Maritime meanderings

It was hot enough to melt the tarmac today but we set off on the bikes for a 40 mile loop. Shunning the beach front where everyone else on the planet was going we headed off inland on a lovely route along waterways and marshes. We reached the banks of the Charente River and then followed the river upstream to Rochefort. A rather splendid transporter bridge from the 1900s on the way, and then we cycled into town via the Royal rope works. This was a big naval base in Napoleon's time and the buildings in the rope works were very long so they could make 300 feet long ropes for the galleons. The town was low key and quiet- a refreshing change from yesterday. We had a picnic in the shade. On the way home Ian overheated a bit so we had to pour cold water on his head. Made it home in one piece but realised we were quite dehydrated. Rookie error. Went for a cold swim in the campsite lake and settled down to watch the Champions League final.Read more