The Crazy Things We Say...

I have a bad habit of farewelling complete strangers with statements like "Catch you later" and "See you next time". I know I'm not the only person in the world to use these phrases, but of late it really seams strange saying these pointless words to a complete stranger knowing that in as little as one hour I'll be 20 miles further down the road let alone where I'll be tomorrow or the next day.

Well last week I was proved wrong. Whilst in Bude on a sunny, but bitterly cold Saturday. I was exploring the beach and cliff top when I stumbled upon three climbers who were just completing a 40 meter climb to the base of the town folly. I was talking to the female of the group (Sorry, I know you're reading this but I didn't get your name) whilst the guys were finishing the climb and packing ropes and harness. After a brief chat I bid them farewell with one of the two classic phrases above and then chastised my self for doing so as I walked away.

So Sunday arrives and I start heading east on a 50 mile ride to pick up the beginning of the Tarka Trail. I stop at an intersection some 20 miles into my ride and who should I stop to give way to at the intersection, my climbing buddies who spotted me in the traffic and drove past waving madly to attract my attention.

I guess I shouldn't be so harsh on myself... As they say, "It's a small world after all"