Bike Ride

 Monday 14th April

Today was exercise day!  Peter and Adam had been out for a quick bike ride yesterday afternoon to see if there were good tracks to ride on - none of us fancied being on the roads.  They'd found a way through a foresty area that led to the lakeside towards Verbania, so that was where we headed loaded with our groundsheet and picnic.  We stopped at a tiny sandy beach to eat, paddle, watch the ducks and swan (he was actually watching us), and marvel at the black and green striped frogs basking on a log (until our shadows disturbed them and they all plopped into the water).  The children had a great time playing in the sand and Adam (being 7) got his shorts wet.  We then followed a track by the river away from the lake, passing the most amazing azelias in full colourful bloom - pinks, reds, purples, yellow and white.  We carried on hoping to come to a cafe or shop, but eventually decided to turn back and Peter went off the track towards a road to see what he could find.  He came back for us all and led us across a very busy road that led to .... wait for it .... the Verbania railway station cafe!  (Forever a railway boy!)  So we had some refreshment - and saw a goods train.  Back at the site John's GPS told us we had cycled just over 9 miles - pretty good for 7 and 9 yr olds - and the OAPs!  We ended the day with a tasty barbecue dinner and a game of Newmarket.  It's great that the children are old enough now to be able play card games for themselves - until now the trickiest bit has been holding the cards. 

The sunshine, exercise and good food (and wine) should make us all sleep well tonight.