Day 35 23/8/16
33 miles (Fouras les Bains to Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult) Average speed 9.4 mph Top speed 26.3 mph
A slow start due my first proper hangover. So midday by the time I set off. Stopped at a fort but it was closed.
Fort de la Pointe ou Vasou, Fouras les Bains
Fort de la Pointe ou Vasou, closed today
River Charente, Fouras les Bains
Then I saw a massive rat in the river which I thought was an otter. Then saw a real otter and a pair of talking fish. I kid you not! Stopped at Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, for a drink as it was a scorcher especially after leaving the coast.
Ship at Rochefort
On to Rochefort where I saw Napoleon’s ship.
Then onto d733 which took me over a very high bridge next to an old bridge that was being renovated.
Bridge on way out of Rochefort
It then turned into what I believe to be a motorway but only one car tooted me up! Found d733e which was much quieter.
Then I spotted a sign for Champagne and couldn’t resist a little detour.
Champagne – has to be done!
Which brought me onto Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult where the tourist office was just closing but she opened up again when I got there and told me where the campsite was. It didn’t open until 6 so I sat by a beautiful river drinking a bottle of cider.
A much needed drink of cider in the shade
I needed it, as it really was hot.
Campsite was a bit pricey at €15 but when checking in the man gave me a free pass to the swimming pool. Quick swim then off to Carrefour for dinner as everything I had was either off from the heat or stinking of last nights sardines. (Like everything I own) Bangers and mash with beer gravy. Lovely. Quiet night but it’s difficult to sleep in this heat. No outer fly sheet and just a sleeping bag liner.