Day 39 – Biscarosse to Contis

Day 39                                            27/8/16

56 miles (Biscarosse to Contis) Average speed 11.2 mph Top speed 35 mph

Awake at 4 am but read a bit and fell back to sleep. Up at 8.30 and made tea, you’re supposed to use wood fires here but it’s the only one I’ve got and I don’t think I fumigated the place too badly. Paté and bread and then packed up! Taped up pannier bottoms and headed for the jacuzzi. Beautiful day and I could quite easily sit around here all day but need to get back on the road. McDonald’s nearby so hope to get on Facebook – it’s been five days since my last post. Just been too busy!

A great day. I think my favourite so far. It went from one extreme to another. Firstly I saw signs for velo route and it said turn right a way ahead and I said to myself yes there will be a cemetery where I need to turn and there was but I was so excited by fresh water and even a toilet that I went the wrong way towards Ychoux.

(Ermintrude ; I was so puzzled by the thought that a cemetery would be exciting that I double checked with Brian that this wasn’t predictive text at its best, but apparently cemeteries are a good place to get water because there is always a tap. You live and learn!)

Then I found a way around the problem by taking the d400 and what a road! It was as straight as a die for at least 8 miles.

I’ve never known any heat or wind like it. When I got to Pontenx-les-Forges the chemist there said it was 39°C so I thought maybe I should put my shirt back on.There is a lovely church with very ornate fountain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once I got back on the path it was the best ride so far through pine trees all the way to Contis.

First campsite asked €36  so I headed up the hill to a farm with horses. A lovely old couple running it and there were the best possible facilities for a cyclist.

A hut to store bike, tables and benches for cooking and a wonderful set up. When I arrived the old man joked and then gave me a cold Perrier as a gift. He could tell I’d had a long day. Unfortunately I then had to go back down a massive hill to buy food and get enough money to pay him. He said that the €6.90 I had was enough and not to worry about the other 60c. Without luggage it was a much easier ride back up. Cooked pasta and chicken in the dark and then had a wonderful hot shower. Now I’m tucked up in my tent and happy as Larry especially as I’ve got a massive insect out by shining my torch in the direction of the horses. My best day in terms of going from luxury to a farm with basic requirements. I’ll definitely give him a tip in the morning. A truly wonderful day and I’m now 55 miles from Biarritz so should make it tomorrow. Get in! Wow