to Dad and made him most welcome. He was unable to text back as there were lots of folk around and Dad needs ALL his concentration to text !

So as Dad has meet up with Arismilda that would mean he’s made it to Manzanillo (which apparently means “little apple”). I wonder if Dad got some bread rolls this morning from the bakery that Lynette talks about in her book !

Dad is now en-route to Las Tunas. When he text he was at a place called Cauto. Dad is hoping to find Sharon Garcia while he is in Las Tunas (he read about her on another blog).

Dad will text again later with an update.

Dad has tracked down Arismilda

2011-04-13T20:13:00.003+01:00

Just had a quick text off Dad to say he's managed to track down Arismilda which must mean he's arrived in Manzanillo.

Arismilda and family feature in Lynette Chiang's book the Handsomest Man in Cuba. She wrote This is a lovely family, all crammed into a tiny living space. Arismilda listens to the radio and writes down the addresses of people who contact the station asking for a penfriend in Cuba. She has written to several but never got a reply. The family are clearly very poor, yet Juan secured me a dozen bread rolls from the bakery and refused payment, saying "All I ask is that you write to my wife." I wrote to them, but I am unsure if it arrived. Please pop by and say hello. And promise to write to her. http://www.galfromdownunder.com/cuba/cubalolita.html

Hopefully Dad will get a photo and I promise to write to them !

Dad will update me later.

A dip in the Caribbean

2011-04-12T21:42:00.000+01:00

I had to text Dad back to ask him what he'd been swimming in for his dip in the Caribbean .. I had visions of him skinny dipping ! He text back to say his maroon stripey trunks. Now some of my Dad's friends may well know of these trunks. They are like part of the family .. well they've been with Dad for well over 40 years ! Most of my childhood holiday photos had Dad wearing the stripey trunks ! Now over the years the fabric they were made from (some sort of man made fibre) has worn thin in places. I can picture it now. Dad with his "cyclist" tan, his oh so white torso and his maroon stripey trunks! That would have made some photo.

He text back later and said "he was the best looking English man in Cuba!"

I'm wondering what he did with his money belt when he went for a dip ... he's always telling me NEVER to remove your money belt unless you are in the shower! I bet he left it under some rock and is now currently down on the beach lifting rock after rock trying to find it !

Day 5 and Day 6 - the mountains

2011-04-12T20:04:00.003+01:00

I didn't hear from Dad last night. Just got a text through to say "ngsl mon" which in Dad's text speak means no signal Monday night !

So Monday he spent cycling in the Sierra Maestro which is Cuba's highest and most extensive mountain range which stretches along the coast line. He managed to find himself a cabin for 5C (£3.32) in a place called La Mula. By the sounds of it, it was a local place for local people! From reading up I think he was staying at Base de Campismo in a cabana ... and the blurb says the cabins are in a small wood, with a banana plantation and on a lagoon next to an empty beach (this is sounding a bit like heaven !).

Today he's continued along the coast and is now in the rural town of Pilon (not that rural as it has a mobile phone signal!). He's found himself a Casa for the night. I have no idea where it is, or if it's actually a legal Casa as reading up on Pilon it doesn't sound like it's very big on tourism. However, I'm sure Dad will manage - he usually does.

So the above comes courtesy of Dad's four line text ... sorry it's not a bit more in depth but it probably took Dad about 15 minutes to type the four lines !

When I Googled Pilon it came up with Lynette Chiang's blog. Apparently the Handsomest Man in Cuba was actually found in the back streets of Pilon. Well all I can say is the Handsomest Man in Cuba has competition now that my Dad is in town :)

Updated: Just received another text to say ... couldn't send a long text earlier the lady in the Casa was in the way ! Dad has had his first swim in the Caribbean at La Mula. I bet he didn't pack his trunks - so heaven knows what he swam in. It's been very warm on the coast road the last couple of days so he's knocked of cycling after lunch. He's cycled through two tunnels. The road is very busy with lots of crabs, goats, turkey, horses, pigs and the occasional Cuban bus. No cars though! Oh how I wished my journey home from work tonight had been on roads free from cars!

Day 5 - Some where along the coast.

2011-04-11T22:51:00.000+01:00

Not heard from Dad tonight. I have a feeling he'll have dropped out of mobile reception now. He was heading along the coast through Turquino National Park towards Marea del Portillo. I found this map with mobile coverage and I don't think he's near a pink dot !

Will update as and when I hear from him.

Day 4 - Chivirico

2011-04-10T22:32:00.003+01:00

Just got a text from Dad. He's had a great day on the bike. Cycled 70 kms (just over 43 miles). The roads are tarmac with pot-holes - so it's a bit like riding at home and also dirt tracks. He's cycled along the coast from Santiago de Cuba and looking at the map probably passed through Rancho Cruz, Goacainabon, Playa de Caleton Blanco, Playa Aserradero, Playa El Frances before arriving in Chivirico.

He's staying in luxury tonight at the four star Brisas hotel - 48 CUC (£32) for bed, dinner and breakfast and air-conditioning! He was just off to shower as he needs to "dress" for dinner ... hope it's nothing formal as he's not got much in those panniers. At least it being the start of the holiday he should still have some clean/cleanish stuff to wear !

Today he's met a Swiss couple and a Dutch couple.

Unfortunately he was too late to visit Cayo Granma as by the time my text arrived he'd already left Santiago. However I've pointed him (courtesy of Lynette Chiang's blog ) in the direction of

Arismilda Reyes Cintra, Marti #41 entre Tomas Barrero y San Silvestre, Manzanillo, Granma, Cuba 87510. I was invited into this house by Arismilda's husband Juan Francisco Arias Martinez as I waited across the road for the bakery to open. This is a lovely family, all crammed into a tiny living space. Arismilda listens to the radio and writes down the addresses of people who contact the station asking for a penfriend in Cuba. She has written to several but never got a reply. The family are clearly very poor, yet Juan secured me a dozen bread rolls from the bakery and refused payment, saying "All I ask is that you write to my wife." I wrote to them, but I am unsure if it arrived. Please pop by and say hello. And promise to write to her. http://www.galfromdownunder.com/cuba/cubalolita.html

I've told him to get a photo if he manages to track them down !

Tomorrow looking at the map he'll be cycling through Parque Nacional de Turquino .

I'll update when I hear from him again.

Day 3 - Santiago de Cuba

2011-04-09T19:48:00.002+01:00

Had a couple of texts off Dad today. He was on the bus heading down to Santiago de Cuba. He was complaining yesterday how hot Havana was ... well he was freezing on the bus as they had the air-con on. There is just no pleasing some folk ! Hope he managed to get some sleep.

He did say that for tea last night he'd had soup (I bet it wasn't a cup-a-soup) and a chicken salad. The two nights in the Casa Galeano and two evening meals had cost 85 (Cuban Convertible Pesos - or CUC) which is approx £56.00.

His second text was to say he'd reached Santiago de Cuba. A bit of damage to the bike (a broken mud guard). Dad is staying in Calle Aguilera No 772 Casa and it's costing 18 CUC approx £12.00. I wonder if they will feed him for that ! Just googled it and found the following on a forum :

"Good place, average rooms, Melida is a lovely host. It's just a block or 2 past the Plaza de Marte, so is easy to walk to most of the central sites and activities in Santiago.The casa is actually owned by her mother (Magdalena), but Melida lives there and runs it."

