Devonia and other musings

Devon was a good time. The boat was a paddle steamer affair by the name of Waverley. I got into Ilfracombe and then cycled over to a place called Mortehoe near Woolacombe. The initial ride out of Ilfracombe was all up hill, and I was knackered by the time I found a flat bit of road. A combination of large ruc-sac, tent and sleeping bag, allied to steep, unrelenting hills, left me wiped out by the time I got to the site.

Brother Jim met me there, helped me set up and then we went out (with the best of intentions) to spread some peace and goodwill. Whilst fine initially, we found ourselves getting too close to our targets, drinking pint for pint with them until, later, we were stamping our feet to some music at the Ship Aground. Drunkeness is not a good thing if done regularly, but an occasional blow-out is to be cherished. The music played, the drink flowed, friends were made, pacts and lifelong oaths were sworn to the stars above in the clear sky.

Coming to an end as all good things do, the next day was lost to the ravages of alcohol. Sleep was difficult too, with the dawn chorus starting at an ungodly 4am in the wilds. So, replete with hangover and furry mouth, a breakfast was gleaned at a huge price from a local cafe. Furthermore, it was eaten with that nagging feeling that it might come up at any time or, failing that, out the other end at any time. The body is on tenterhooks after a night on the local moonshine(s). Taking myself back to the site as quickly as possible, I tuned in to Australia v Wales on the wireless. After losing so narrowly in Sydney the previous week, hopes were mixed for a result this time. Could the lads get up for it again after losing in injury-time in the first test? The early indication was positive, turning round at the break at only 6-0 down. Then Aus went and scored 3 tries to blow us away.

For a match and a half, we were right up there with them. Not bad for a second-string outfit fighting for world cup spots. The ending was, likely, inevitable. Czekaj, the young Blues winger, broke a leg. This meant switching players around a bit. The shock of the injury clearly affected some players (the bloke will be out for a year), though Gareth Thomas (c) tried to talk it down a bit. All in all, Wales didn't really play good rugby but, given that first match, should have drawn the series. Aus are not as good as they used to be, but it was still creditable for a match and a half (result-wise). I think we are stronger for the tour, with Michael Owen, Colin Charvis and Iestyn Thomas all coming back to international rugby with some lovely form. James Hook is doing the business too. A mention as well should go to Jamie Robinson - the man is back.

All that aside, I walked along the coast one day, went to a beach another. I rode back to the port on the Tuesday gone and got myself back to the island in time to play football. It's been a valuable time for me given the current tension pervading my work life and home life, more of which I'll divulge at a later date, should it be politic.