events

6.56am, I wasn't sure at all if this was the right way - following Benjaminse's route still, but it was a nice road, track, even if it did look as though no one ever used it.

7.24am I was passing a Chambre d'hote on one side of the track and a farm house on the other and suddenly this dog ran out barking at me. I couldn't outrun him and so did what I alway's do, dismount with the bike between me and the dog.He carried on barking. I normally avoid eye contact but I did this time turn towards him and he ran off. So I realised he was more afraid than aggressive and when I kneeled down he ran towards me wagging his tail.He was the nicest dog, happy, alert and attentive and he followed me as I pushed the bike slowly up the hill - pushing because I knew I couldn't outrun him up hill and also because it was nice to watch him running from side to side smelling and enjoying himself.Finally, as I got to the top of the hill, and he ran off up a side track, I pedalled off downhill. As I looked in my mirror I could see him chasing after me - I really didn't want to go, I must admit it's the first time I've liked a dog so much I'd have liked to take him with me.

7.30am As I was climbing the hill with the dog I looked back towards Nevian where I'd climbed up from.

7.35am This is the little track as it descends into Bizanet, a tiny little village but with a very friendly Tourist Information Officer who was very patient with my phone call from England a month later to find out about the Chambre d'hote from where I thought the dog had come - it turned out he was from the farm by the way.