Day 4 August 10 2001

Another strange jumble of a day, filled with everything from boredom to exhaustion. I did a practice run on my bike from the farm to Picklescott. The hedgerows close in on you so that it feels like traveling through a chasm or even a tunnel and the wind through the trees rumbles like engines so you are constantly checking for cars. I encountered a truck and backed into a layby to allow it to pass. The surface of the layby looked solid, but it wasn’t! Two days of intermittent rain had transformed the dirt into a thick, soupy, gumbo.

Still, when you burst from the hedges into a clear patch the view was phenomenal, a sweeping survey of the land below, and was accompanied by an almost overwhelming sense of freedom.

Jocelyn’s friends were brought to Parkgate yesterday, eager for showers and food after their hostelling experience. Despite their rough lot they were good natured and happy to chip in. John was never without a smile despite living as the butt end for the jokes of Jocelyn and Rob.


Most of today was spent working around the farm to prepare it for our big day. Flowers, some from here, others borrowed from the town council were laid out. The back forty was mown, mulch was laid down among the apple trees, windows were washed, everyone pitched in.

My sister and Andrew arrived near mid afternoon, fresh from Cheddar and Stonehenge and, after a brief rest, were drafted into the fray. The entire Hill family seems to be contributing to my wedding. Mark and Jane have lent a caravan for people to sleep in. Andrew was here today helping out and all have volunteered to assist in serving for Sunday evening.

So little time left before the day. I have been told that a public affirmation of love will transform me and our relationship forever. But never having been a fan of public speaking does not make me look forward with any great enthusiasm. I shall have to, I suppose, merely suck it up and live through the day.

Next Entry: Day 5
Previous Entry: Day 3