I think he'll be fine staying there!

He's had enough of Cities and is heading for the east coast tomorrow.

I'll update as and when I hear from him

Day 2 - Havana

2011-04-08T22:36:00.000+01:00

Had a text off Dad earlier. He'd had a walk today to old Havana (Habana Vieja). He's visited a couple of Churches and a Cathedral - apparently they are cooler inside ... I think he means temperature rather than trendy ! I'm thinking it was probably the Catedral de la Habana.

He's also visited the Museum of Revolution. Dad picked up a cycle taxi - I think this is where someone else does the pedalling ! Now that sounds the perfect way to go out cycling.

Tonight he'll be catching the air conditioned bus to Santiago de Cuba. From the sounds of it the weather is a tad on the hot side - he mentioned it a couple of times in his text!

He had tried to call me and me to ring him but we never got through ... that's mobile phones for you !

Will update when I hear from him again.

The Handsomest Man in Cuba ...

2011-04-08T10:51:00.001+01:00

Just been Googling about cycling in Cuba and came across this book The Handsomest Man in Cuba . Published in 2007. How can that be as my Dad only arrived yesterday :)

Been trying to track down a copy and it looks like it is only available in the States ! Doh. Would have been great to get Dad a copy for his return. Oh well, Dad will have to do his own version ... The Handsomest Man in Cuba Part II - The Return :)

Updated to say I've found one on Amazon Market place and ordered it :)

Day 1 - Havana

2011-04-07T22:40:00.002+01:00

Well just got a text from Dad with an update of his day. He's had a great day. This morning he had a ride out to Marianao. Following lunch it was then onto Guanabacoa and finally onto Havana Vieja or Old Havana as it's also known.

Weather has been very hot - just had a look and it's around 32 or 33 degrees ! That's warm. Tonight he's been back to the Casa and had lobster for tea ... now that's a bit more upmarket than his usual "camping" tea ! I bet he's having a craving for a cup-a-soup :)

Apparently it was the bike box that was damaged and not the bike. That's a relief.

Dad has booked the overnight bus to Santiago de Cuba for tomorrow night. Departs Havana at 10.00 pm and arrives in Santiago de Cuba at 12.00 am. So tomorrow he will have another day in and around Havana.

He's arrived !

2011-04-07T13:15:00.000+01:00

Just got a text from Dad. He arrived at the Casa (B&B) in Havana just after midnight last night.. He's got a big double bed - I hope he's not thinking of taking that bike bed with him ! Talking of which Dad says his bike has got a bit damaged on the journey but it's gone together ok! He ought take a photo of the damage and claim on his insurance.

Today his plan was to go and sort out the tourist bus.

A few more photos

2011-04-06T22:13:00.000+01:00

A couple more photos of Dad at Gatwick this morning courtesy of Andy.

Bike from car, to trolley, to plane ...

Suspicious parcel in departures

Dad waiting check in at Gatwick

Just been tracking his flight and his flight was delayed 45 minutes on departure. He should land in Holguin first and then onto Havana arriving 10.00 pm local time (3.00am BST).

Gatwick Airport

2011-04-06T10:57:00.003+01:00

He's on his way. Checking in a Gatwick Airport (thanks for the photo Andy). I doubt he'll get that box in the overhead luggage holder !

Updated to say ... he's all checked in and he didn't have to pay any excess baggage.

Cuba here he comes

2011-04-05T22:14:00.000+01:00

Well the day is nearly upon us. Dad and his bike set off early in the morning (courtesy of Andy Swindells - thanks Andy) for Gatwick. His flight is just after 2.00 and he'll arrive in Havana 10.00 pm (their time).

He's booked into a Casa Particular (B&B to you and me) in Vedado. His plan is to have a couple of days around Havana and then catch the tourist bus down to Santiago de Cuba. He'll then have a day or two around there and then cycle along the south coast in a westerly direction. Apparently the winds in Cuba are from East to West so he wants to have a tail wind ( a couple of curries will do the trick for a tail wind I think) ! He'll head along the coast towards Manzanillo. From there it'll either be Bayamo and Holguin or he'll head direct to Les Tunas. He'll then pick up the north coast and head back towards Havana.

Dad will hopefully be in touch as often as he can ... I don't think he'll get a very good mobile signal even though he has taken it with him and I think pay phones will probably few and far between. Time difference is BST - 5 hours. I'll update the blog as often as I can.

The travel agent ... AKA me !

2011-03-28T20:17:00.001+01:00

Well I've been put to good use tonight and managed to dial through to Cuba and now Dad has accommodation for the first couple of nights when he arrives in Havana. He's booked into http://casa.wordsweave.com/ Looks a nice place to stay and most importantly it is "bike friendly" and has some where secure for Dad's bike ! Dad's not daft ... he managd to wangle the phone call onto my phone bill !

Well the trip is all coming together nicely which is a good job cause it's only 9 days til he goes !

Cuba trip

2011-03-12T20:17:00.001Z

Well at least now I know what Cuba looks like ! Dad has been and purchased two maps so at least now I can look at where he's planning on going but first he's got to get to Gatwick. It's proving a bit tricky. Parking for a month is extortionate at Gatwick, train is out of the question as he'll have his bike boxed up. National Express will only take the bike "if there is room" which isn't much use because what will happen if there isn't any room ! A friend recommended http://www.parkatmyhouse.com/ and we have found somewhere close to Gatwick. Also looking at option of taking the shuttle down from Manchester, or finding a willing driver to ferry Dad there and back so there are a few alternatives to look at.

Next problem is his mobile. Dad's basic Nokia is a dual band and he needs a tri-band for Cuba. So now we are on the look out for a cheap and simple to use tri-band phone !

Now he'd have none of these problems if he cycled around Britain again !

Cuba

2011-03-10T19:49:00.000Z

Well the next trip is in the planning stage ... well in fact we are further on than "planning" as flights are now booked. Dad is off to Cuba in April. So anyone fancying a cycle trip around Cuba get in touch with Dad !

Photos from trip round Ireland

2010-10-28T19:19:00.000+01:00

As promised a few photos of Dad's trip ... not the best quality though but it proves he has been to all points !

Mizen Head - most southerly point in Ireland

Dingle Peninsular - most westerly point

Cliffs of Mohe

Galway Bay

View out of the Doohey hostel

Malin Head - most northerly point.

Malin Head again

The Giants Causeway

Portavogie - most easterly point

Newcastle ... not quite the under-Lyme one !

Classic Dad quote

2010-10-24T17:07:00.000+01:00

Classic Dad quote on way to watch cycling at the Velodrome last night ....

Dad: "I've brought along my blue Ikea cycling bag".

What he meant to say was ... "I've brought along my blue Eureka cycling bag" (the one he got given at the cycling cafe when he finished cycling around Britain).

There was me thinking Ikea had broken into a completely new market !

Some Stats from cycling around Ireland ...

