Day 233 Ride to Dale

Sunday 21 August

After some early morning cloud the weather brightened up and we set out to cycle to Dale.  This is a small village near the mouth of the haven which has very sheltered moorings and is popular with the sailing set.  It's quite a hilly ride to get there so we were very glad to reach the beachfront cafe. It was very busy with people and boats everywhere, it took me a moment to realise they were holding their annual regatta. I find watching regattas totally perplexing as a mass of boats seem to sail around randomly in a small area .  The village however was really lively. We sat outside the cafe munching on our egg & bacon rolls watching the laser dinghies come ashore the rowing skiffs being prepared.

Returning to the bikes we plodded up the hill out of Dale then turned off to St Brides Haven.  This small cove faces into St Brides Bay.  It has a church at the top of the beach, with a nearby ruined limekiln and, interestingly, the remains of two stone coffins  visible in the earth bank.  The previous mediaeval churchyard has been eroded by the sea, exposing the two empty coffins. Our boys were fascinated by these when they were young & swore they could see "skullingtons" in them!

Back at the van it was time for a rest.  We'd ridden nearly 20 miles of rather more strenuous terrain than previously and were pleased at our cycling progress. I know we're not particularly good cyclists but our stamina is improving. Later we took a stroll down to the beach and I tried to take some photos of typical beach activities. It was not that easy to get any decent photos but here's a couple that were ok

30 love!

Who's the kid?