Wot…..no butties ?????

When I said that Camping El Redondo was a basic site…I meant it – however, it does have hot water,electricity…and toilet paper, the mark of a quality site !

I had arrived in the middle of Monday,found the gate closed, and no one anywhere…so, I decided to be cheeky..and just let myself in, hooked up to the electric, and got my stuff out, so that later on when the old guardian arrived he just muttered…and I still don’t know how much it will be, and I’m the only person here !

I had made myself comfortable, and had an early night ready for a good long walk today, as the night wore on the pitter/patter of rain danced on Wally’s roof, replaced by very starry skies, although it was too wet to go outside for a look,and by morning the rain was back.

What should I do, remain in bed, or venture out, the cloud seemed to be breaking, and the rain stopped, so off I set in sunshine – this picture was my last glimpse of the sun all day !

I set off to do a route called Vega de Liordes, http://reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/picos/guia_itinerarios_pr_25.htm  which climbed out of Fuente De, up into a mountain coll (Liordes), along a high plateau/valley, and down the other side back into Fuente De. I thought the views would be good, and would give me a good idea of my fitness.

Things started well, after a short time I was passed by a Spanish mountain biker, who was on a large circular route of the Picos, carrying his gear with him…as the path got steeper, the biker got slower, and I caught and passed him ! That was to be the last relief of the day, it started raining shortly after, and as I stopped to put my rain gear on (coat only !) the mountain biker joined me, as we both sheltered from heavy rain, under a fortunate tree, and spent 45 minutes there , whilst the rain belted down, eventually the biker set off, as he had to get where he was going (80 kms away!),I remained a short time, eventually the rain eased slightly,so I set off – should I go up…or down ?

I decided to carry on up, and continued making good progress, and the rain seemed to ease for a time. I had lunch in a deserted mountain refuge, quite hospitable….then, disaster….who’d packed the sandwiches ?-Not me, they remained in Wally’s fridge,potted beef,cracked black pepper on granary bread, prepared last night…I could almost taste them (but not swallow them !) I had to satisfy myself on emergency rations of a cereal bar,water  and a banana  ! Undeterred I went out into the now heavy rain again, along with accompanying claggy mist, as I continued up and into the crags above. Almost at the top I met 2 + 1 people coming down the other way- a busy day ! However the startling views that should have been…. were hidden behind the cloying mist, and rain.

Undeterred (and with no option) I carried on up over the top, through the high pass, along what was very similar rocky plateaus to those at home, unerringly keeping to the right track, and down the other side and into Fuente De…

A good days walk, but with disappointing views (none!), back to the campsite to test the showers(very hot !) and relax in Wally and dry off.I’ve left the butties in the fridge !

I’d climbed (and descended) 1130 mts (same as Ben Nevis) in 7 hours…and got soaked..Happy Days..

Away to the Mountains….

 

Well, it’s Monday morning, the sun is shining, and another UK Bank Holiday I’m missing out on…us pensioners really have it bad , we should demand more holidays, in fact we should demand a holiday –this travelling can hardly be described as a holiday, can it ?!

So, it’s in to Potes, collect all my supplies, or rather what I can get there, and go to Fuente De, to Camping El Redondo http://www.elredondopicosdeeuropa.com/ a very basic site, up in the Mountains, but, hopefully what I want. It’s at the foot of all the mountains, should be fairly quiet, and most importantly should be able to do plenty of walking and climbing around there.

I don’t expect to have any internet connection, not even sure if the mobile will work…that is going into the backwoods !

So, I’ll let you all know how I’ve gone on, when I’m next in civilisation…could be a couple of weeks…

Oh, and i won’t be in Manchester for the victory parade for manchester united, winning a record breaking 19th premier league title this season- brilliant,well done, see if anyone can ever catch up ?

Rainy Days and Sundays…always lose the Cup !

Well, after a disappointing evening/night sat in a bar in Spain, watching Manchester United getting beat by a Spanish team- and been offered a drink from the consolation cup !

