Sun 1st Aug : Day in Athlone

Rode into Athlone to take a look around.










(If you look closely you can see Boris in one of these pics)

The castle was a bit sad. It had cafes, information centres and all the usual 'make the most of the heritage site' stuff but it was all abandoned. Ivy was growing throughout the inside of a still fully equipped tea shop. It was bank holiday Sunday but there was practically no-one there.

Had hoped to hook up with my cousin Feena today. She was due back at her home near Athlone today having just stayed at my sister's house. Couldnt get hold of her.

Still have the naff tune of 'Sandra Dee' in my head, from 'Grease'. Ive had it since cycling in to Tandragee several days ago. I guess its those lyrics, (and the fact the rhythm coincides with my breathing and cycling speed) "Look at me Im Sandra Dee, lousy with virginity, wont go to bed 'till Im legally wed, not I, not Tandra Gee".

All the internet places were closed - grr. Returned to the campsite and did some washing. Cycled to neighbouring village to stock up on bread & cheese. By the evening my jeans were still wet so I wore them to the pub to help get them dry. Wasnt very comfortable - lol. Spoke to Ross and his mate who had his arm round me the whole time we were speaking. They tried to convince me to go into town with them but with a big cycle the next day I declined. They were also on a serious sharking mission...