Day 321 5th June
76miles (Berga to Sodero) Average speed 12.1 mph Top speed 29 mph
A wonderful day which started early. I was awake at 6 and tried to use the toilet but my entry fob didn’t work, so used a bush. This meant no shower, toast or kettle, so I used my own and cooked next to the kitchen out of the wind. I made toast on the gas burner with pate and then packed up my tent before the rain came. Thankfully it didn’t and the clouds were blown away by the strong winds which seemed to be blowing in all directions. I left at 9 and followed the A34 most of the day. It is a fast road but apart from the occasional lorry and the strong winds no problem at all with a reasonably wide shoulder. I was flying and my first stop came after an hour and a half at a petrol station for coffee and a hot dog. I kept on going well and eventually stopped for lunch at 2.30 by which time I’d clocked up 50 miles. I found a sandy path to a lake which looked superb until I went to go onto a jetty and discovered 3 or 4 snakes, which looked a bit scary to share my lunch with so I found a boat nearby and gave it a few kicks to make sure no snakes were underneath and enjoyed my wrap.
Lunchtime companions? I think not!
I continued after lunch at a slightly slower pace and decided to change my shorts which I achieved on the roadside using my bike to shield my dignity, well what I had left. At Kiso I made the decision to follow the 135 east in the hope of finding a good camping spot by one of the many lakes but most was fenced off private land until I eventually found the perfect place.
Facilities
After cooking in the changing room out of the wind I watched a stunning sunset and paddled and as I write I’m sat by my campfire enjoying the fish watching.
Watching the fish rise at sunset
Swimming area next to lake. A wonderful wild camp with toilet, bathing hut changing room and tables and benches and firepit.