I had decided to go to mass, then wander into Potes for a big Sunday lunch…

Unfortunately whilst up at mass in the monastery of Santa Toriebo,the heavens darkened, the thunder roared, and probably lightning was shooting all around …so, as I came out of mass, I had to sit in the cloisters for 30 minutes or so, waiting for the heavy rain to stop, and as i got a brief break in the rain dashed back to the campsite, to Wallys haven and had a pleasant lunch of cheese,salad,salami,bread and a drop of vino, before snoozing the rest of the afternoon, watching the black clouds and thundery intermittent rain pass by.

And the biggest insult….? – having to sit in the bar, watching the Barcelona team celebrating winning the cup, at least they can’t do fireworks very well , it was still daylight  !

Ah well, Sunday…a day to relax, and prepare for the mountains this coming week – if it stops raining !

Good Day for the Cup !

Well, after yesterdays walking battles (and yes…I’ve loads of scars..!) I decided to do a scenic bike ride…

I decided to ride through the Desfidelero de la Hermida – the Hermida gorge http://www.panoramio.com/photo/47522382 a 21 kms long twisty turny road, through limestone escarpments on either side of the road – which bigger vehicles always have problems negotiating…so I thought I whip along it on the bike for fun..and it was.

So, I was ready, having combed my hair ! and had a big breakfast of fried eggs and beans with bread , yummy !

I whistled off from the campsite, down through Potes, and fairly quickly into the start of the gorge ,the road dropping away quite nicely, although that meant a climb all the way back.

It was really pleasant very little traffic on my side, although lots of traffic on the other side, as I strutted along, taking in the scenery, and having a really pleasant ride.

Eventually I reached L’Hermida, about 12 miles into my ride, and knowing there was a nearby ‘Mirador’ – photo spot, I continued to this, and stopped, watching a couple of salmon fisherman getting ready for a days catch.. not long after getting there, there was suddenly a great thump, as a large chunk of rock hurtled down the cliff, followed by lots of loose rock..what had set it off I couldn’t see – glad I wasn’t beneath it though !

So, I stopped and took a breather, and snack, before turning round to climb all the way back to the campsite and Potes, and just to prove to Tristan…I did see a fish bigger than me today…look

 I then had a pleasant uphill ride back to Potes, campsite,lunch and….Siesta time…

Before…the big match tonight…Manchester United V Barcelona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_UEFA_Champions_League_Final …and I’ve already checked, it’s on in the Bar/restaurant…so guess where I’ll be tonight…..come on the Reds !!!

Blood, Sweat and Cheers !

After a relaxing day on Thursday, walking the 4 kms into Potes,http://www.liebanaypicosdeeuropa.com/visita-i/lb1_3_5.htm  having a look around the old town, and an exhibition about Beatus of Toribio monastery http://www.lumenartis.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=189&language=en and the interpretation he made of the Apocalypse , very interesting exhibition, and then walking back again to the campsite, for an early BBQ…and night..

I decided that today, I should do something a little more demanding…so again should I bike, or walk…it being a little overcast again, and rain maybe in the air I decided to walk.

With my breakfast of beans,almost on toast..I was ready, and set off on a route, which I would be making as I went along.. I had seen a cross on the top of the highest hill around Potes, and so decided that I could find my way up to it, as today’s challenge.

Things were easy at first, I had left the campsite, and wandered up along a rustic track,passing Turieno cemetery(now that was small, only about 30 graves) and on up the track, eventually meeting with the climbing road, up to the Monastery of Santa Toribio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Toribio_de_Li%C3%A9bana although unfortunately the ‘door of pardon’ was not open !!http://www.holysoulscrusade.org/Santo-Toribio.htmlalthough I had arrived there, shortly before 12 noon, and as there was mass at that time I stayed, it was obviously a special service as the chapel was full, and lots of chanting and full throated singing took place…and well worth staying, particularly as , with everyone, I was able to venerate a relic of the true cross.

