D+4 Tue 05 July 2011 Shawbury to Cabus

Up at 0600hrs for a 0700hrs breakfast.  However this is the RAF.  The cookhouse opened 10 minutes early and not Pay as you Dine, so we ate and ate until we could eat no more.  Out of the camp for 0715hrs and headed for first Whitchurch, and then Warrington up the A69. Having been spoilt with Devon and the Wye Valley on previous days, the countryside is hardly inspiring, but the road was good, flat, and the wind behind us. It's also still better than being in the office/guardroom.  Starting from Lands End with the wind behind us was a great decision. We have met others coming the other way, fighting the wind, and looking tired.  The weather was dull but not raining until Warrington.  However, before we reached Warrington, 660 Sqn Army Air Corps played a real blinder. As part of Staff Training they happened to have a flight that day that followed the A69, and  managed to take some pictures of us from the air.  A huge thanks to all involved.  Warrington to Wigan saw the production from the van of the wet weather tops, and after four days of hot weather, the rain was actually a welcome change. Wigan looked tired and depressed, and has certainly seen better years. Certainly much cooler up here, but then again we are all Southern Ponces.  Christove even comes from Australia. We had a competition to find the first Liverpool perm and shellsuit, and often had to quell the desire to shout 'Northern Monkey' at the locals. Very cruel.  In reality all are very friendly, and we have been met with good humour and support wherever we have been today.  From Wigan on to Preston and with the wind still pushing us along, spirits remained high, and the banter good. After Preston we hit the A6 which took us to tonight's stop, Claylands in the village of Cabus, 11 miles North of Preston.  Early indications are that the A6 is a great road.  Quiet (all traffic is on the M6), it even has a cycle lane.  Time will tell tomorrow.  Again many thanks to all those who contributed to the two charities on the way, including Mags Campbell; and thanks in anticipation to the Editor of the local Gazette who we hope will place an article on us in their paper. Tomorrow we hope to make an appearance on local TV, and have an announcement made on the radio.  We wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thanks also to those at HQ Army Air Corps who have placed us on the MOD Website.
A shorter day, 91 miles, with only 2743 feet of climb.  The campsite is good but again a little bizarre. The shower block is very good, but has Motown's greatest hits being played over speakers. Makes one want to  break out in to the Full Monty,
FOOTNOTE
In Whitchurch the support team went shopping for essentials, and the passenger door opened on its own.  Christove fell out the van.  Oh how we laughed!