Day 38 26/8/16
61 miles (Audenge to Biscarosse) Top speed 30mph
Started brilliantly but I needed brekkie as I’d packed up quick to get away at 8.50. Had brekkie at Gujan Mestras of coffee and pain aux raisins. Then things took a turn for the worse on the navigation front. I tried to get across motorway and then got stuck in a park. It was very frustrating. Then when I stopped at cemetery for water the bar bag needed fixing again. This time the thread has gone on the screw so got even more annoyed but fixed as best I could. Eventually found velo route again and things picked up.
La Teste du Buch has many trails for cycling and other sports
Velodysee map and information
Followed path through wonderful pines and up some pretty steep hills. 10% at times. Fantastic views and smells. Near Petite Nice there was a monster sand dune (Dune du Pilat) where the people at the top were like ants.
Dune du Pilat – the highest dune in Europe
Dune du Pilat
I’ve been finding quite a few creatures lately, especially in my panniers. Yesterday I refused a toilet cubicle due to the size of this strange creature on the wall.
Beach lunch of pate and bread at Laguna with the smell of the nearby restaurant wafting over my picnic table. I refused to pay €3.50 for a coke but enjoyed the public convenience eau very much! (Ermintrude ; !?!)
Great cycle down to lake where I’m staying at Port Navarosse.
Lake at Port Navarosse
Went to check out four star camping but wasn’t impressed with the price but as I was leaving the receptionist came and pointed out the cyclist rate of €10 inc tax.
Wow what a campsite. http://www.ecureuils.fr/
Les Ecureuils Camping
Les Ecureuils Camping
Three pools and a jacuzzi.
I even have to wear a wristband. Lots of English but a great place apart from the party music.
I had dinner of spicy pork chops in baguette with salad and made my way to the beach. Had a little paddle in France’s second largest lake and then back to charge batteries while I thrashed the pinball machine. I think as I’m not going to make it to the post office until Monday I will take advantage of the jacuzzi in the morning! I think it’s about 90 miles to Biarritz so I’ll take it easy. It’s amazing to think I’ll be in Spain soon!! As I was sitting contemplating Spain a massive frog came into my pitch and as I flashed the light on him he jumped around for joy. He was bigger than my hand!