Then after mass, and feeling invincible (mistake) off I set up the hill behind the monastery to get to the top of the hill, which had on its summit a large cross. The path at first was quite well defined, but got narrower, and muddier as I got higher, no problem I thought, I’ve been on far worse, however as I got to about 800 mts up, the track petered out, leaving me in the middle of a steep hillside, with no trail to follow, so undeterred and determined I ploughed straight up the hillside, which became ever more overgrown with brambles,ferns,old decaying trees and nettles(guess who tripped and landed in some? Ouch!) it wasn’t getting any easier, and as I stumbled and trundled on wondered how I was going to get down, hopefully there would be a decent path on the other side ? As I continued tripping and climbing, determination set in, even though by then I’d been bloodied on both arms and legs (in me shorts..) and looked as though I’d been scrapping with someone !Although it looked worse than it was, the dripping sweat made the blood go further… although as I eventually staggered out onto the top of the hill (and found a decent path!),bloodied..I must have looked a sight, as two lads who had come up the other side from Potes itself were quite concerned as to what I’d been through !

I convinced them I was OK, although after some pictures on top at the giant cross, I had decided to go down the same way as they had come up, so joined with them for the faster descent down –and a bit of company, they were a Dutch and South American,who had met up whilst doing the Camino del Santiago, and diverted to the Picos for a ‘rest’ ! Good company as we made our way down, almost to Potes, where they continued to, and I diverted left and back on my route home.

I returned,bloodied but not beaten, and a different local walk !

An 860mts climb/descent in 4 1/2 hours…ready for …Shower,BBQ (not quite sure what I’m BBQ’ing, but tastes good),…Buenos Nochas

Oh, and some Very cold beer…and Very Cheap Red Wine,

so Cheers !!!

Puffed out…Who is ?

 

After a day of relaxing, and doing the clothes washing (no ironing!) and reading on Tuesday, I knew I’d have to do something energetic today, so, should I walk, or ride…?

I was up early, and with patches of blue sky appearing overhead I decided to ride from the campsite, up to Fuente De, the ‘end of the Road’ and a few metres higher than where I was,so shortly after 9-15 a.m. I was ready, to see if the legs still had mountains in them…  and off I went, starting at around 360 mts high,(over 1,000 ft), along the relatively quiet road towards Fuente De.

I made good initial progress, but soon the top jacket came off as it was quite warm, and already I was perspiring, before I’d even got to the real hills which were to come…

Coming into view as I travelled along the road, were the sights of the great mountains up ahead, and of course the winding road which…wound it’s way, up,round,up,round,up,up and into the distance…and as you may guess it got quite a lot hotter…phew and not even 10a.m.and my watch said it was 39C, although that was on my wrist…disappearing under pools of sweat, and I was climbing higher and higher, with very little respite between the climbs.

Many of the cars passing me were British, quite significantly so, and one coming down towards me was an old British MG Roadster open top, and we exchanged waves as I puffed up the hill !

All the villages I was passing through seemed to be still sleeping, very little moved, although there was evidence on the road of cattle having been moved early in the day…fresh excrement ! (one slip and I’m in the sxxt !)

I managed to get a couple of rest and snack stops on the way up,  but didn’t hang about –it only delayed the inevitable, you may be able to notice some ‘slight perspiration’ on me by now ! I persisted, then the glorious moment came…I could see the last of the hills and Fuente De http://www.cantur.com/teleferico.asp before me, and the cable car station, which was very busy with great crowds of tourists, all whom must have swept passed me in coaches, as I was staggering up the hills..great,what a feeling, I’d ridden up 775 metres (2452 feet !) just 150 metres less than England’s highest Peak Scafell Pike (and most won’t climb it from sea level), and deserved my ice cream from the cafe’ there, and admiring glances from many of the tourists who were puffing and panting just walking around at 1082 mts …!

Not just that, I was able to establish that the campsite, quite rural/basic, up here is open ,so having had a conversation , in any language ,apart from Spanish or English,with the warden, I said I’ll be back…which I will, next week..for a week of mountain climbs.

Then, it was time to switch the camera on, fasten the jacket…and hurtle back down the road to the camp site in Potes… reaching speeds over 40 mph, not being passed by  anyone for 5 miles, and then only just !

I got back to the campsite just after 12, having ridden 25 miles, up and down, and really enjoyed it (downhill!) – and I’ve a video of the descent to bore anyone that asks !

