What a crazy world we live in.
A pandemic is sweeping the globe.
Governments and Leaders flail, bumble and deny.
Mass demonstrations and riots are triggered by man’s brutality to fellow human beings.
Wars continue to be fought.
The global economy is teetering on a precipice.
Then in Washington DC, a politician, with small hands, decides to have a photo opportunity by a boarded up church as he holds a Bible…only he holds it upside down!
If I had written a book with such a storyline I would have been laughed out of the publishing house…you just can’t make this stuff up!
The serious side to all this though is that it’s all painfully true and people are dying. All we can collectively do is hope and pray that one day it will all end.
Hopefully, mankind and our Planet, will come out of it better. Just maybe.
Sunset at Dookes H.Q.
Here in the UK, our Government, led by a mop-haired buffoon, are World Leaders in the “Bumble” approach and lurch from one questionable decision to another. Some of the population seem to believe that it, the virus, is coming to an end and that life is rapidly heading back to normality, what ever that is. Scientists are quietly saying otherwise and are firmly warning of a second wave of infections if people don’t observe social distancing and hygiene precautions.
One of the restrictions the Government has just introduced, from Monday this week, has been a requirement for travellers arriving from overseas to the UK to self-quarantine for 14 days.
One is tempted to say, “It’s a bit late!”
In reaction to the UK stance, France has also imposed identical quarantine requirements on travellers arriving there from the UK; so much for the ‘Entente Cordiale’ I hear you say!
Add in a UK Government missive advising against making unnecessary foreign journeys… and my plans for a motorcycle trip back to the Alps later this month were effectively torpedoed!
“Harls” on Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved pass in Europe.
In a way it’s a bit of a relief!
To be honest, I had pretty much effectively called the trip off.
I really couldn’t work up the enthusiasm for a self-indulgent trundle around mainland Europe whilst, frankly, people are dying.
The mountains have been there for millions of years and they will be there again when this nightmare is over.
From Col du Galibier.
In the meantime I have my memories and photographs.
“Is this the world we created?
We made it on our own
Is this the world we devastated, right to the bone?”
Catch you later
Dookes
Hogrider Dookes 
Hey D,
The world is certainly going crazy. My friends from home ask me a lot about what it’s like living here with the pandemic, the Orange eejit, racism, riots, guns and anti-abortionists, and what I tell them is that I still like it here. The people are great and I refuse to let the bad things make me unhappy. Sad, yes, but not unhappy.
Let’s hope things settle down in both our countries and changes that come from this are all for the better.
This is very zen-like from me today, isn’t it? Just call me Yoda.
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Hi Alba, good to hear from you!
You are right, the underlying thing is that it’s the ordinary people everywhere that will get us through this mess and it is they that are inherently good.
“Named, must be your fear, before banish it you can.”
Dookes
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Good to get your latest missive – a nice antidote to a grey day.
Serah and I were on our way to Launceston yesterday on the A395, just west of Pipers Pool, when a big bike with a Welsh flag decal on the windshield swept by going east and we thought of you. It was probably someone from Wales, but if your ears were burning…
All the best, mon amie.
Simon loft@phonecoop.coop
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Hello Simon.
No not me yesterday, but I’m touched you were thinking of me!
Thanks for the comment and I’m glad you liked the post.
Stay safe
Dookes
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yes this virus has turned out plans all upside down. Time to rediscover and appreciate the places at hand, that is what Im doing. Maybe time for you to do/ redo the NC500 or the passes round Snowdonia cause yes the Alps aint going nowhere!
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Ha! Well that is a possibility, but there are plenty of lovely rides here in the South West to keep me occupied….and I’m also loving cycling too! No point crying over what is not possible, but enjoy what is!
Regards, Dookes.
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Yes I enjoy my bicycle as well!
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Luckily WE have your memories and photographs as well!
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Thanks AGMA.
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