Hello, I'm back. We enjoyed a good morning at RHS Bridgewater and I had the most wonderful escape. After our walk round at 12.00 Mrs P suggested lunch, I'm sure one could eat The Savoy for less. Mrs P took one look at the queues and shook her head. We were just leaving and I was breathing easy when Mrs P announced we "might as well" pop in to the plant centre which is adjacent to the cafe. Now with my background I know this is probably THE most expensive plant centre in the UK and I know where all the plants come from and their wholesale price. So I'm now breathing harder and starting to sweat.

We've been in there five minutes when the fire alarm went off and staff required everyone to leave! RESULT!
Been out for a very pleasant gravel ride, lots of shady canal towpaths and wooded trails. Only 30 miles in three hours but a great crack with friends. We were supposed to be riding to Dent and Barbondale today. A couple of us declined on the basis of the weather which I don't think was very popular with the others who were going. In my view 4-5 hours on a bike in full sun in these temperatures is foolhardy. This is Barbondale, note the heavy shade cover!
View attachment 656991