A quick duck under the shower, light lunch…and snooze followed, before the afternoon thunderstorms, and finally rain came in, but its still 29C…in the shade.

Now…where’s that BBQ ??

Hola ! from Sunny,hot, ESpania !

I was up bright and early, ready to go from France, the sky was very blue, and a hot day loomed in prospect – should have gone yesterday, and also, should have paid yesterday…as I had to wait till 9 –15 a.m. for the office to open, and leave the site, to the sound of the waves crashing onto the slabby rocks across the road.

Travelling was fairly easy, although the roads were busy, I was soon over the border into Spain, and passing around the outskirts of Bilbao and Santander, before heading up the roads and into the Picos de Europa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picos_de_Europa, getting my first sighting of Naranjo de Bulnes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naranjo_de_Bulnes, which at some stage whilst I’m here intend to get a close up look at !

I continued driving into the Picos through the Gorge de Hermida , a twisty turny, narrow and sharp gorge through which all traffic to Potes (my destination ) has to endure !…but I made it, without incident, and after a quick provisions stop in Potes, I made it to my home for the next while La Isla de Picos http://www.liebanaypicosdeeuropa.com/guia-i/campinglaisla.htm a very welcoming campsite, which I’d stopped at last year, and the added bonus of…. t’internet !

I’ll now be able to catch up with everyone, publish my exploits…and sun myself….it’s roasting !!,only 27C at moment,although it’s almost 8 p.m….and I’m about to get my ‘Sunday meal out !’

So, for now…it’s Buenos Noches

Where’s a Geologist when you need them ?

A rather wasted day today…unless you don’t call relaxing all day, and finishing another book (on my excellent Kindle!) wasting a day…

The weather in the early part of the day was rather downcast, and almost,but not quite drizzly rain… so I decided I would do no more than keep reading…however, as you may guess I couldn’t sit down all day, and so, having already decided to move on tomorrow ( Monday) I cleaned and packed up the BBQ –always the hardest part !, and got the bikes onto Wallys back, ready for a quick getaway !

Eventually I’d finished my book, and so decided on a walk along the coastal rocks, in the opposite direction as to where I’d been previously…and discovered, as usual, I needed a geologist to explain all the beds of rock, forced upwards, and bent as though molten at some stage, but clearly not ! I walked for a few hours along the tops and back again, passing an old ,presumably,wartime coastal bunker, now brightly painted by a graffiti artist ,although I don’t think the original artist knew ‘EVA’ !

Back to the campsite for a luxury chilli con carne (out of a bag, and delicious), before the final sunset in France, and moving into Spain tomorrow….Au Revoir from France…

Sights and Sounds of the Sea

 

I was up early, ready for the ride into Biarritz and back, and what seemed perfect riding conditions – overcast and little wind, so I was soon on the road, swooping up and down the hills as I passed through Socoa,Cibore,St Jean du Luz…and all the other small hamlets on my route.

Considering I was travelling along the coast, there were an awful lot of steep hills – easy to go down, but took it out of the legs on the way up – almost like circuit training in the gym .After just over an hour there I was…Biarritz sea front, http://www.biarritz.fr/Website/site/tourisme_en.php overlooking the bay, and all the surfers out in the water, ready to catch the waves and ride in..there were hundreds of them, like small black seals lying on the water,occasionally one of them leaping up onto their board, and riding on top of the waves..I sat down on a bench on the sea front watching the surfers, and the hordes of people strolling along the front, not quite sure where they came from, or where they were going,but there were thousands…all strolling as the sun broke through the clouds…it was warming nicely.

I then rode back along the sea front, seeing all the differing bays, with more packs of surfers in them, and differing rock formations caused by the sea erosion..even having my picture taken by someone !                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was back to the serious business- puffing up and down them hills, and back to the campsite…as the sun really started to beat down – a good round trip of 25 miles, and afternoon siesta !

