Day 34 Alder to Ennis 42km

What does a day on the road with L and K look like? We've had a month to develop a system for just about everything, and for those of you who know us, you know we don't mind a bit of over organisation! So we have a system for packing up in the morning, every little piece of equipment has it's place, so that the panniers are balanced, and the most essential things are more accessible, like rain gear and food! Porridge is the breakfast staple, Kerstin does the dishes (yay!). We try to be on the road as early as possible, to avoid the afternoon winds and heat, rolling out between 0730 and 0830 is a success. This means each and everyday we unpack and repack tent, sleeping mats and bags, clothes, food and kitchen equipment, we are really good at it now, so good we can do it without discussion. Hours on the road depend on distance travelled and terrain, but 4.5 hours pure riding time is average, not including breaks for eating, photos, breathing, repairs etc... Until the next campsite is found, and the unpacking and setting up begins again, of course we have also got this down to a fine art. But everyday produces a new challenge, surprise, unexpected happening. Like today, when we were chased out of Alder by two very fast and determined dogs. Who took a dislike to me, chasing me down the road, biting at my bike and bags, giving me a big adrenaline rush to start the day! Lucky Kerstin was there with her loud German voice to send them back home. Or here in Ennis, when we couldn't find the campground or supermarket, lucky again to find some lovely and helpful locals. The final challenge of today was the wind, apparently they normally get winds here of 60-70 mph! Watching other tents move across the campsite we were glad to have spent the extra dosh on a great tent, and to have some pretty impressive skills in setting it up under duress! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad