We’d stopped at a local lake so I could have a quick swim. And quick it was as the thunder began and the wind shifted. We cycled up from the lake and gasped at the darkness of the clouds racing towards us. We had a moment to make a decision, stay at the café and maybe be stuck there until late, and we had no lights, or make a run for it. We chose the latter and it caught us, freezing rain falling so hard it bounced off the road and within seconds we were soaked. The temperature dropped, but somehow it was exhilarating, once you are wet, you are wet. We shouted and laughed until we were climbing the last hill, winding its way through the forest. The thunder rumbled closer and …Bam, the noise was excruciating. A lightning strike on a tree by the side of the road. Adrenaline pumped through my body and I left Martin behind as I sped up and away faster than I thought possible. Splashing through puddles and rivers of water gushing across the road, flying down the hills to home. By the time we reached home we were both shivering and needed a hot bath to warm ourselves up again. But we were laughing and grateful for the near miss. It was good to be alive.
‘It was scary enough near home, but here with no house or bath to warm up in? No thanks, ‘ I say.