Wednesday 23. 05.2018

Erquy - Binic

Our departure was straight uphill and I smiled all the way up giving cheery waves to all the courteous drivers. The courteous bit is a little generous but it was the start of another day of sunshine and cycling. Once out of town, the coastline was simply stunning - sweeping bays, rocky outcrops and the bluest of seas. Yes, the sun was still shining. At the bottom of today’s downs, and before the ups, we found marinas full of boats and not much water, it being low tide.

We apparently crossed two viaducts. during the day; the first of which had been entirely resurfaced and given over for the exclusive use of walkers and riders. Very spectacular. The same cannot be said for the second as I didn’t notice it at all. Al was most impressed and waxed lyrical on its height and spectacular views - all of which I had missed occupied, as I was, with an irritating Spaniel which was determined to either unseat me or race me!

Another interesting and exhausting day, which concluded in a bar/hotel in Binic. Our host was a man of very few words in any language so it came as no real surprise that his nearby garage for the bikes was actually a goodly hike of 500metres - but the most secure parking we have ever had. They were finally left inside a garage behind a locked up and over door, an electric entrance door and an electrically operated external gate! Beat that! All this achieved with a few grunts. This taciturnity applied to all his associates and so we took no offence.

Thursday 24.05 2018

Binic - Treguier

Mr. Cheery might have been very cheerless, but the food was excellent and we enjoyed a substantial breakfast once he had collected the bread from the boulangerie over the way. Certainly fresh!

The sun has disappeared today and the sea mist has obscured much of the outstanding loveliness of the area. But it is dry. It has been a bit difficult to dress appropriately cos one minute one is stifling in several layers climbing the ups and then shivering on the downs. Just like the Tour de France! Not. Mr. Master Navigator made a welcome appearance today after negotiating many ups, he located a couple of points where both the downs and ups could be eliminated and replaced with a nearly flat. It did feel a bit like cheating but we have made a lot of demands on lungs and legs. I think we were not the only ones. We have passed a very few people going in the opposite direction as loaded with panniers as we are. With one exception, they have been couples of advancing years whose mood has depended largely on the gradient of the local road. Uphill, a grimace; downhill, a wave and occasionally a short conversation. Quite encouraging to know that we are not the only mad bastards.

View from our 6th floor bedroom!!

The run into Treguier was without event. (And not very hilly until we came to locating our bar for the night). Being positioned, as it is, next to the cathedral, it occupies a high point! The cathedral is magnificent and our little attic room is at the top of a spiral staircase which was built at around the same time. Very steep and narrow.

We are closing in on Roscoff and I don’t know whether to be pleased or sorry. Doubtless, we shall find out sooner or later.