I had decided to go to Saturday evening mass at the nearby ‘Chapel’ (it was just as big as the church at home)in Zokoa (basque spelling), and what a choice it was… it seemed that as I was in the Basque heartland, the service was conducted in a combination of  French, and Basque (and my English), but the singing..really from the heart, and a great booming of voices from all around the church, which was packed. I even managed to understand some of the sermon (French) and really enjoyed the service – a good choice leaving me to do anything on Sunday.

I wasn’t able to decipher the name of the chapel/church, but it was within the parish of St Pierre de L’Ocean, http://www.diocese-bayonne.org/spip.php?article517 Ciboure and Zokoa. The altar was in the shape of a rowing boat, with boats hanging down from the ceiling, and the balcony lined with ropes etc as on the side of a boat – clearly the main living and influence is the sea, and the church reflected it !

Among the Gentry…but Not for too Long ..!

A relaxed start to the day, and after chucky eggs,and coffee I was ready to face another hectic day ! Whilst in this relaxed mode I went to wash the pots, and succeeded in breaking my Cafetiere’…that’s been all over with me, having been donated by PB whilst I was working, as he could never understand how anyone could take the time to brew coffee like me – sorry Booney !

So, so far I’ve broken the Cafetiere’ , 2 tall glasses, and one wine glass – I’m operating on emergency supplies now, and I always blamed Wally for breaking everything !

Having got over that emergency I walked into Socoa, or to give it it’s full title Fort Socoa http://www.fortified-places.com/socoa.html… a proper Fort guarding the entrance to the bay of St Jean du Luz…with most of the redundant canons being utilised,it seems, to tie boats up with, having been upended along the piers.. with dates on them from the early 1800’s ! I had a good look round the broken fort area, and piers ,looking out at the crashing waves of the Atlantic, and what I think is the Bay of Biscay ?, and a rough area of Ocean at that.

Then it was time to return to camp,lunch…and snooze……. as any good European would !

However, I couldn’t snooze all day, so got the bike out and went for a ride into St Jean du Luz,http://www.saint-jean-de-luz.com/ a really picturesque (and seemingly rich !) town, the more I looked , the more expensive everything seemed to be – so I didn’t stop !

It seems that the town was set up as a ‘health spa’ because of its ‘ambience’ and then the moneyed people rolled in… but, to be fair very beautiful, I could almost have spent something…. so, quickly left !

and returned to camp for a fillet steak, Jersey potatoes,salad…some wine, and cheese…ready for a ride into Biarritz tomorrow… 

Another Day…Another Sunset !

I was up bright and early at Camping La Foret, and from the look of the black clouds I had picked a good day to travel. packed and on the road by 9-30 a.m. I set off further south, and not before time…I had only been going a short time, when the rain started, and for a short time was quite heavy – perfect timing !

I drove along the coast (although again on the (free !) motorway…travelling through Bayonne, where I got some supplies, and skirting Biarritz, before travelling along the coast near St Jean du Luz and arriving just past at Fort Socoa, and Campsite Juantcho…http://www.camping-juantcho.com/index_gb.html my home for a few days…and as I had lunch, I tucked into some of the ‘supplies’- a tray of Petit Fours…I’m sure they were meant for more than one ! so I saved some for the next day !

Then having a rest for the afternoon, I left the campsite,crossing the road, and watched the sun go down on another part of the world …  

Resting in the Dunes..

 

I had decided to stay here at the foot of the Pila dunes for a couple of days…reading,relaxing and eating – same as normal really. The sun was up bright and early both days, and as I looked out of Wally’s windows,this is what I saw , a very relaxing sight each morning..ready for Pain au chocolat and coffee , just the job.

So, not a great deal to report, although both days did go out for a quick spin on the bikes, further along the coast on the first day, getting differing sights of the great dunes ,the second day I rode into Arcochan itself, and along the beautiful bay ,

and of course being at the foot of a 250 ‘ high sand dune, up and over several times ,finally watching the sun set across the Ocean (lots and lots of pictures !)

 

 

 

 

So, off further South tomorrow, to end up somewhere near Biarritz, for the weekend, and before heading over into Spain.

That’s What I call a sand hill /dune !

