Every evening I planned where I would stay the next night. There was no internet in the 1970s so I had to book the youth hostel where I planned to stay by phone, if I could get through! So on this particular day, I was cycling 60 miles to stay in a hostel linked to a farm. As the light started to fade I became more and more anxious. The darker it became the more anxious I became.
Finally I arrived at a farmhouse which I could just make out in the darkness. I was greeted by a very large and frightening dog ( I was not used to dogs as my family was not a family of dog lovers ) and a man and woman who appeared to be the farmers, and it transpired they were.
I thought that I would stay in their farmhouse. Wrong! They pointed me to a distant cabin high up the hill, which I could see by the light of the moon. They told me that later a party of schoolgirls, about 16 of them with teac hers, would be arriving. I wad really wanted to just be in my own company but accepted that I had no choice.
So luggage and bike in tow I climbed up to the cabin.
I had a simple meal of cheese,apples, bananas and water. And then I fell asleep.
I awoke to the sound of banging on the front door, And then on the outside walls. I looked out of the window. I could not see the party of schoolgirls and teachers. Surely it was now too late for them to arrive?
I went to the front door. I was adrenalised. The banging was loud and continuous now. With all the courage that I could muster I opened the door. I was greeted by a flock of sheep, feeding on the grass that bordered the cabin.
I relaxed. I smiled. I decided to sleep a few more hours before setting out again on my journey to Ireland.