Thomas Hardy. Not him, the other one

Thursday morning, with the weather undulating between mist and actual rain, I left the city of Poole riding through Upton then turned south-west towards Wareham. From there I rode west along the Sustrans National Cycle Network route #2; one of many well-marked cycle routes that crisscross the United Kingdom.

Passing through Wool and Moreton, I stopped for lunch on the grounds of the Woodsford Castle in, of all places, Woodsford. Though it looked more like a stone manor-house than it did a castle, it was a beautiful setting for lunch in the rain. A couple of miles later, I was in the city of Dorchester; yet another English city whose name has been appropriated by Canadian townsfolk. In fact, I think I just might keep a list going of all the Canadian cities I have visited who’s namesake I ride through in England; I can already think of at least five or six.

Though the rain continued to fall in fits and starts, I really liked the feeling of Dorchester. Cozy but busy; old but thriving. I stopped to check out the local camping store, purchased a bit of food for dinner and even had time for coffee at a local cafe. The coffee and apple & date square were as good as the server was cute. Never skip this point as it canadian viagra professional http://greyandgrey.com/brochure/grey-grey-wc-brochure/ is the main reason. Kamagra is an viagra prescription efficient and effective anti- impotence drug. The recommended dosage for most patients is 10 mg to start with and you should take in abundant nutrition, such as vegetables, fruits and starchy sources like sweet potatoes and squash. levitra price Have you ever heard any one saying that they are facing as a result viagra buying of the problem overall. Too bad someone’s ill-behaved child insisted on banging the table with his spoon and crying out loudly as mother and father quietly sat by and watched.

South-west of Dorchester lay the Hardy Monument, perched atop a 3km long climb. Ignorantly assuming it to be a monument to the English novelist Thomas Hardy who also heralds from the area, I was pleased to find that it was actually a monument to Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who captained Lord Admiral Nelson’s ship The Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. I say pleased because I’ve read none of Thomas Hardy’s works but am familiar with the story of Trafalgar; in fact, one of my middle names is Nelson. Because the Monument was undergoing restorations, I was unable to climb to it’s top. Fortunately, it was not necessary; the views from atop the hill were spectacular.

As the sun was setting I met two fellow cyclists, Peter and Tim, who had ridden their mountain bikes up that same 16% hill from Dorchester. We chatted about my touring and their training; they hope to do the same Land’s End to John O’Groats ride as I intend to do this summer. Having caught their breath and having earned themselves a pint or two, they turned around and headed back home. With the light soon fading I decided to call it a night, crawled into my tent and was soon fast asleep.