Monday June 2
Earby Youth Hostel

Dear Mum & Liz

Snow in June, good God!

They predicted it on the radio, but I didn't really believe it especially when I woke up to beautiful blue skies this morning in Huddersfield. I found a bike shop just out of town and got the spoke fixed in about 3/4 of an hour, but while I was waiting, the rain started. I took out my cape as I started & it was rain & sun alternating fot the rest of the day and a constant gale force wind always against me. Twice, I had to go right over the moors & the first time was the worst. There were hills all over, horrible wind with rain, hail & snow.

Anyway, I made it here & for the last hour or so, it was warm & sunny but still windy. Even though the day has been worse than that first day (but fortunately no bike injury today) I felt quite happy when the sun came out, dried me off & carried me to Earby. My impression of the Pennines is that they are beautiful but rather cold and lonely; not as green as the East coast. I hope the weather is warmer in the Lakes, but I doubt that it will be. I sent some flowers to Pat & Tony this morning. Tomorrow I'm off to Hawes via Kettlewell.