2010-10-10T16:04:00.000+01:00

Well Dad is back home and he has done a note of some stats ..

He camped 8 times and had B&B/hostels 30 times (no wonder he got rid of the tent).
Most expensive B&B 40 Euros, cheapest hostel 12 Euros
Best deal 3 star hotel £40 for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Average hostel price 16 Euro
Average B&B 30 Euro

Miles covered ... no idea !

Bacon butties 27
Guinness drunk - he lost count after the 10th pint !
Weight lost 51b (surprising with all those Guinness !)

He had 11 wet days and 27 dry days.

Amount spent on top-ups for the mobile at least £60.

Day 38 - Home

2010-10-08T19:31:00.000+01:00

Well Dad had found a very reasonably priced B&B for tonight .... he's back home ! Not sure the breakfast will be quite upto his "usual" standard as the cupboards are a bit bare ... but the bed will be comfy !

This morning he headed off to the Ferryport to catch the 8.45 ferry. At first he got the wrong terminal so headed off to find the one for Irish Ferries. He managed to book a ferry and a train back to Crewe for 40 Euros. He got chatting to a Bernard from Dublin who was interested in what Dad had being doing over the last few weeks. The crossing was only a couple of hours and then Dad caught the train from Holyhead to Crewe. He had to change in Chester, which wasn't ideal, but in the end it all worked out well and he arrived in Crewe at around 2.30. He found out afterwards that the train was also going to Stoke so he could have stayed on and had a shorter ride home! Took him awhile to re-assemble all the stuff back on the bike and he headed home via Alsager, Talke crossroads, Bradwell and back home for about 4.00 ish. Dad was surprised at how busy the roads were ... well compared to Ireland it must seem busy here.

Not sure what is on the menu tonight ... but I'm sure he'll find something in the freezer !

Dad has had a great trip. The Irish folk weren't quite as hospitable as those across the water but he's enjoyed the craic, the Guinness and of course riding his bike !

I'll post some stats probably tomorrow.

Thanks everyone who has shared his journey. Hope you enjoyed the read !

Day 37 - Dublin

2010-10-07T19:41:00.001+01:00

Well Dad has gone full circle and is now back in Dublin and he's made it back for his birthday ! He's had a good day on the bike, weather has been good. A bit chilly first thing but it warmed up later. Dad has clean biking gear on today ... well it is his birthday ! Tonight he is in the Croke Park View Guest House which is en-route for his ferry tomorrow.

Last night he went out for a three course meal (celebrating his birthday early). He had a nice meal of garlic mushrooms, seafood platter and a fruit cocktail finished off with a Guinness.

This morning he was on the road by 9.00 and his route took him through Castlebellingham, Annagasson and into Clogherhead where he stopped for a coffee and a scone. He then picked up the coastal road through Mornington and Laytown where he came inland to Julianstown. It was then into Gormanstown where Dad stopped for lunch in the oldest pub in Ireland which was granted it's licence in 1390 - the Cock Tavern. Following lunch it was onto Ballbriggan, Swords and then Dad cycled on the old route into Dublin, which was busy but Dad cycled in the bus lane !

Tonight he is off out for his birthday tea. He is hoping to catch the 8.45 ferry tomorrow morning and then it's a train back to Crewe and then a cycle home! Must remember he hasn't got any keys to get back in his house (after his wallet got nicked!).

Edited to say ... just got a text off Dad. He's walked O'Connell Street end to end. Been in Debenhams for his tea and is now on the hunt for a pint of Guinness ! That shouldn't be hard in Dublin :)

Day 36 - Blackrock

2010-10-06T19:53:00.000+01:00

Dad has had a lovely day on the bike today. Weather has been great, just one small rain shower about 4.30 when Dad sheltered in the Law Courts ! He is in a place called Blackrock which is just south of Dundalk. He is in a B&B called the Keernaun House. He didn't make it to Clogherhead as he spent an hour and a half cycling out to Newry railway station to try and book a ferry/train book home only to be told "oh we can't do that" !

Dad had a good night in the three star Kilmorey Hotel last night. He had an evening meal in the hotel. Prawn cocktail, roast of the day and a Guinness for £13.00. Breakfast this morning was £6.00. So for just under £40.00 he had dinner, bed and breakfast.

He left this morning at around 9.30 and headed to Killowen (is that a statement or a place name !) and onto Rostrevor and Warrenpoint. Dad had a look around Warrenpoint, a nice sea-side town. Dad had been cycling along the Culingford Lough. He then headed into Newry and to hunt down the railway station. The road out of Newry was alongside the Newry ship canal which according to blurb Dad had been reading was built between 1731 - 1742. Dad then came to the Victoria Locks. It was then over the border and back into Southern Ireland and Dad head to Omeath for lunch. Dad found a pub only to find that they did not do food so Dad had a cup of coffee, a piece of cake and a packet of crisps. It was then onto Carlingford where Dad found a cafe so he had a soup. There were six mountain bikers in but they didn't speak to Dad (they aren't real cyclists !!!). Dad had a quick look around Carlingford which was a lovely village with lots of places selling oysters (apparently they come from Carlingford Lough). It was then onto The Bush (I can't find that on the map!) and into Dundalk. Dad decided he didn't want to stay the night in Dundalk so headed for Blackrock instead.

He is off out for a walk into town to find somewhere to eat tonight. Tomorrow he should be in Dublin. A good way to celebrate his 76th birthday!

Day 35 - Kilkeel

2010-10-05T20:03:00.000+01:00

Spoke to Dad earlier ... he's had a lovely day on the bike. There has still been some wind and headwinds but they are not like the gales yesterday. He's now in Kilkeel in a three star hotel called the Kilmorey Arms Hotel. He'd stopped to ask a lady in Kilkeel if she knew where the hostel was and apparently it was out in the hills so Dad asked if she knew of a reasonable B&B. She said she knew the people that owned the Kilmorey Arms and that she could get Dad a bed for £20.00. So off they both went to the hotel and true to her word Dad got a room for £20.00. (I'm wondering if my Dad often goes to hotels with women he meets in the street and asks for a room !!!!) It very posh and Dad's room has a double bed, a single bed, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a bathroom, so Dad has had a good lie in the bath tonight. The £20 doesn't include breakfast but Dad will see tomorrow what the prices are like and if they are very expensive he'll find somewhere en-route for breakfast. I've just been looking on the website for the hotel and a single room is £69.95 include breakfasts ... so if breakfast is cheaper than £50.00 he has himself a bargain !

Dad had a good night in the hostel last night. He stayed in and got chatting to an elderly couple from Belfast who come down to Portaferry for a couple of nights every week ! There were also 3 lads in who worked on the lighthouses but as the weather was so bad yesterday they couldn't get out to the lighthouses so stayed over in the hostel.