 

I set off from my very generous hosts Kevin and Susan in Lorignac, with what I could only describe as a ‘pilgrim lunch’…fresh bread ,boiled eggs and cherries ( lots of them, delicious),and continued travelling South, passing through Bordeaux, albeit on the busy motorway, so didn’t really see any of it, and continuing south travelled into the Arcochan basin, a sort of inland almost lake/bay, which during its forming had created the Dune de Playa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Dune_of_Pyla the largest sand dunes in the Europe !

it was an amazing sight, as I drove into the area, to suddenly see these hills looming up in front of me, not covered in grass, but actual sand dunes rearing up in front of me …golden,soft…and inviting.

Having got some provisions on the way I arrived at Camping La Foret…http://campings.village-center.fr/aquitaine/camping-la-foret.php in the forest,but at the foot of these great sand dunes  which just loomed overhead…

I settled in, got the washing done, and went for an early evening walk, up and on top of the dunes, and looking down at the Ocean below..how many steps to the top of the dunes ? 500+ !! good job I’m as fit as I am !

-although maybe not as fit as I thought, the chap on the pitch next to mine, was cycling and camping, having started out in San Sebastian 5 days ago, and going to Paris !Wow, although he then told me he was getting the train from Bordeaux ! – I took pity on him and lent him a chair for the afternoon/evening, and wished him bonne chance, as he was setting off at 7 a.m. !

It was a tremendous sight, very similar to being on the top of a snow clad mountain, with the wind whistling up the side, and depositing the snow over the top, almost like a cornice …

then it was romping down the sand the quick way, and a tastyy lamb BBQ…with some lovely red ‘Julienas’ wine…and an early’ish sleep..

Not forgetting my grandsons birthday…

Happy Birthday Tristan….love Grandad ! Although this picture’s  four  years old…he’s still got the same cheeky grin, and that’s my sun hat !

Watching the Grapes Grow…

A weekend of ‘strenous activity’ lay ahead…

firstly I left Western Briittany early Saturday morning, and continued travelling South along the west coast of France,into the Charente Maritime along the Gironde River,passing La Rochelle as I went , and by mid afternoon had arrived at my weekend hosts – Kevin and Susan, at ‘Chez Gradwell’ a lovely house and cottage in the village of Lorignac http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/guide/city/142665-lorignac-charente-maritime a welcoming treat of a cup of tea, and strawberry jam smeared on fresh bread..delightful ! and shower,clean bedding and towels..sheer luxury.

Saturday evening we went to a really delightful mass at St Gregoire d’Ardennes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Gr%C3%A9goire-d'Ardennes a beautiful small village church, with a small welcoming community, and delightful singing – all in French of course, but I’m sure they understood me !

Then it was back to Chez Gradwell for a pleasant supper,washed down with lashings of Bordeaux superiur wine – Red of course ! and a good nights sleep.

We were all up early Sunday morning, and after a swift Breakfast, and read (!) of the Sunday papers, we went off to a ‘Brocante’ at Epargne’ – almost like a car boot sale in England, with all sorts of ‘antiques’ and bric a brac on sale…and lots of eager French sorting through items, even though black clouds were hovering overhead, and it was a fair bit chilly !

Not discovering any bargains…we then went to the coast to a really delightful beach area St Palais http://www.saint-palais-sur-mer.com/, where the laid back and smart chic area, was complemented by wide sandy beaches, with rocks behind – I could just imagine the Devon ‘Riviera’ being similar ! The sun was shining, but a stiff breeze continued to blow !After a walk around we called to a pleasant restaurant for lunch http://www.creperielaterrasse.com/ of Moules frites…mussels and chips ! followed by a nice sweet crepe…

Then it was off to Royan , a great port further along the coast, with lots of yachts in the harbour, and tours along the coast, and up the Gironde.

