UNITED KINGDOM PAGE 2 ENGLAND JUNE 2007.

For the moment, the following Sovereign Territories form the U.K.

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Some may say America (and this is probably true of the moment) BUT, historically, no other nation has had an effect on the world greater than the United Kingdom, It's language links billions of people. It's laws form a basis for many nations. It once ruled over 25% of the worlds people. Like it or hate it, the British Empire, the largest formal Empire the world has ever known, will never be equalled, unless the dynamics of the world change dramatically. It is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the worlds innovations in all areas of human endeavour. It's people now inhabit the far corners of the globe.

No cycling took place during May We both spent the time with Mal's Mother, helping her adjust to her predicament. Few things in life have been as difficult. I am privileged to have had such a devoted, dedicated set of parents as both my Mother and Father.

Friday June 8^th 2007 Wigan to Worthington.
Approx. 21.46k's Average Speed 8.05kph Cycling time 2Hr(s) 39Min. Max speed. 34kph Max temp we recorded 27°C (Shade)
Terrain: Hilly terrain. Road Conditions: ALL classes, O/night Accom.: $.
We decided that in order to keep fit we must cycle as often as possible over the next period of time before we re-commence our journey. Mal's Mum was taken to the hospice to control the horrendous pain she has attempted to endure. My sister Denise had planned a weekend camping – close to Wigan. We asked if we may join them.

We left Worsley Mesnes, Wigan and found our way onto the Liverpool – Leeds Canal. Alongside the canal is a primitive cycle path. The path consists of Cobbled Stones, flat small bricks, cinder and dirt. It is boggy and difficult to ride. There are a number of “gates” designed for “upright” bikes, these caused us no end of problems. We had to dismantle our bike – trailer combo and lift these over the gates, separately!

The ride along the canal is stunningly beautiful, we met fishermen, walkers, boat people and lunatics.

We left the canal at Appley Bridge and started the steep climb to the top of “Parbold Hill”,

only to find we had gone too far in one direction. I rang the “Brother in Law and was eventually on the right track. There are many cycle paths along the route and the roads are narrow, however, the motorists were cautious and courteous on those roads that did not have one.

The caravan park we stayed at is way bellow the standards we are used to in Australia. I can only hope it gets better than worse, but we all know “Sod's Law” don't we?. The camp sites are called “Pitches”. The owner wanted £10.00 for a night on a sloping featureless field, no tables, no shade, no shelter not even flat sites, atrocious

Worse was to come.... the Camp Kitchen had only hot water available! There was a microwave with a sign saying NOT for the use of camper's UNLESS they buy our food!! The showers were the final insult, a charge of 50p (about $1.12) for the use of a timed shower. NO temperature control!!!  You get a 10 second or so burst of water, before you need to push the tap AGAIN... I used about 25 “bursts” before my shower was terminated. No hot water for a shave unless you paid more money... and pathetically small dirty facilities... Almost ALL of the free camping areas in Tasmania are much better than here...

The countryside is lush and green, a stark contrast to our homeland Australia...

I intend to write up our “training runs” as I get the opportunity to ride them, which will keep both our fitness and diary alive... I hope you enjoy them.
Sunday June 10^th 2007 Worthington to Wigan.
Approx. 14.23k's Average Speed 15.06kph Cycling time Hr(s) 56Min. Max speed. 38kph Max temp we recorded 32°C (Shade)
Terrain: Hilly terrain. Road Conditions: ALL classes, No Wind O/night Accom.: $.
We Used my brother in law's “Sat Nav” to return. It can be programmed for bicycles, using cycle paths and cycle friendly roads....

The wow!!! factor is still echoing in my ears. We also put our trailers and gear in the car and rode our bikes “light”. Nice to use without a load :-)

Our ride back was a lot faster than our journey “up”, however not as scenic... The odd thing is the courtesy of the drivers here – surely this cannot last??

Not much of interest on our return journey.... We went to see Mum in the hospice when we returned, her pain is less but not yet under control...

Catchya Later...

The following has been Transferred from “NEWS” pages to end June Diaries

WIGAN UK 28th May 2007.
Some good news first: Our good friends, Andrew and Joanne Hooker, are about to commence their Three Wheels, Three Ocean, cycling trilogy. Starting their journey in Alaska USA... They are from the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia in the coastal suburb of Rockingham. Their epic journey can be followed by clicking HERE and their books, from other travels, plus merchandise, can be purchased on their website, this helps to keep them peddling. ALL our good wishes for an enjoyable, safe journey.

What's Happening in our world? We are still in Wigan with my Mum. She is now on “standard” Chemotherapy, having decided not to go on the Trial... Her prognosis is poor and she now endures considerable pain. We are in discussions with Mum and family about resuming our journey. Mum is very insistent that we don't hang around “waiting”. Lee and I are looking at possible scenarios. We will commence our journey sooner rather than later, of this I am fairly sure. With the help of family, we can be picked up anywhere in Britain should Mum's condition deteriorate rapidly.

WIGAN UK 10^th June 2007.
June Diary added and pages updated

WIGAN UK 14^th June 2007.
Sad news for us both today... Suzie – our dog – died today at 09:30 Perth western Australia time. (GMT+8)

Suzie was taken from the “Dog Pound” (a local government facility) some time in 1994.. We do not know her real age, but she was a mature dog when we rescued her from “death row” (she was to be executed within two days). She is “family” in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed.

When we went on our frequent travels, over the years, she too went on “holiday”, staying each time with my eldest daughter Zoe. Here she became a much loved member of her family and thrived each time she stayed. I am equally saddened that my daughter had to take the steps she did (today) in having Suzie “Put Down”. Her advanced “dog” years meant she was falling often and having great difficulty breathing... The vet advised my daughter to take the steps she did and I trust and support her decision without question. My daughter remained with Suzie comforting her until she passed on... Those amongst you that love animals in general and Dogs in particular will know the “feelings” we are all going through. She will be greatly missed.....

BACK | FORWARD To Page 3

2006 - 2009. All rights reserved.  Design:(c) Mal & Lee ALL images on ALL pages are the property of Mal & Lee and may NOT be used without permission.