This morning Dad left at 9.15. He watched for the ferry come in and then went down to the ferry port to catch it over to Strangford. A lady got chatting to Dad on the ferry asking him what he was doing as she was a cyclist as well. The crossing only took 15 minutes and it was a £1.00 for the bike and Dad got offered a cup of coffee as well. Once leaving the ferry Dad made his way to the harbour town of Ardglass where he stopped for coffee and a bacon buttie. There were lots of fishing boats/trawlers in the harbour. From there it was onto Kilough, Clough and Dundrum where Dad stopped for lunch. Dad enjoyed the route today as he a had views of the Mountains of Morne on one side and the coast on the other. It was then onto Newcastle (no not the under-Lyme ... which would have meant he was home !) but another Newcastle! It was a big city but it also had a beach. It was then on through Dunmore, Glasdrumman, Annalong and into Kilkeel.

He found out that the most easterly place in Ireland is a place called Burr Point between Ballyhalbert and Portavogie but Dad thinks you can only walk to the point. Enroute today he got chatting to a council worker who was out picking up litter. Dad had found that Northern Ireland has a lot less litter than Southern Ireland and the Council worker was saying that in Sourthern Ireland it is 5 Euros to dispose of a bag of rubbish, so folk just throw it out of their car windows/dump it!

Dad was going to try the Hotel for his evening meal tonight.

Tomorrow he will be heading to Clogherhead which will mean he'll be back in Southern Ireland. He'll not be back home for his birthday but he'll hopefully be back into Dublin.

Day 34 - Portaferry

2010-10-04T20:09:00.001+01:00

Well Dad has made it to Portaferry. Been a hard day ... with gale force winds and at times head winds ! Dad got into the Barholm hostel about 4.30 and then the rain started and it was still raining at 6.30 when I spoke to him.

Dad had a good night last night. He found the Crown Liquor Saloon. I tried to find him on the webcam but it was only working in the restaurant and Dad only went it to have a pint as he'd picked up a Subway for tea. Dad had a wander around looking for a pub with music but it was relatively quiet on a Sunday night and in the end Dad was back in the hostel for 10.00.

This morning Dad headed out of the hostel and over the River Lough. He then had to cycled along the A2 passing Harland & Wolfe and George Best airport. He stopped off in Hollywood for a bacon buttie and a coffee. From there it was back on the busy A2 to Crawfordsburn and onto Bangor. Dad cycled around the Harbour and along the sea front. It was then onto Groomsport and the sea-side resort of Donaghadee where Dad stopped for lunch. He then continued on the A2 which was now much quieter but he was cycling into a head wind and a strong one at that. It was also uphill so it took Dad 3 1/2 hours to cycle 22 miles. He passed through Millisle, Ballywater, Ballyhalbert and into Portavogie which Dad assumed was the most easterly point of Ireland. It was then on through Cloughy and into Portaferry.

Dad booked into the hostel and it was quiet busy so Dad took the key and went straight up to his room. When he looked through the window of his room he could see a fire in a building across from the hostel. Dad went back downstairs and informed the warden who rang 999. Three fire engines turned out and where still there two hours later.

The hostel is very nice and Dad has been sitting in the lounge watching the ferries come and going into Strongford Lough.Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup, chicken curry and green beans, followed by grapefruit and banana and custard.

Tomorrow he is heading for Kilkeel.

Day 33 - Belfast

2010-10-03T18:41:00.001+01:00

Well weather has been great today and Dad has made it to Belfast and is now in the Linen House Backpackers after failing to find the YHA (he should have asked me ... I've stayed there!). He stopped to ask a policeman for directions to a hostel and the policeman was giving Dad directions ... pointing with his right hand and saying "turn left". They must have been a right pair has Dad gets his left and right mixed up ! Anyway Dad made it to the hostel. Dad is in a private room ... it was £6.00 for a dorm and £20.00 for a private room.

Dad had a great night last night. Went out for a meal at Joe's Restaurant. It was curry night and Dad had soup, curry and a pint for £13.00. Very good food. After the curry he went for a walk and then back to the pub below Joe's restaurant. The pub was split into four rooms and Dad found himself a corner and settled in with his pint. Over the next 20 minutes about 8 musicians turned up and Dad had the best seat in the house to watch. By far the best night Dad has had. They finished off with a rendition Delilah and after they had finished Dad was telling them that the song was Stoke City football anthem. Dad didn't get back to the B&B until midnight.

Dad had booked breakfast for 8.30. He got down there and all the tables were set but there was no one around. He waited awhile and then went back upstairs to pack up his stuff. He came back down and still there was no sign of anyone so Dad rang the B&;B and all he got was the answerphone ! Eventually a car pulled up outside and someone had turned up to do the breakfasts! Dad didn't get away until 10.00.

Dad's route today took him along the coast road and through Glenariff and then the road had been closed so Dad had to take an 8 mile detour which wasn't quite as flat as the coast road ! Today has been "fly" day ... loads of flies about and Dad thinks they were attracted to his yellow jacket ! Dad stopped off for lunch in a KFC in Larne. He then picked up the busy A2 into Whitehead, Eden and onto Carrickfergus. Dad rode along the sea-front in Carrickfergus. He then picked up cycle routes nearly all the way into Belfast.

Tonight Dad is out and about in Belfast. I remember the Crown Liquor Saloon from when I visited but I think it's a bit far from the hostel for Dad.

Tomorrow Dad is heading for Portavogie. He is hoping to be home probably on Thursday (his birthday !!!!).

Day 32 - Cushendell

2010-10-02T19:59:00.000+01:00

Dad has had a great day on the bike - good weather, great views but a few too many hills ! He is now in Cushendell staying in a B&B. Cup of coffee and biscuits on arrival, ensuite and TV in the room. Luxury compared to camping !

Dad had his fish and chips and a pint last night and then headed back to the hostel. Mixed nationalities in the hostel so Dad had a good evening chatting to people.

This morning he headed off into Portrush and was glad he'd stayed in Portstewart last night. Portrush was full of pubs and clubs, amusement arcades and reminded Dad a bit of Blackpool ! He then headed into Dunluce where Dad had views of the castle. Today Dad has been cycling along the coastal road. It was then onto Portballintrae where there was a marathon/half marathon/extreme marathon taking place. The runners ran along the cliffs and along the beaches. Dad stopped to watch for awhile. It was then onto Bushmills and Dad cycled past the distillery ... well he didn't want to drink and ride ! From there it was onto the Giants Causeway where entry was free for cyclists. Dad wandered down to the Causeway, had coffee and a scone and then walked back up to his bike. He continued onto Dunseverick and Ballintoy where Dad could view the rope bridge to Carrick Island. Dad then cycled down into the village and walked back out ! Dad also stopped at a view point and could see Ruthin Island and also across to the Mull of Kintyre. From there Dad headed into Ballycastle where he stopped for a late lunch.

After lunch Dad headed onto the A2 as he'd been advised the coastal road was very up and down. However Dad cycled uphill along the A2 for 1 hour 10 minutes. It was then downhill all the way to Cushendell !

Tonight Dad is going out into town to find a restaurant and then find a pub with some Irish music but I think Dad will be back in the B&B by 10.30 as he asked what time Match of the Day was on !

Tomorrow he is heading for topside of Belfast !

Day 31 - Portstewart

2010-10-01T22:12:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has had a much better day weather-wise than here. He's had a bit of rain for probably about an hour. Cycled with a tailwind and was in Portstewart by 3.00 pm. He is staying at the Causeway Coast independent hostel and it's good value at £12.00 a night.

Dad had a good night last night. He found the Weatherspoons and had a couple of burgers and a pint for less than a fiver ! Afterward he went and found the Guild Hall and the free music event. It was actually a recording of a lunchtime concert for Radio 3 (to be broadcast on 16th and 19th November). Dad said you'll be able to hear him ... he was the one clapping in the wrong place ! Following the concert there was free tea and biscuits. Once that had finished Dad headed off for a pint of Guinness. This morning he got chatting to a Canadian from Banff who was touring Ireland tracing his family ancestors.

This morning Dad headed out of town and managed to get out in about 5 minutes on the cycle route. He then picked up the A2 (which had a good hard shoulder) and headed to Ballykelly. He thought it was taking along to get there but then remembered it wasn't 20km or the sign but 20 miles ! Dad then followed the coast road and headed into a place called Downhill which wasn't and it took Dad 20 minutes to push his bike uphill ! He then headed onto Castlerock, Articlave and into Coleraine. Dad didn't stop in Coleraine as it was a busy town. It was then onto Portstewart.

Tonight on the menu is Fish & Chips ... well it is Friday.

He's found lots of cycle routes and he is going to be following Sustrans Route 93 along the coast. Tomorrow he is heading for Cashendell and will pass by the Giants Causeway.

Day 30 - Londonderry

2010-09-30T19:29:00.001+01:00

Dad has crossed the border and is now in Northern Ireland ... not that there was anything to indicate a border, he just noticed that the signs read mph rather than kph ! He's had a good day on the bike. Weather been good with just a slight bit of rain but Dad nipped for a coffee and by the time he came out it had stopped.

Dad had a good night in the hostel last night. He got chatting to a couple of Aussie women (mother and daughter) who tracing their family tree.

This morning Dad set off about 9.00 am. The route took him through Urbalreagh and through the lanes to Culdaff where Dad picked up an early coffee from a shop. He then headed onto Gleneely where he stopped for a coffee and a scone. It was then onto Moville down by the edge of the Lough Foyle. Dad then cycled around the coast line to Carrakeel where he stopped for lunch in a pub of a pot of tea and sandwiches. Dad headed onto Muff and into Northern Ireland. He then headed through Culmore and onto Derry/Londonderry. At one point the road was that busy that Dad cycled on the pavement (he has since found the cycle path !).

Dad is staying at the Derry City Independent Hostel. He got there about 3.00 and had a shower and then went for a walk about. He has walked the City Walls which took about one and half hours as he kept stopping and reading up on all the history. When he rang he was sitting on the wall (a nursery rhyme comes to mind !). Tonight Dad is heading to Weatherspoons for tea (that'll be a bit cheaper than the Yellow Pepper) and a pint and then of to the Guild Hall for some Irish music.

Tomorrow he'll be following the coast around the Lough Foyle.

Day 29 - Malin Head

2010-09-29T19:47:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has been gone a month now and to celebrate he's had a great day on the bike. Blue skies and little wind and a great day for riding your bike. He's now in Malin Head the most northerly part of Ireland and at the best hostel so far on the trip the Sand Rock Holiday Hostel. Great views and great hospitality !

Dad had a good night last night. He went to the Yellow Pepper Restaurant but it was a bit pricey (we knew that from looking at the menu). He had hake and vegetables and a small glass of coke and it came to 23 Euros ! However he did say it was very nice. After he'd eaten he nipped in the pub next door and managed to catch the football. Dad got a police escort back to the hostel ... a car was out keeping an eye a small gang of lads and it drove up to the hostel while Dad was walking back behind it !

Dad had an early start this morning but it took him half an hour to find his way out of Letterkenny so he didn't get on route until gone 9.00. It was very cold this morning and Dad stopped off in Newtown Cunningham for a coffee at 10.00 ish to warm him through. Once he'd had that he was fine. He headed off on the N13 which was a busy road but it had a wide hard shoulder so Dad could ride on that. He headed through Speenogue where he picked up the quieter roads to Burntfoot and Fahan. Dad had a nice ride along the coastal roads to Buncrana where he stopped for coffee and scrambled eggs. Dad then cycled onto Carndonagh where he stopped for lunch. It was then onto Malin where he did a shop - he can't afford to eat out again tonight! He cycled out to Ballyhillion and the lighthouse and had his photo taken and then finally onto Malin Head.

Tonight on the menu is Cup a soup, Irish Stew and green beans followed by yoghurt and banana. I bet that comes a lot cheaper than his evening meal last night !

Tomorrow he is heading for Derry and will then be in Northern Ireland ... that means cheaper phone calls !

Day 28 - Letterkenny

2010-09-28T19:35:00.000+01:00

Well today hasn't gone quite to plan. It's been a wet and cold day and Dad knocked off at 3.30.

Dad had a good night last night. He cooked up in the hostel and stayed in at night. There were a few folk in the hostel. He also read up on where he'd been and found out that the pass he climbed over yesterday was the Glengesh Pass.

The morning he set off after a Continental breakfast and cycled into Dunfanaghy. Dad continued on the N56 onto Portnablagh and then onto Creeslough where Dad headed off onto some minor roads. He stopped off for coffee and a scone in Carrick. He then headed into Milford where he stopped at the police station to enquiry if the ferry was running from Ruthmullan to Burncrana. Unfortunately it wasn't so Dad has had to ride around the estuary which meant he's now in Letterkenny at the Letter Port Hostel.

Dad has had to fix the plumbing in the hostel so he could have a shower tonight - I think he should get reduced rate for that ! He is off to Yellow Pepper restaurant tonight for tea.

Dad is hoping to reach Malin Head tomorrow.

Day 27 - Dunfanaghy

2010-09-27T19:59:00.000+01:00

Dad has a good day on the bike today. The sun has shone and he's had blue skies ! However it has been a hard day on the bike with Dad riding around 7 1/2 hours ! He is now in Dunfanaghy at the Carriage Hostel.

Dad had a good stay at the Dooey Hostel. Very nice and he'd recommend it for anyone visiting. Last night there was a German guy called Chris camping and as Dad had got rid of his tent he donated some of his tent pegs to him.

This morning Dad set off about 9.00 am and he cycled into a headwind with two big hills to climb ! Dad climbed up to 1,650 ft and then cycled into Ardara. The ride was 24 kms and had taken Dad 2 1/2 hours. In Ardara Dad found a great cafe and ordered coffee and bacon baps. The coffee came in a pot and Dad had three cups out of it ... which meant quite a few "comfort stops" for the rest of the day. From Ardara Dad continued on small roads to Portnoo and then onto Naran. Dad then picked up the N56 which was relatively quiet and headed to Dungloe, Gweedore, Gortahawk and on into Ray. From there he continued on the N56 into Dunfanaghy.

Dad is in a four bedded dorm with it's own kitchen and sitting room and there is only Dad in it. Tonight on the menu he has cup-a-soup, noodles and some cake - he's on emergency rations as the hostel was before the town. Tomorrow Dad is heading for Malinhead which is the most northerly point of Ireland.

