Start of the trip…

Ready to roll, van a bit creaky but loaded up, just having one of Karen butties then it’s wagons roll to Portsmouth
Ready to set sail 2130

Just checked in super clean ship, luckily we have upgraded to the Commodore lounge to keep away from the riff raff…well actually enjoy a glass of wine or two. Looking forward to revisiting our routeEn savoir plus
Day at sea

Relaxing crossing, fleeting view of pod of dolphins, had a chat with the resident whale expert, potential viewing when we cross the continental shelf around 5pm.
Arrived Santander

Really pleasant sail, rocked to sleep by the Atlantic rollers…..no mal de mer. Hyoscine patches clearly worked. Just preparing for landing and the Spanish adventure
Santillana del Mar

Campsite No 1

Interesting campsite….only one cold water tap! Nice pool…. ‘Rustic’ setting…. Equally rustic electrics had to buy an adapter max 5amp ….fixed the creaking tow ball……. Just needed aEn savoir plus
San Vincente

Walk around the picturesque seaside town, quiet, looks like the Spanish don’t get going until 11 then stop for their 3 hour lunch at 1….. they’ve got it right. Trying out Google translate toEn savoir plus
Restaurant au moulin

Arrival dinner…. Fish soup, mixed charcuterie, duck for main with a bottle of red.
Morning ride to Biarritz via Bidart

Took the green cycle route from the campsite, very safe 18 mile round trip. Coffee and bread innBidet,then Stopped in the marche for a crepe and mixed juice….
Soggy ride to St Luz

Very very very wet ride to St Luz stopped off for some refreshments and the rain has stopped!!
Market fabulous!!

Degustation Oysters with a glass of dry white wine truest fab. Local chap helped us pick the best ‘no 1’, less milky important as they are on their reproductive season!
Light house Biarritz

Plodded up the 248 steps to the top tooooo much for AW’s vertigo , but Karen managed to grab a couple of pics . 10 Euro to scare yourself to death
Market ! St Jean de Luz

Mount La Rhune 905 meters

Steady walk up La rhune…. Really humid start, slight overcast but weather cleared for some great views. Close up call with the wild horses,condors soaring overhead and cows wandering around withEn savoir plus
La Garangeoire

Long trip of 530 km from the south, pretty soggy most of the way and near miss with a catamaran!!but arrived in the sun. Impressive site, booked in for dinner.Just found an unwanted visitor from LaEn savoir plus
Ride to St Gilles Croix de Vie

Another great ride on the green cycle route , well sign posted round trip to St Gilles for the obligatory moule et frites and a rather exuberant crème brûlée. 31 mile on the Brompton causes aEn savoir plus
Roughing at Les Sables

Arrived early for once, cafe en terrace with a sea view….. high water 07.19. Iron Man race tomorrow a lot of very fit looking people around. Interesting ‘sea walking’ taking place, waist highEn savoir plus
Le Chaiz Gourmand

Karen recovering from a fantastic catamaran trip in force 5 with 2m waves…. with our half Scottish helm Louis. Having to treat her to a Michelin Bib meal tonight. Lazy walk around Les Sables ….En savoir plus
Coast ride to Les Sables

Pleasant 24k round trip along the green cycle route….. thankfully the bike rules here. Stop for morning coffee overlooking the bay. Obligatory moules et frites at a beachside restaurant….. c’estEn savoir plus
Roche sur yon

Karen’s choice today, gentle meander around town…. Interesting mechanical exhibits in the park that you can control with an array of levers and gas powered buttons!
Pasta a la rustica

We love France ( apart from the drivers on roundabouts) but tonight it’s Italian we’ll sort of Spanish chorizo, French garlic an English chef, with his knowledgeable support / advisor followed byEn savoir plus
The Ferry Home

Pleasant trip up from the Vendee, arrival Caen very windy . Enjoying a low alcohol sundowner on the gravel at the edge of the car park watching the yachts bob by.
Back home….

Final day of a great time away
Home safe
Oscar not been the dads best friend
Love my hubby xx