September 17 - Day 130 -‘Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.’ Emily Bronte

As I haven’t included any cow pictures for a while, I couldn’t resist stopping this morning when they were right next to the road, their breath visible in the morning mist. By this stage, however, I was fairly cold, having not realised what an impact the mist and damp would have and was regretting not wearing full length leggings and warmer socks. It’s definitely getting close to the point when the heated socks might be brought back out of storage!

By the time I got past Owlerbar though the sun began to shine through and despite feeling very tired enjoyed the whole journey.

So, talking of being tired reminds me that I said I would explain the Day 128.5 from yesterday’s blog. Yesterday evening Louise and I went to the Archer Project’s ‘To the Gate and Back’ exhibition at Sheffield’s Anglican Cathedral. It was very impressive and I would suggest you go and see it if you have a chance before the end of September. Looking at the photographs not only of the amazing work of the Project during Covid but also the effect of the fire and the plans for the future design of the building say a lot about the determination of the staff and their understanding of need and the effect of trauma in Sheffield. Hope and positivity have come out of what appear to be bleak moments and is a good reminder to us all of the impact that the Archer project, St Wilfrid’s and other organisations have continued to have during this difficult time.

I realise that doesn’t yet explain the 128.5. This is all down to the fact that everyone felt it was important that I plan to complete the challenge at the Centre. If things had continued as they were doing, the last journey and the completion of the 4500 miles would have been at home. I also didn’t fancy cycling home in the dark last night so to overcome the two problems Jeff very kindly picked me and the bike up. I haven’t yet worked out the best way of recording this half in the total number of days - so I thought I better explain instead. As I am now only £50 off a total of £5000, with 21 days left, this is a good time to say that any extra support would be much appreciated and thank you very much for all the encouragement so far.