Day 5 Still Hilly

Highampton to South Molton. 

Woke up about 7 to a bright light at the other end of the tent - it was the sun. Sat up and could feel the heat through the tent then put a brew on. What a lovely start to the day. We got all the wet stuff spread out on newspaper and had breakfast. Three weetabix and 1 1/2 bananas , mug of tea. 

9.30 and we are leaving the site going back towards Sheepwash when i still feel peckish and have an oaty biscuit. Julian slags me for still eating. 

Down a hill then the first of todays uphills.  We soon get on a road along the top of a hill and get some nice views of Dartmoor. 

50 mins later we are in Hatherleigh and see a cafe. In we go for coffee and cake. I go to check out the carrot cake when the cook brings through pasties , fresh out the oven apparently. That was it , had to have one. Absolutely delicious too. 

Seeing a seated area in front of the church i realise i have been here before, posibly 17 years ago whlle on a holiday. We meet another cyclist who is keen to hear our route as he has done Lejog himself. 

More hills but with increasingly longer downhill sides, this good.  Next place en route for a lunch stop is Chumleigh. We see a sign advertising the golf club for food. The course is an 18 hole par 3. Everyone is very friendly and we find the course record is 47. That is good golf!

We only have 7 miles to go to Elaine and Michaels but dark clouds are approaching from the west. The wind is in our face so we are not able to outrun the rain. Wet gear on again and it chucks it down. We arrive looking like drowned rats ( Elaines words) but we are so glad to get indoors and have a cuppa in front of the stove. It is right toasty. 

We takeover all available hanging space and even get my tent slung from the wall frames Michael has been building upstairs. 

A soak in the bath is next, luxury, the heat soothing the aches. 

We are soon off to the Stag Inn for a super meal. The ceilings are low here and    Julian and I have to watch for the beams above our seats. We manage ok. 

Elaine and Julian order a cheese board for dessert and we are astounded by the amount of cheese - ie loads. It is not wasted though as we get a doggy bag to take it home. 

 I am sleeping in a bed tonight after 5 nights in a tent. It is very comfy and feels different not sleeping at floor level.  It is pitch black when i put out the light, no street lights here, and also the nearest thing to silence. I dont need much rocking tonight and am soon fast asleep.

Elaine has kindly washed some of our gear so by morning everything is dry. The cheese has been put on some rolls and scrambled egg made for breakfast. We load up and say our farewells. Thank you both for your very kind hospitality. If anyone else would like to visit Devon then perhaps you might consider Poadmarsh Holiday Cottages for your accommodation.  You wont be disappointed.