Cherbourg

The last night spent in a tent,  we rose around 8am , temperature was 13.5 so the inside of our tent was wet. We ate breakfast outside with Tim and Gill.  With a few hours to kill we set off to Granville.  A lovely town, but as usual getting a late morning latte was a struggle but we managed.  For our lunch we parked next to the sea with a little frizby after and a paddle. 25 degrees at Cherbourg so we are soaking up the last of the sun. Just awoke from a little snooze on the ferry,  next our late night drive home. Can you believe it, the last car to get off the ferry and get through passport control, 45 minutes, real pain. but our 4 hour journey went well, arriving home, 3am.

We filled the car up for the last time, 34 litres, 519 miles.

total distance, 4470 miles, average 59 to the gallon, pleased.

Home, the end.

Cancale

Drove over to the coastal town of cancale this morning,  very pretty,  quite busy and there was a market on. Usual munch and drink, none could be persuaded to take a dip in the sea. Could see saint mon Michael in the distance. 

Combourg

Another day travelling but arrived just after 1pm. Got on the bikes out and me and Nicki went to finance.  Lovely town with a port on the river.

Coulon

We left under a dark cloud this morning and said goodbye to Pat and Sarah. After a short distance we saw a little rain but as we drove north the sun came out again.  Around the Condom area the crops are desperate for rain,  they've had the hottest  dryist spell in many years.
We stopped for a shop then for a pan chocolate but late afternoon arrived at Coulon. A steady ride around on bike then out with the tepenaki (salmon).

Coulon goodbye

Began as usual in sunshine but we got a downpour midday. Went looking for birds in the 'marais'. Not like our open marshes but reclaimed fields and forests crisscrossed by canals and rivers. It's called 'green Venice'. Not many birds so off to the bird park- a bit of a ramshackle series of caged areas but full of lots of interesting species. Lunch back at camp then a walk to town for Nicki  and  David while Gill and Tim did a bit of a bike ride. All very flat around here and a Cotswolds feel. Rain set in again including downpour at breakfast. On way north again for last campsite before home.

Condom.....yes Condom!

We left the mountains behind and headed for the heat of Condom, a town between Bordeaux and Toulouse. We are staying with Sarah and Pat, friends or Gill and Tim. They have an amazing converted farmhouse with swimming pool! First afternoon was incredibly hot. Sat out until 11. Next day Sarah took us into Condom for the market. Then back home for lazy lunch and lazy afternoon swimming - well Gill and Nicki did. The men hacked at the undergrowth. Can't believe we leave tomorrow for the long trek north.

Filled the car again,  60.5 litres, 783 miles. 

Lac du tech

Drove over the hill this morning to a recommended lake for a walk. Started up the hill...Up and up and up and still nowhere near the top. So a second breakfast of croissants then back down, then lunch! Eating features a lot for Dave and Tim. Return to camp for a chill then Dave, Tim and Nicki completed the road on bike up to Lac Estaing. Sadly back on the road in the car tomorrow.