We went along a slightly hillier road from here towards Romsey, and already all accommodation was advertised by queues of cyclists. We had a large supper of tough steak, and biked on losing all hopes of bed. zcy zfd
… we decided to spend the night out, so after losing our way leaving Winchester, we climbed onto the Downs towards Petersfield, and at 11 o’clock settled down in a hollow by the road wearing all the scanty apparel we could muster. zcy zcg
Sunday 2nd
Half past midnight. Cold enough, so we decided to continue. We followed the road, lit by many green glow worms and a Solent lightship. The moon, after several feeble attempts, at last emerged to help. We had no lights. We soon left the Downs and descended into the valley, where the mists were icy. Nearly collided with a couple standing on the road, but apart from these and one cyclist we saw no-one… zcy zwl zwr
At last, exasperated by cold, we stopped; and choosing a dense tree, we lit a fire underneath in a rabbit hole, the draught entering by the other holes, through one of which could be seen a ghostly glimmer. We wandered miserably round holding a candle collecting firewood, but remained cold. At last we damned the blackout, increased the fire, made some coffee, and finally slept. … zcy zcg zfd
We left at dawn, with orange clouds and ominous thunder on our left. We were soon soaked by heavy rain. We reached Petersfield at 7.10—having decided to train from here. We ate a soggy breakfast in a waiting room which smelt nastier than most things, and caught the 8.20, wet and tired. Rain[y] ride home. zcy zwr ztv
Nora and Martin and Daddy and Mommy and Margaret and me all there—only John missing, the biggest gathering for nearly two years. We spent the morning asleep. … zfl
Lovely to be home, after a lovely holiday. Martin suffering from insomnia after 2 years of overwork, Daddy also rather tired, Mommy rather thin after her operation. … zfl zil
