During yesterdays adventure we got to chatting that it was within cycling distance (just) to the next island that we were staying. If we packed up and were ready to go early enough the children were really excited about the possibility of cycling to the bridge onto the island. We thought that this would be roughly equal to yesterdays distance.
Overnight rain had mean the pack up took a little longer, and the dirty sand typical of french pine forrest camping was everywhere! We finally were ready to go about 30 mins after the children declared they were ready on their bikes! Penny had borrowed my basket and filled it with snacks, and they had both even done their bike ride wee!!
Meanwhile I was left with the unenviable task of emptying the portaloo, doing the food shop and driving to the island all on my own!
The first leg of the cycle ride took the adventurers back to st jean de mont, so a familiar route, but this time the wind was in their face. Once again they stopped on the sea front for a picnic and an ice cream. Then back on the bikes past all the french campsites which were all empty… the season seems to have closed. The next bit of the cycle path was through the forrest for about 20km. Fraser described it as a roller coaster as there were lots of little humps. The forrest was deserted… on the whole journey they only saw about 10 people. This part of the journey was fun and kept the children going really well.
I was tracking their progress from the van and trying to meet up with them at parts… and accidentally went over to the island once when I was thinking there would be somewhere good to stop before I got as far as that. I looked at the map and turned around and went back over the bridge. I saw a tiny layby and pulled in to assess my options…. as I glanced to the track in the woods on the left I saw 3 familiar little heads pop over the hill! Fabulous timing as their legs were starting to wear out. Some treats topped back up pennys basket and both the children were brimming with pride that they had already cycled 28 miles and had decided they would ride the whole way to the campsite! I was astounded! As well as being astounded I was also facing the wrong direction on a fairly major route.
We planned that I would find somewhere to turn around and try and see them cross the bridge at the same time as I did! By the time I got back they were already powering up the bridge. I know I always say this, but I really do love a good bridge, and the bridge on to Noirmoutier is a favorite… probably more because its a bridge to one of my happiest places in the world! It seems also that Fraser shares my love of bridges too and was super motivated to cycle across it!
I decided that I would use the opportunity to go back over the bridge for a third time so went back over just in time to catch them at the very top taking a selfie! So once again I was going in the wrong direction!!!
Stew reports from this point there was perhaps a little regret about the decision to cycle to the campsite. The path was very flat from here, and the island was windy. But they carried on, stopping for a can of pop and a beer with only a few miles to go.
I drove on through the island and passed the town, before disaster struck… or rather I struck… another vans wing mirror with freckles! Ooooops! It did some damage too, as they don’t make them like they used to! I literally clipped the wing mirror and it pulverised a modern vans mirror whilst simply pushing freckles mirror in! So now I have found out what to do if you have an accident in France! Every day is a school day!
Once I made it to the campsite, I managed to check in, extravagantly book a fridge for the 6 nights we are here so that the wine is nice and cold to go with all the sea food we plan to eat, and then get the camp set up, just as they all arrived. They were super pleased with themselves and in amazing spirits having completed the full 40.3 miles from camp to camp. I was also pleased that stew was so tired and happy when I had to tell him I crashed Freckle!!!! I just gave him a cold beer and all was ok!!
The children were ravenous, and had a feast of meat on the BBQ, before we all went to the beach for a play in the sea. The sea was like a pond and will be perfect for getting out the paddle boards tomorrow.
Showers all around and there were no protests when they snuggled into their beds! Stew and I sat outside with a dozen oysters, a bowl of Prawns and a bottle of wine… before the cheese and port came out. Standard Noirmoutier.
As we were going to bed, Stew decided that America was a fabulous Adventure and he would declare it as a trip, but France feels like a proper holiday, and I have to say I agree!
frecklesfun 