True to form, the early May bank holiday was wet , but I was away at the Cycle Touring Festival, this year held at Coniston in the Lake District .
I got my son to take me across the country and as we couldn’t camp until 5pm , I asked him to take me to get there at 3pm.
This gave me the time to visit the Ruskin museum. John Ruskin was an English writer, philosopher and artist in the Victorian era.
Recently, the museum had Bluebird, the ‘boat’ that Donald Campbell was killed in trying to break the water speed record, given to them to display.
This was recovered from the depths of Coniston lake and there was some controversy about who it belonged to.
I can vividly remember seeing the images of the crash on TV back in 1967.
The museum also had some linen and lace because this was produced in the area. They are stored in pull out cupboards to keep them protected from the light.
There was also items to do with copper mining in the area dating back centuries. There were also beautiful little cottages scattered across the outside area
I sent a couple of hours at the museum and rode my little Brompton down to the school where we could camp.
It was raining but I got my tent up quickly and then a few of us regular participants went up for a meal. I have to say that the people at the Sun Hotel were excellent in making a meal for me cutting out all fats so as not to upset my gallbladder.
The talks at the festival were great ranging from Ecology with Libby Bowles, using a packraft with bicycles to travel and even sound recordings. Paul Cheese rode around Britain and recorded 10,000 sounds and then made a musical composition. I have to say I didn’t think I would be interested but boy was a wrong. Look up Paul Cheese Musician on YouTube to see his music.
It was a fantastic weekend and I helped with a presentation on making your own gear for cycling and camping. One chap had even made his own bike – even the frame!!
Coming home I was too tired and busy to write last week.
I did manage to ride about 60 miles last week and even got DS2 to come out yesterday as the sun had come out. DH went off to do his birthday ride – his BD is tomorrow – but the weather was forecast to be sunny. He rode down to Riccall and called in to South Newlands farm to see Peggy. Rod was busy working . We didn’t get to camp there last year due to illness.
DH rode 146 miles on his day trip but has told me not to let him do it again. He had a fall dodging dog walkers and returned home bleeding profusely. Fortunately, I was able to stop it but he’s very bruised today but no real harm done.
Hopefully I will get a few days camping in before getting my operation- it’s just playing the waiting game.