Ok, two words: 'flat' and 'pine trees'. We've been on the flattest part of the journey yet for the last 3 days. The country side is made up of mostly pine trees and sunflower fields. We're on the coast edge of France, but we haven't seen too much of the coast, since our route takes us a couple of miles inland.
- We were having coffee in a small village and met some fellow tourers from Scotland. We chatted a bit and parted ways. 10 hours later, in another small village campsite, we were checking in and saw the two of them, tented up at the same campsite. Very small world.
- We came south from Hourtin, where we spent the night, to the crossroads where we would have to make a decision on whether to go to Cap Ferret or around the basin of Arcachon. We decided to go to Cap Ferret and made our way through the gorgeous pine forest bike route (more on the enchanted bike route below). We arrived in Cap Ferret, a nice, pretty touristy, beach town, ate a late lunch (it was already 4pm and we were ready to settle down for the evening) and headed to the tourist office for accomodation options. Apparently, there were none. I mean, there was no space ANYWHERE. We started calling places further out and after 12 campsites, the only place that had any availability was in Mios, a town about 30 miles away. Sigh, back on the bikes and 3 hours later, we roll up to the campsite, exhausted, but happy to have found a place to sleep.
- Three days ago, we had a very nice French man tag along with us for about 4 miles on his bike after seeing our tshirts and panniers. He chatted to Howard while seemingly unfazed by the passing traffic, trying to overtake him in the middle of the road.
- I get a warm feeling when passing cars honk and wave. We've had lots of 'Bon courage' and 'Safe travels'. We've also had lots of people tell us we're crazy. Either sentiment is acceptable.
- We had our first restaurant dinner since Paris last night and because we got to the campsite so late, it was a rush job to get to the place before it closed. We were still in our full biking uniform and the waitress started asking us questions about our ride. There was a family sitting opposite us and when they heard what we were doing, they started clapping. We really prefer that sentiment.
- Finally, we're getting sunburnt.
- The Enchanted Bike Forest of Cap Ferret. On this 23km bike path, there were some ups and downs (nothing like hills, but let's call them undulations). When the path went visibly downhill, we found ourselves struggling to move forward. But when the path went uphill, we could stop pedaling and be propelled forward. It was like a moving walkway on a bike in a forest of pines.
We're making very good speed and we hope to be in Spain this time next week. Hope the riots in the UK aren't bothering any of you.
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