I'm not going to lie to you. Today it got dark.

Soon after packing up my camp and loading the panniers, the skies clouded over and a strong southwesterly came up. I set off on my way to tavistock and into some long climbs. With the wind in my face and dull skies overhead, every rotation of the pedals felt like a monumental effort for my already tired pins. I found myself questioning what on earth I was doing, why put myself through this? Surely buses are there for a reason!

I had a banana. Things got better.

It was a great downhill sprint into tavistock and that soon put a smile back on my face.

I've been using google's new 'bike' feature on google maps and today it really proved its worth. I have decided to head for lostwithiel and the maps show you the 'roads less travelled' routes. Still loads of hills though.

At about three this afternoon something happened that I've been looking forward to since setting off from Bristol. I crossed the Tamar! I've come into Cornwall a way I never new existed: over a 16th century bridge at Horsebridge. An old lady out walking her dog offered to take my picture.

After cycling along the back lanes of Cornwall, I was climbing a hill into the small village of Pensilva and spotted a pub, the Victoria inn, at the top. It was 6pm by then so I (my legs) decided to stop and have a rest.

To cut a long story short, the landlord, Chris, has kindly let me pitch my tarp in the beer garden. I have already met some great people here, Chris, Charlene, Shaun and Berryl have made me feel very welcome!

The universe has smiled.

I bleddy luv Cornwall I do!