Sunday, 13 Jun 2004

Location: Birmingham, England

After cycling from Paris to Saint Valery sur Somme and along the coast to Calais, I said Au revoir to France and took the ferry over to England on my last leg (legs?).

Wow, everyone (almost) speaks my language over here. It makes it easier, doesn't it? My thoughts on France: almost all friendly people, in spite of some peoples' perceptions I'd heard previously; some great food earlier on but it got ordinary as I headed north (maybe I didn't eat at the right restaurants?); scrumptious cakes; and bike-friendly drivers. The scenery was best in the south - the centre is pretty humdrum north of the Massif Central to the coast. Mind you, I was starting to look forward to finishing.

After only 24 hours in the UK, as Geoff (my brother) was down in London anyway, I decided to get a lift with him from Gillingham to Birmingham and call it a day.

After 4,735 kms, I hung up my bike shoes and had a few drinks to celebrate a fantastic trip. So many highs with a few lows. The hardest part was being alone for so long. My fondest memories are of Spain, though I know there are many more parts of France very worthwhile exploring.

The red flowers kept me company all the way from Portugal to England - I have a great photo of them, taken in France.

Thanks to all the people who left me messages - I enjoyed reading them along the way. I hope you enjoyed this journal and especially the photos. I enjoyed compiling it. Also, thanks very much to Planetranger for hosting the journal.

Bye for now,
Trevor Reeves