We’re very much at the ‘can’t wait to get started’ stage. The cycling will be on pre-planned routes whereas we are super keen to leave the rail travel to chance. I need to capture that intention in a note, I think.
Wow, such an epic journey Barry! I once cycled across the Pennines, and that was tough enough. Least it’s downhill all the way from Scotland to Portsmouth—well, that’s how it looks on the map, anyway!! Give me a wave as you pass by on your way. I live a little south of Winchester and a little north of Southampton.
I’ll be sure to wave! JoJo and I cycled from France to Wales last year. The part from Portsmouth out via Southampton was the hardest part … incoherent bike lanes, impatient and aggressive drivers, you can imagine … I have half a mind to get the train from Salisbury after a lunchtime catch up with my sister.
The Pennines must have been tough. I’m still happier on a downhill than a climb! But one needs the other!
I can imagine, I don’t cycle now and wouldn’t choose to do so locally. The Pennines was tough, we did the coast to coast and it drizzled most of the time, but the scenery was magnificent.
Another week of bright delights! Thank you so much for this Barrie and JoJo. Just this morning, I have discovered Kendall Lamb who has travelled widely and wildly for her work, she is sharing her beautiful and eloquently written memoire of encounters, whilst travelling, with animals, it begins with a whale sneeze!
Aw, thank you for the kind words … and “it begins with a whale sneeze” draws me in straight away! We’ll be checking out Kendall Lamb, for certain. I don’t think this will be the last edition with Travel at its heart!
I’ll pop ‘memoire’ on my list. I think next week’s will be an eclectic mix of “what I’ve loved this week” … it’s good being the writer, editor, proprietor of my own magazine!
Ah, we love what you do … we can’t wait to start sending letters and cards from around Europe on our interrail trip. Thank you for all the beautiful things!
Thanks for mentioning me. It’s very kind of you and encourages me to continue my newsletter! Love the focus on being a true traveller rather than a tourist. It’s all about embracing the unknown and letting the journey unfold. Can’t wait to hear more about your travels, and upcoming adventures, especially your Portugal and Scotland plans! Wishing you both the best as you prepare for this year’s adventures.
We’re excited to make the detailed plans (though the interrail will be quite loose). I’ve already changed back to France from Portugal … getting both JoJo and me (+ a bike) back from Faro was proving tricky. So JoJo will have a leisurely rail ride through Spain to Bordeaux and home … I’ll pedal right to the front door!
Excellent, Barrie and Jojo. Humorous travel essays are my favorite kind of reading. I especially love Bill Bryson's Neither Here Nor There. I have read it so many times and laugh just as hard every time I read it. Here is a short one of mine that you might like. A two-minute Italian nightmare. https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/hitching-a-ride-in-tuscany-77d
So true to life, Sharron … beautifully written … we have a game we play called ‘friend or foe’ when we see an argument in a Mediterranean country … are they mates, or sworn enemies?
Thanks for reading … there are so many amazing accounts to celebrate on Substack. We may be here for some time!
What great plans, and intentions for them - I'm excited for you
We’re very much at the ‘can’t wait to get started’ stage. The cycling will be on pre-planned routes whereas we are super keen to leave the rail travel to chance. I need to capture that intention in a note, I think.
Wow, such an epic journey Barry! I once cycled across the Pennines, and that was tough enough. Least it’s downhill all the way from Scotland to Portsmouth—well, that’s how it looks on the map, anyway!! Give me a wave as you pass by on your way. I live a little south of Winchester and a little north of Southampton.
I’ll be sure to wave! JoJo and I cycled from France to Wales last year. The part from Portsmouth out via Southampton was the hardest part … incoherent bike lanes, impatient and aggressive drivers, you can imagine … I have half a mind to get the train from Salisbury after a lunchtime catch up with my sister.
The Pennines must have been tough. I’m still happier on a downhill than a climb! But one needs the other!
I can imagine, I don’t cycle now and wouldn’t choose to do so locally. The Pennines was tough, we did the coast to coast and it drizzled most of the time, but the scenery was magnificent.
If you’re ever in France, bring bikes. Our area is flat and there are miles and miles of gorgeous bike routes - the Loire, the Atlantic coast etc.
Flat bike routes sounds amazing!! Especially as I am very unfit and much heavier these days 💛✨
Ah, the magical thing about bike fitness is that it gently comes back with every ride …
What a wonderful roundup! I found a few authors I didn’t know before. And thank you for the shoutout!
Our pleasure. Happy travels.
Another week of bright delights! Thank you so much for this Barrie and JoJo. Just this morning, I have discovered Kendall Lamb who has travelled widely and wildly for her work, she is sharing her beautiful and eloquently written memoire of encounters, whilst travelling, with animals, it begins with a whale sneeze!
https://touchingtheelephant.substack.com/?utm_source=byline&utm_content=writes
Aw, thank you for the kind words … and “it begins with a whale sneeze” draws me in straight away! We’ll be checking out Kendall Lamb, for certain. I don’t think this will be the last edition with Travel at its heart!
Essentially Kendall is writing a memoire, so perhaps another edition entirely even!
I’ll pop ‘memoire’ on my list. I think next week’s will be an eclectic mix of “what I’ve loved this week” … it’s good being the writer, editor, proprietor of my own magazine!
That is always a winner!
Great post! Excellent job of curation of works, very enjoyable in getting Lost!
Thanks so much for reading, Jim … getting lost is the true pleasure of travelling!
What a beautiful post! Thanks for including me, guys - the encouragement comes at a perfect time. :)
Ah, we love what you do … we can’t wait to start sending letters and cards from around Europe on our interrail trip. Thank you for all the beautiful things!
Thanks for mentioning me. It’s very kind of you and encourages me to continue my newsletter! Love the focus on being a true traveller rather than a tourist. It’s all about embracing the unknown and letting the journey unfold. Can’t wait to hear more about your travels, and upcoming adventures, especially your Portugal and Scotland plans! Wishing you both the best as you prepare for this year’s adventures.
Can’t wait to follow it all step by step, please keep us posted as things happen 😃
Ah, such a pleasure.
We’re excited to make the detailed plans (though the interrail will be quite loose). I’ve already changed back to France from Portugal … getting both JoJo and me (+ a bike) back from Faro was proving tricky. So JoJo will have a leisurely rail ride through Spain to Bordeaux and home … I’ll pedal right to the front door!
Excellent, Barrie and Jojo. Humorous travel essays are my favorite kind of reading. I especially love Bill Bryson's Neither Here Nor There. I have read it so many times and laugh just as hard every time I read it. Here is a short one of mine that you might like. A two-minute Italian nightmare. https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/hitching-a-ride-in-tuscany-77d
So true to life, Sharron … beautifully written … we have a game we play called ‘friend or foe’ when we see an argument in a Mediterranean country … are they mates, or sworn enemies?
Thanks for reading … there are so many amazing accounts to celebrate on Substack. We may be here for some time!
Thanks so much for the shoutout, guys!
Thank YOU so much for the inspiration!