Day 26 - Rest Day

2010-09-26T20:47:00.000+01:00

Well Dad is still in Glencolmcille (or depending which may you look at Glencolmbkille). Been a lovely day but a cold day. Dad has has decided to get rid of the tent (the guy from the hostel has taken it off his hands) as he's not done much camping on this trip as he's not come across many campsites. It'll be less weight for him to carry as well.

Dad had a good night last night. Went to listen to a couple of the musicians who are staying in the hostel as they were playing in one of the the pubs - any excuse to go to a pub! Dad got in about 11.00 ish and that's an early night as apparently some of the pubs and music go on until the small hours! The pub was VERY busy as there were many of the locals in as well as they were raffling off a car! Dad should have entered. He'd have finished off the trip quicker by car.

Today Dad has had a leisurely day. Dad has done some repairs to the bike. He's had a walk along the beach but it was much too cold for a swim or paddle! He has also walked around the village and visited both of the Churches. He also an all day breakfast in the cafe. This afternoon he visited the heritage centre. He left the lady on the reception a copy of the blog details and apparently she was telling others about Dad's trip ... so I had better get the blog right !

Dad has also been to have a look at Slieve League cliffs which at over 600 metres are Ireland's second highest cliffs.

Dad did a big shop ... which on a bike can't be much and he plans to eat at the hostel tonight.

Dad has some stats ... he's camped 8 nights and had 18 B&B/hostels. He has had 16 dry days and only 10 wet ones ... so it hasn't actually rained every day !

Day 25 - Glencolmcille (Glencolmbkille)

2010-09-25T20:16:00.000+01:00

Well today Dad has had a great day on the bike, great weather, great views and now he is in a great hostel at Glencolmcille. The hostel is the Dooey Hostel and it had come recommended. The hostel is situated up a steep 1km hill (Dad had to push the bike up !) but it was well worth it. Dad is going to have two nights at the hostel so he can catch up on laundry and bike repairs. When he asked at the hostel if he could book for two nights the guy said ... if you marry my mother you can stay forever !

Dad had a good night last night. He found a pub and had steak pie and and a couple of pints of Guinness. There were still people out surfing at 8.30 pm ... well I suppose if the surf is good you have to make the most of it! This morning he had a good buffet style breakfast in the hostel and then headed out on a quite road to Ballyshannon (which claims to be the oldest town in Ireland) and onto Rossnowlagh. It was then onto Ballintra, Laghy and into Donegal where he had a coffee and a bacon sandwich. It was then on the busy N56 into Mountcharles. The main road was closed for repair and all the traffic was being sent on the minor roads. Dad asked if he could cycle along the main road. They said yes ... so Dad had 10km of car free road ! It was then on through Inver, Dunkineely where Dad had lunch and then into Killybegs. It was then on to Kilcar, Carrick and finally Glencolmcille (Glencolmbkille) - I do wish they would just spell it one way ... it's hard enough to find these places on the map never mind the several variations in spelling !

Dad is going to wander into the village tonight as apparently there are three pubs to check out! Tomorrow he is off to the folk museum and have a wander along the cliffs.

Day 24 - Bundoran

2010-09-24T19:42:00.000+01:00

Well the weather has been good today ... I knew Dad was due a good day! In fact no rain and at times sun! Dad is staying in the Holmefield Rock Hostel in Bundoran. A very lively backpackers hostel and probably not Dad's cup of tea ! He is now right on the border of Northern Ireland but the coastal region is still Southern Ireland. I'm hoping he'll hurry up and get over the border as I'm putting credit on his mobile phone so he can ring me and it's costing me a fortune!

Dad had a good night last night. He found a pub and had a meal and Guinness. This morning he set off on a full Irish Breakfast which kept him going til lunch. His route today took him on the N59 through Beltra and onto Ballysadare where the river was really flowing which isn't surprising with all the rain they've had these last few days. Dad has noticed as he's been cycling around that most farms seem to have a donkey in their fields. In Ballysadare Job and his wife who he'd meet a few days ago caught up with him and they stopped for a chat. From there Dad headed onto Sligo. At first he'd had to cycle along the dual carriageway (N4) but eventually found a smaller road to cycle along. Out of Sligo it was also a busy road. Dad cycled along the N15 and stopped off at Drumcliff for lunch where there was a 12th Century monastery. At Cliffoney Dad saw a sign for a hostel in10km at Ballintrillick and headed off to find it. When he got there it was full. A group of people had booked it for a Relaxation Weekend! Dad got some instructions on how to find Holmefield Rock Hostel and Dad had a nice relaxing cycle through the lanes to Kinlough. Eventually he arrived at Bundoran which is a busy sea-side town where there are lots of surfing activities.

Dad is heading out tonight to find a pub for something to eat.

Tomorrow is heading for Killibegs.

Day 23 - Dromore West

2010-09-23T22:11:00.000+01:00

Well it has been a wet, windy and cold day on the bike today. In fact Dad has dug out the gloves from the bottom of the panniers and has been wearing them. As Dad has been cycling along the cliff edges at times he's had to get off the bike and walk as it was so windy. Dad reckons it was probably around force 8 gales. The foam from the sea was being blown up the cliffs and at first Dad thought it was snowing! It's probably been the worse day weatherwise today. Hopefully weather will now start to improve ( I say this every day !)

Dad is now in a farm B&B in Dromore West and has just had a nice warm shower.

Dad had a really nice night in the hostel last night. There were three Polish people, a Swiss girl who had been out on her first surfing lesson and had even managed to stand on the board and then Job and his partner from Holland.

Today Dad has had to repair his front panniers and his watch. At first when he said he'd been looking for a jewellers I thought I was going to get a nice present from Ireland ... but he wanted one so he could get a battery for his watch. I wasn't thinking the same when he said he'd been looking for a hardware shop! Anyway he found one and has now got a washer to repair his panniers.

His route today has taken him through Glenamoy (well that's what it sounded like but I can't find on the map!) and along the steep cliffs at Belderrig. He stopped off at Ceide Fields stone age site as they had a cafe for soup and a coffee to warm up ! From there it was onto Ballycastle and into Killala (I think he was on R314) where he found a pub and it was more soup (fish !!) and a cup of tea!. It was then onto Ballian which is where he fond the shops. Then on the N59 he biked to Corballa and into Dromore West. Tonight he is off to find a pub for his evening meal.

Tomorrow he is heading on and beyond Sligo.

Photos Belmullet (23rd September)

2010-09-23T12:48:00.000+01:00

Dad met up with Job Suijker last night in the hostel and this morning Job has very kindly sent me some photos of Dad setting off. Great to see some photos of Dad on his trip.

Getting bike ready for the off

All packed up and ready to go

Dad ready to go ...

and he is off !

Just look at those clouds !

Day 22 - Belmullet

2010-09-22T19:46:00.000+01:00

Well it's been a rainy day on the bike today, in fact it's rained most of the day and at some times it was very heavy rain. Dad now knows why the fields are green and the river and lakes are deep .... it's because it rains a lot in Ireland. Tonight Dad is in the Kilcommon Lodge in a place call Pallathomas which is close to Belmullet.

