We set our alarm this morning and got up at 6.30am to avoid any unwanted visits from the police! Packed up quickly and headed back to the picnic benches to eat our breakfast supplies we bought yesterday - ginger cake (Adrian's choice and not popular), brioche (incredibly popular!) and hot chocolate. We then went across to the campsite which was full yesterday only to find a huge queue of sleeping campers outside reception waiting for pitches and a toilet and shower, wash facility for us to use.... If only we had known that last night! After a quick chat with the English in the queue we were on the road before 9am. Shortly after we had our first chat with a couple of English tourers from Manchester, doing the route I did when I was sixteen - Portsmouth/St Marlo to Santander (although they did Plymouth/Roscoff and planned on getting the train through the Pyrenees - which we cycled - mind you, I wouldn't fancy that first day climb over the mountains now, not as cycle fit as I used to be by a long, long way!). They are averaging 50-60 miles a day and were aiming for Bayonne today. The ride was all forrest today so not too hot and we made good time. Stopped at Plage de L'Espécier for a beautiful view of the ocean and a play in the play ground before heading another 5km onto the campsite. Club Marina Landes**** is in a different league to the other sites visited so far (reflected in the price). Very roomy pitches, shops, bakery, restaurants. As we were staying two nights here I asked if there was any possibility of any tables or chairs we could use on the pitch. Reception were very accommodating and 5 chairs and a table duly arrived. Amazing to sit off the floor in a chair with a back! After putting up the tent - we are allowing ourselves the luxury of the ground sheet in the porch for a two-night camp, I washed all the cycling clothes whilst Adrian washed up the dirty dishes from our two wild camping meals. We then spent the rest of the afternoon in the many pools. Sun was shining and Hannah, Emily and Thomas had a grand total of 4 water slides to go on! 3 and half hours later they were utterly exhausted, we ate out at the restaurant - Adrian had beer, wine and 'moules et frites' (his favourite!) - and then investigated the games room and wrote a few postcards. The children think this campsite is wonderful. I've been able to charge my phone here in a socket and tomorrow we will get wi-fi to upload some pics. Off now to sit on a chair and read a book!.....
14.17 miles cycled today.
Breakfast in the forest
Interesting breakfast!
Very friendly English couple from Manchester
Adrian enjoying his moules with a glass of wine - he will sleep well tonight!
4 days of cycling and close to 70miles covered... Amazing achievement for all three children carrying kit, but especially for two 5 year olds Tom and Emily. We have received lots of 'bonjours' and 'bravos' along the route from other cyclists. The hardest section is now behind us. More frequent rest days from now on, generally shorter distances and guaranteed camp sites every night!
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