From there we carried on to Talmont http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmont-sur-Gironde a great little village on the top of cliffs ,and as you looked along the coast could be seen the fishing huts ,Le Carrelets ,which are used for ‘easy fishing’-dropping the nets into the water as the tide turns, and catching the fish that swim into the nets.. Lots of arts and crafts shops abounded in the village, however we only stopped for a quick coffee, and then on to Mortagne, to view the sea views and memorial to a Welsh fighter… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owain_Lawgoch …killed by a Scotsman, paid by the English !!

then it was back to Chez Gradwell…to collapse…

A Great weekend, and thanks to my hosts for their company,and hospitality…before moving south of Bordeaux tomorrow

There’s life in the Old Bar yet !

As I ‘peeped’ out the window during the night,and saw the heavenly starry sky, I thought- shudda brought my star spotters guides with me ..Ooops !The stars were very strong overhead, with constellations clearly in view, although yet to see any shooting stars, so back to sleep !

A glorious but cold morning greeted me (at a normal time- what’s normal?), blue cloudless skies, and a full day to meander..

I’d decided to ride around the peninsula to the Furthest point, the Ponte du Raz http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointe_du_Raz a great jagged piece of rock, western facing ,across the mighty Atlantic to where I was only a few weeks ago…America !

I mistakenly thought the roads may be flatter than the Peak District of England – not so, it was up and down on a roller coaster ride as firstly I made it to the easterly point – Ponte du Van, passing roadside memorials to French people killed in the World Wars, and getting to the end point I took out some light refreshment I’d been carrying – a Power Bar from 1998 ! good enough for Scott of the Antartic I thought, good enough for Jotown ! I wondered how many adventures this had been with me and Wally ? However, it hadn’t finished yet, and slipped away down the rocks (recaptured later) so I temporarily made do with a nut bar..

The views across onto the Ocean and rocks were great, but clearly from their jagged appearance many a storm had passed this way before !

I then continued along the roller coaster,swooping down into Baie de Tresspasses –

Bay of Death…for surfers.. a great, from the looks of it surfing location with 20/30 surfers out on the Ocean , riding the waves into the beach…phew

then,as with any big downs, there’s a big ‘up’ and so up I went the other side of the bay, and onto the headland of the Pont Du Raz ,where there was an old semaphore station,and statue to Our Lady (to the shipwrecked) http://www.audierne.info/pages/capsizun/villes/plogoff/loisirsplogoff/notredamedesnaufrages.htm have a look at the story if you can translate –I can …

I had a wander round on foot,looking out to sea, 

and generally gearing myself up for the return journey, finally having the 1998 Powerbar –beautiful ! 

Then it was serious business for the return journey, non stop all the way to the campsite, up and down the steep lanes, before the real heat of the sun caught up with me… I returned to a lunchtime BBQ of steak,salad and spuds..great !

and all this for one person !!! 30 miles round trip..

A relaxing afternoon was called for,siesta   and wine for the evening, before moving further South tomorrow, having accepted a kind invitation from Kevin and Susan… more to follow..

although disaster has struck, temporarily I hope,my first weeks blogs have been removed,hopefully to be replaced…due to faults on the Blogger system-don’t panic, I shall return !

Keep Going..until you’re in the Sea !

Today was really a day for travelling, although when I started I didn’t know where I was travelling to, in my mind I thought, keep going…till you hit the sea – so I did !

I left St Michel early (for me !) at 9 a.m. and drove along the coast, towards Roscoff and Brest…unfortunately my romantic dream of pottering along the coast was slightly misconstrued, I did get occasional glimpses of coast/sea/yachts, but mainly I travelled along the motorway, eventually hitting Brest, a big city, that I didn’t spend long in, although I did find a McDonalds and free internet !

I then continued South  for a while, and eventually late afternoon arrived at Camping Pors Peron, http://campingporsperon.com/campingporsperon.html, which is on the headland of Cap Sizun, in Western Brittany

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_Sizun – a lovely quiet campsite (with free Wifi !) and an English owner !,although with the quality of my French, that doesn’t really matter…. vraiment !

A wander down the lane to the nearby beach, glorious warm sand….and freezing cold Atlantic Ocean…yes, I got my feet wet !

…before returning to the campsite for the first BBQ of the season…followed by Cheese,washed down with red wine..magnifique!

With great plans for a ride around the entire islet tomorrow,…….I’ll bid you an early bonne nuit !