Dad had a good night last night. He went down the pub and found they were showing the Arsenal v Tottenham game. He also got an emergency plumber related telephone call from me - I'd got no hot water or heating !!!! Managed to sort it and hopefully it's ok now - phew ! At half time Dad headed over to another pub and meet up with an Australian solicitor named Warwick. They had a good evening chatting.

Today started off dry. Dad headed from Westport to Newport. It was then onto Rosturk (on the N59) where Dad enjoyed the sea views. He carried on to Mulranny but there was no cafe for lunch so he biked on to Ballycroy (which I can't find on a map so probably spelt it wrong!) but it had a pub and Dad stopped off for lunch in the pub. They only had sandwiches and, as is usually case in the Irish pubs, the only sandwiches that they did were ham and cheese, so Dad had sandwiches and a pot of tea for lunch and all for 4 Euros ! There was an old chap in the pub who had obviously supped quite a few that morning and if he asked Dad once, he asked him a dozen times which part of England was he from ! Dad managed to avoid a heavy downpour while he had lunch in the pub and following lunch he nipped into the National Park information centre to try and keep out of the rain. He then biked onto Bangor (I'm starting to think he's taken a wrong turn and has somehow ended up in Wales !). Dad spotted a sign for the hostel and cycled on along Lake Carrowmore which is about 5 miles long. Dad stopped in the Spa shop in Barnatra to stock up on supplies and there happened to be a Postman so Dad asked him for directions. The hostel turned out to be another 7 miles down the road, 5 miles which happened to be uphill and the remaining 2 downhill !

Dad also passed an eco warrior camp at Broadhaven bay and got chatting to one of the activists who was out on their bike. Apparently they are protesting about Shell laying oil pipes in the bay and have been there for 5 years now. That's a lot of camping.

Tonight Dad is staying in and has on the menu cup-a-soup, meatballs and butter beans followed by rice pudding and yoghurt.

Tomorrow is heading towards Sligo.

Day 21 - Westport

2010-09-21T19:37:00.000+01:00

Just spoken to Dad and he is in Westport (not the one with a lake about half a mile from home !). Been a bit of a mixed day on the bike today ... this morning weather fine but this afternoon he's had rain. He is currently in the Old Mill Hostel. He did pass a campsite but it had closed for the season - do they not know there are still tourists in Ireland in late September! Saying that the Hostel seems good value at 18.5 Euros a night.

Dad had a good night meeting up with his pal, Dave Boot last night. It's probably 9 years since they last saw each other. Dave's wife picked Dad up for the Hostel and they went back to his house which was a couple of miles up in the hills - good job Dad wasn't trying to navigate up there on his bike ! A bottle of wine and few hours chat and Dad was back at the Hostel.

This morning Dad headed off and cycled for about 3/4 of an hour only to find that he'd been cycling back towards Galway (I always knew my Dad had no sense of direction !) However he found a road (probably the R336) and headed up the mountain pass and had a great time cycling around the Twelve Pins. He stopped off for lunch in Leenanne. Following lunch he then had to decide whether to cycle the 60 km around the coast road or take the more direct route (the N59) to Westport. As it had just started to rain Dad plumped for the direct route to Westport (it also helped in the decision making that he'd got a tailwind).

It was still raining when I spoke to Dad but he was going to "brave the weather" to go in search of a pub for food and a pint !

Day 20 - Clifden

2010-09-20T19:52:00.001+01:00

Dad has made it to Clifden. He's had a good day on the bike ... the sun has been out he'll be regretting posting that suncream and sunglasses back to me !

He had a good night last night. The B&B was very good and hospitable. He decided after speaking to me to go and wander to find the local pub. He'd been walking about 10 minutes when he spotted someone coming in the opposite direction so Dad asked how far the pub was, about two miles was the reply ! Dad decided he wasn't that desperate for a pint so headed back to the B&B. He'd got some emergency food rations so had an evening in watching the X-factor !

He set off this morning after a HUGE Irish Breakfast. It took him 20 minutes cycle past the "local" pub so Dad was glad he hadn't carried on walking to it. The route took him through Carna to Glinsk and then onto Toombeola. Dad found a cafe in Roundstone for lunch. He then had a look around the harbour at Roundstone and then onto Ballyconneely and finally onto Clifden. Dad is currently staying in the Brookside Hostel in Clifden and for anyone looking for a new business venture the Hostel is currently up for sale !

I've been tracking down some contact information for a pal of Dad's, Dave Boot who lives in Clifden. Well we managed to track down a phone number and Dad has been in contact and they are meeting up tonight. In a strange coincidence the hostel Dad is staying in his currently owned by one of Dave relatives Richard ! So Dave's wife is coming to pick Dad up from the hostel. No doubt there will be a couple of pints downed tonight !

This week is Arts Week in Clifden so Dad has been for a wander around to see what's on offer. He found that Mike Harding had been on earlier in the day. Dad went to see him many years ago.

Day 19 - Kilkieran

2010-09-19T18:45:00.000+01:00

Well Dad has had a much better day on the bike today ... it only rained for about an hour. He also knocked off early so that he could watch the the All Ireland SFC final (Cork v Down). He's found himself a B&B in Kilkieran (Hillside House) and arrived just in time to watch the game. This B&B is much better than last nights and for the same price !

Today he has cycled along the Connemara coast and much of it was through wilderness. His route took him through Bearna, Spideal and into Inveran. It was then onto Costelloe where he got lost and ended up down a cul-de-sac. He stopped and asked directions (apparently men do that when they are on a bike) and got back on track. It was then on through Gortmore and into Kilkieran. His Irish breakfast this morning in the B&B kept him going much of the day. However he's just had a couple of scones and cake with his cup of tea in the B&B. Not sure what he's doing for tea tonight but no doubt there will be a pub stop at some point !

Tomorrow he is heading to Clifden.

Day 18 - Galway (well Salthill)

2010-09-18T22:51:00.000+01:00

It's been a wet day on the bike today .... it's rained virtually all day but Dad has made it to Galway, well in fact he's made it passed Galway to a place called Salthill.

He had a good night last night ... first pub he had a meal (baked cod and vegetables), the second pub he sat chatting to a Canadian couple and the third and final pub for the night there was Irish Music and Irish Dancing. Apparently it was audience participation. Just glad they didn't get Dad dancing ... he has his own style of dancing!

He packed up this morning in the rain (wet tent weighs heavier on the bike) and set off and then remembered he'd forgotten his water bottle (the one for his bike not one to keep him warm in the tent !) so he looped back to the hostel and picked it up. His route took him from Doolin to Ailladie and onto Murroogh where he found a Post Office and posted back his customary parcel of things he no longer needs! Oh I wait with baited breath to find out what I've got this time ! It was then onto Ballyvaughan were he had coffee and a scone and then onto Kinvara passing by The Burren which is large limestone slabs on the way. Following a cafe lunch in Kinvara Dad continued onto Kilcolgan, Oranmoor where Dad picked up the dual carriageway into Galway. On arriving in Galway Dad found that all three hostels were full so he continued on out of town and has found a B&B at Salthill.

Dad has been in search of the pub that serves food which according to the folk in the B&B is "a 10 minute walk away". Dad walked for half an hour, passing two pubs, neither of which sold food, but he did eventually find a shop so it was sandwiches for tea !

