Lejog day 22 Longframlington to Seahouses

 The Firths at Longframlington deserve a 5* review for the accommodation and hospitality. It was good to spend a night with family.



A later start this morning than usual as we weren't in a rush to get on the road. It had rained a bit overnight and the sky was grey. We set off about 11am wondering whether waterproofs would be needed for the first time. For the first half mile we didn't even have to pedal! Two reasons: 1) it was downhill; 2) we had a tailwind for the first time on the entire trip. The wind direction had changed; instead of coming from the east it was now more of a westerly.

It was an exciting moment when we saw the sea for the first time since Cornwall, apart from a brief glimpse just north of Lancaster. This was as we were descending towards Alnwick and Alnmouth. After crossing the river in Alnwick we spotted benches so stopped for elevenses. Walkers were going by with alzheimer's tops and numbers on their backs.  They were on a charity walk of 13 or 26 miles along the Northumberland coast. 



We normally like to eat lunch sitting on a bench, often in a churchyard. However benches don't always appear at opportune moments. Such was the case today hence lunch was a bit late. We did eventually come across some picnic tables at a village play area. 

As we were eating the sun disappeared and grey clouds loomed on the horizon. We prepared to get bums on saddles again when the first few drops descended. It quickly turned into quite a downpour. We sheltered under a tree and put on waterproof tops. As the rain eased a bit we decided to set off and experience the new phenomenon of riding in the rain! But by the time we got going it had stopped. The sun came out, it got hot,  the waterproof tops soon came off!


A pleasant ride followed along flattish roads (with a tailwind) into Seahouses where we're spending the night. Economy night tonight - chip shop meal and co-op pudding back at the accommodation. A bottle of Wainwright to wash it down!



Heading north up the coast tomorrow through Bamburgh and beyond, Scotland the day after! 




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