Day 36 24/8/16
80 miles (Pont-l’abbe-d’Anoult to Lac d’Hourtin) Average speed 10.9 mph Top speed 25.2 mph
(Ermintrude: I can’t work out Brian’s destination today, only that he is at a campsite on the southern bank of the Lac d’Hourtin, possibly at Maubuisson.)
Woke early at 4.30. Considered an early start to avoid heat but to my surprise it was raining (glad I didn’t bother with that fly sheet now!) Then shone torch into a pair of eyes staring straight at me: a ginger Tom who held his stare longer than me. So I watched BBC iPlayer of a comedy show instead. Got up at 7 and packed up before it poured down. Luckily it didn’t, the skies cleared while I had a coffee and pain aux raisins (also known as Snail Pastries! apparently) and I set off for Royan. Made the ferry in perfect time for the 12.30 crossing to le Verdon-sur-Mer .
Royan, queueing for the ferry
On board the ferry from Royan to Le Verdon-sur-Mer
Leaving Royan
Arriving at Le Verdon-sur-Mer
I love it when a plan comes together!!
Le Verdon-sur-Mer
The next section down the coast was a dream. I met a guy called Chris from Tulse Hill and we were travelling at a similar pace. So got chatting for an hour or so until my pannier locking nut popped off again. Emergency stop from me and poor Chris straight into the back of me. Whoops. He loved the idea of Brian when we stopped for a beach photo and has his own blog covering his six week trip.
Brian at the beach
Atlantic coast beach
Coast Road through pine trees
Absolutely fabulous riding through pine trees on near perfect paths.
I tried a campsite at Hourtin Plage beach but they wanted €36 so I carried on. I did consider wild camp but once again signs warning against it and fires a definite no no. So went onto bo ? Next to lake and it was the best ride of the trip, up hill but so rewarding. Pine trees all around and the views of the lake were breathtaking.
Road through pine trees overlooking beach
Second campsite in town said €13 but then when I came to pay it went up to €22 due to high season. Still, I’m at the top of a hill surrounded by pine trees and stunning views.
Lac D’Hourtin
Lac d’Hourtin
Water skier – Lac d’Hourt
A quick omelette of cheese tomatoes and ham. I’d carried those eggs all day as it was raining this morning and even with Chris crashing into me they survived!
Cheese, ham and tomato omelette for dinner at the campsite
Bar by lake closed, so now gate-crashing a neighbouring site to grab a beer and very poor internet connection! A big 70 plus day and a couple more to make Biarritz by the weekend.