The following day was showery and cold, but there was plenty of sunshine around. The view through the dormitory window across the estuary as we woke up made us all feel a good deal better, and the warden’s porridge helped to get things off to a good start. We took the main road through Aveton Gifford to Modbury, sheltering twice on the way from some rather heavy showers.

Taking the lanes we were soon at Bridgend, Noss Mayo, where Colin and John were patiently waiting for us as arranged. The usually eventful lunch hour was followed by a pleasant ride past Pool Mill Farm to Totnes, the only shower being encountered near Ugborough. It was cold and dark when we separated, and I hear that Andrew got a puncture before he got back to Abbotskerswell – good job Colin was with him!

Oh well, things could have been worse I suppose. I’ll think carefully before I make any more predictions about winter hostelling in my editorials!

(Michael Jones)