Tomorrow he is heading towards Clifden and he is hoping for better weather !

Day 17 - Doolin

2010-09-17T18:09:00.002+01:00

Dad has just rang. He was sitting outside the hostel by the river and I could hear music ... there was a fiddler and a guitarist playing ! Not surprisingly he is in Doolin - a town renowned for it's Irish Music !

Dad has had a leisurely sunny day on the bike today and probably only done around 20 miles (it still sounds a lot to me!).

Last night he had a good night in the pub ... liver and onions, Guinness, Liverpool winning 4-1 and to finish it off some Irish Music. He got chatting to a German guy who it turned out that Dad was sharing a room with in the hostel !

This morning he set off about 9.30 and headed to Liscannor. He then went on a tour of the Cliffs of Moher (it was free for bikes!). Dad had a walk around and had his photo taken at the cliffs. It was quite a climb up to the cliffs but that meant it was downhill on the other side and it was downhill all the way to Doolin. Tonight Dad is camping at the Aille River Hostel which is in the middle of town. He has already sussed out three pubs to visit tonight and he'll pick up a meal in one of those. Camping at the hostel is good value at 9 Euros a night as he can use all the facilities in the hostel (even free tea) but have the freedom of camping.

He has had a walk around and been and watched the ferries going to Arann but Dad has decided he's not going over. Tomorrow he'll head toward Galway.

Reminded Dad tonight that this day last year he was just finishing his Tour of Britain ! I think he might be having a pint tonight to celebrate the anniversary.

Edited to say just found these photos linked to the Hostel website ... it looks a great place to be !

Day 16 - Lahinch

2010-09-16T19:50:00.001+01:00

Dad is in Lahinch staying in the Youth Hostel. He would have camped but couldn't find a campsite. He has had a lovely day on the bike today ... weather has been great and he has cycled most of the day without his jacket. Weather is around 15/16 degrees but being by the coast there is normally a bit of a breeze.

Last night he got chatting to a few people in the pub. Met a couple of lads who had been to the horse racing and coincidentally one of them was named John and the other had the surname Allen ! He'd also seen a builders van in the day with the name of John Allen. I'm starting to think John Allen is a bit of a common name in Ireland ! He also managed to watch the Arsenal game in the pub last night - I hope he wasn't doing his usual ... a drink for every goal scored !

This morning he set off about 9.00 but had a bit of a wait for the ferry from Tarbert and got chatting to man who recognised straight away that Dad came from Stoke-on-Trent. Apparently this man's mother had come from Hanley and they got chatting about the "hole in the wall" oatcake shop ! The ferry across the Shannon Estuary took about half an hour. Cycling for the day started about 10.00 and the first place was Killimer (the ferry port) and then onto Kilrush where he stopped off for coffee and a bacon buttie. There are normally dolphins in the bay but Dad didn't see any. From there he headed for Kilkee which is nice sea-side town with a lovely sandy beach. He then headed onto Doonbeg where he stopped for lunch ... but the best he could find was a shop, so lunch comprised of a packet of biscuits and a bottle of coke ! After lunch he headed onto Milltown Malby and then onto Lahinch. He's already been for a walk about to suss out the pubs and has eyed a pub that does an Irish Roast beef dinner (he needs feeding up after just biscuits for lunch) so he is off there tonight.

He has passed quite a few cyclist today and yesterday going in the opposite direction. There is just one rider and a support car. I've tried to have a look if I could find out what is going on and can't find anything but if anyone knows if there is some sort of event on, then let me know.

Tomorrow he is heading towards the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin.

Day 15 - Tarbert

2010-09-15T19:36:00.000+01:00

Dad is in a hostel in Tarbert. He's had a good day on the bike - even got wear his sunglasses for about an hour today! Did have a shower of rain but that was at lunchtime and Dad was in a cafe.

Dad had a good night last night ... he sent me the following text "Hi gnt etb at a pub thot v brem gd good night lv dadx". I might be his daughter but even I couldn't work out what he was saying. I've found out tonight it meant that he'd found a pub and was watching football (Tottenham v Werder Bremen).

Today he packed up in dry weather for a change. His route took him back through Camp and onto Blennerville where he had a look around the windmill. From there Dad headed to Tralee which was a large town but too early for bacon butties. Dad headed onto Ardfert but there was no cafe but instead a Cathedral which he had a quick look around. He was in luck in Ballyheige where he stopped off in Tides cafe and had the best bacon butties and coffee that he's had all trip and it only cost 5 Euros. He then headed onto Causeway and Ballyduff where he stopped off for lunch (scrambled egg and beans on toast) and sheltered from the rain. After lunch Dad headed onto Ballybunion which is a really nice sea-side town. It was then onto Ballylongford and finally to Tarbert.

Dad has enjoyed today as he is now out of the "touristy" areas, very little traffic and no coaches on the road and the prices in the cafes are cheaper ! He's picked up a couple of windfall apples today and taken them to the hostel only to find in the kitchen someone had already collected some and there was already a huge bag of windfall apples !

No cooking tonight as Dad is off into Tarbert to find a pub with food and showing the football.

Tomorrow he is taking the ferry from Tarbert across the Shannon estuary to Killmer when he will be in County Clare

Day 14 - Dad is camping just outside Camp !

2010-09-14T20:26:00.000+01:00

It's been a bit wet morning on the bike today ... in fact it rained til about 11.30, but then it brightened up but it was still a bit windy. Dad is camping tonight just outside Camp in a place called Castlegregory at Green Acres campsite . He's managed to find a spot between two static caravans (to keep him sheltered from the wind) and negotiated the price down from 15 Euros to 8 Euros !

Dad had a good night last night. After speaking to me he went and had fish and chips for tea and then found a pub that was showing the Stoke v Aston Villa game. However there was only Dad in the pub, so at half time (and Stoke 1-0 behind and not playing so well) he headed off to find another pub! He found a busier pub that was showing the game and when Stoke equaliser Dad gave a cheer. He gave an even louder cheer was Stoke took the lead with virtually the last kick of the game! In fact someone came and asked him if "his team" had won ! Following the football they had Irish music on, so all in all Dad had a good night. The hostel Dad was staying in last night wasn't much busier with just Dad and a fellow hosteler staying.

Dad set off about 9.00 am this morning with a headwind and his route took him through Milltown, Ventry and then headed onto Slea Head (the most westerly point in Ireland). Dad then headed to Dunquin, Ferritersquarter and onto Ballyferriter for lunch. Unfortunately no bacon buttie today and Dad made do with coffee and a scone. Dad then headed back into Dingle and then onto Camp and continued onto Castlegregory. Dad has been cycling close to the Brandon Group of mountains ... he did consider cycling over Conors Pass ... but thought his bike might exceed the weight limit allowed on the mountain pass !

Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup, a Fray Bentos Chicken and Vegetable stew which had a lot more vegetables than chicken! Pudding banana and yogurt. The campsite has a kitchen so that's an added bonus. There is no pub close by so Dad will be having a night at the campsite.

Tomorrow he is heading towards Tralee.