A quiet day of rest in Fougeres today, the most energy spent was when we transferred rooms. When we booked in yesterday there was only 1 standard room available and that was for one night only.
We upgraded to a larger room for today so that Jo can rest her leg.
While here we did wander around this ancient town. Humans have lived in this area from around 5000 b.c.
The town lies on the crossroads of 2 roman roads and the walled defences date from the 11th century, these were improved and extended between the 12th – 14th centuries.
It maybe a rest day from cycling but Jo got me up in the middle of the night to go to church.
Well not quite the middle of night it’s actually 8.15 and it’s no ordinary church it’s the monastery of Momt St-Michel in France.
As we walk along the causeway there are just a few other people out and about. But a couple of full buses do pass us.
We have forgone breakfast to get an early start, but as soon as we set foot on the Mont we head to a restaurant for coffee and crepes.
Then it’s up and exploring narrow alleys leading up to the monastery. The monastery dates back 989 when it was founded by the Benedictine Monks.
Since then it has been expanded and altered to what can be seen today.
We didn’t go through the monastery itself as this was €11 each.
Having completed our tour by 10.30 we looked out towards the causeway to see hordes of people making their way towards us. Thank goodness for Jo making us get an early start.
Last night we spoilt ourselves and stayed in a mobile home at the campground.
We caught up with our washing and Jo managed some video editing, but most importantly we stayed dry during the thunder storm.
Having plenty of pots we cooked a real meal of steak hashe with povre sauce and salad. Followed by strawberries and yogyog.
Also being in a cabin with a cooker and plenty of water on tap we had our fill of coffee before leaving in the morning.
We navigated to Mont St Michel. After following the coast for a while the route started going inland. I missed an alternative route that would have kept us there. After a couple of km we stopped at a junction trying to decide which way to go.
A woman with her 2 children in a basket stopped to help us make a decision by telling us that the coast road is meant to be the most beautiful km in France and the views will make it worthwhile going there.
She was correct about the views although at one point the garmin decided that the best way to get to the Mount would be by going across the mud flats and quicksands.
We finally made it to the campground, although Jo’s knee was playing up and feeling sore. Perhaps we will have a rest day tomorrow.
Up and out earlier today, looking as if it might rain today and only 500mtr to coffee.
Navigating to Granville google taking the main road so back to map reading on the garmin.
We passed through lovely countryside and small villages again.
Jo spotted a detour that google showed as possible. This traversed a road that was submersible. That road was fine to use and we didn’t get wet at all.
With taking the detours we never know what we will come across, at one point our way was blocked by road works, we had seen a sign saying the road was closed, but we had ignored it thinking we might be able to squeeze by. No such luck the road was well and truly barred. We checked on Google and the garmin to see if there was any detour without a long backtrack. As we were searching for a way one of the workmen cleared the way and moved the barrier allowing us through.
When we arrived at Grandville like any large town we goto we never know what to do and want to get out as quickly as possible.
I’m sure the old town has it’s interesting points. But to us the uphill slog wasn’t worth it and we headed on South.
It’s been trying to rain a few times today and it’s getting humid so a storm may be brewing. Tonight we will be looking for somewhere with a mobile home so if it does rain at least we will stay dry.
Starting to get our routine going tea, coffee, breakfast Cereal and strawberry . Then pack everything up a d load the bikes.
A short 1km ride for the shops and an expresso, effort cycling in ernest.
We set Google a target today which would have been about 40km all in. Google sent us down the main roads which we soon decided to leave. The garmin failed to route us anywhere. I think I remember this from last time. We ended up using the garmin to find campgrounds once we had arrived in a town.
Having left the main roads Google then chose a new route this ti.e trying to send us along foot paths and sandy roads again.
With careful map reading on the garmin we managed to navigate the country roads passing through small villages and seaside holiday homes.
Trying to get a routine going this morning. I laid in bed while Jo made a cup of tea.
We do have our own jobs and on the whole it works well. I make the breakfast, Jo starts tidying the tent. Packing the sleeping bags and mats is again Jo’s tasks, while mine is packing the tarps and tent.
When all is completed we can set out on our travels.
Today we are in search of a chemist for some insect repellent, sunscreen, and some ointments. So we navigate to the nearest one with Google. Thank goodness the Canadian data sim from Wraptel is working OK now.
Having found the chemist we promptly forget the sunscreen and insect repellent. But we did also find other shops with baguettes and paint au Chocolate along with a tobac for coffee.
After that we headed for a campsite by the beach.
Both Google maps and my garmin worked against us, sending us down gravel and some times sandy roads along with sending us along a footpath through a field of sheep. I suppose in fairness it was signed beside the road as a cycle path.
Our first choice of campground was a failure as it was closed and not due to open until the 18th.
So tired and exhausted we had another 5kms to ride.
We have a week in Bournemouth to get our bikes ready for our tour.
The day after arriving from NZ we walked to Poole to pick up our bikes from our storage along with anything else we have there that we need.
To our delight we both find a pair of shoes we had forgotten about. On the downside however there is no camping stuff to be found.
We are now realising just how much we haven’t brought with us.
Things that we thought we had left in storage aren’t there.
Jo soon find Amazon Prime has the answer to our prayers and promptly tells us if we order within the next 52mins we can have our items before 10.00 pm today. What a service and also what a dangerous temptation to put at Jo’s disposal.
Greg & Debs place is a isolated, off grid, back to basics campsite. Although they do have a hot outdoor shower.
Rustic outdoor shower.
When we arrived we were warmly greeted by both Greg & Debs who pointed out the various camping sites and the facilities. They pointed out the various tracks and informed us we were free to wander around their grounds and to relax and enjoy ourselves.
They then left us to settle in informing us they would be back around 5:00 for happy hour.
We selected a site and set up our camp. I then took time out to unwind from the drive from Bundaberg.
Resting after the long drive to Greg & Debs
After my rest I was ready to get up and go, so we wandered down to the stream and water hole. It wasn’t quite warm or deep enough to jump in so we walked up along the stream and picked up the track that looped around the property.
By the time we arrived back at camp it was nearly 5.00 so time for happy hour. Greg & Debs arrived in their ute along with their dog. Greg lit the campfire and the beers and conversation started flowing. Both Greg and Debs are great hosts and make you feel you are at home, at no time did it dawn on me that the only one wearing any clothes was Jo.
I think the happy hour lasted somewhere near 3 hours, so it was dinner by moon light (well nearly) Even in the remoteness there are lights supplied and charged by solar power.
The following morning after breakfast we took a stroll along the road all in all a 4 km walk. Although I called it a road, which technically it is, it is more like a forest track winding it’s way through the trees.
After another walk along the beach first thing we (I) decided that with all the camps along the beach area being full it was about time to head inland for a change. So we headed off to Greg & Debs place near Gin Gin. Jo was beginning to get worried as this is an off grid bush campsite. I phoned ahead to make sure there was availability as I didn’t want this to be a wasted journey.
So address loaded into the TomTom off we went. An hour later we arrived at Gin Gin and decided to stop for a coffee and get some provisions, it’s not as if we will be able to walk down the road to the pub tonight. After wandering up and back down the main high street, all 10 mins we decided to ask one of the locals which was the best coffee in town. Just out luck they are also visitors.
We take pot luck and manage to find a reasonable coffee then it’s off to the supermarket. One think I have noticed here in Gin Gin is that the town has a hippie feeling. Women with multi or brightly coloured hair. Men with long hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Back to the campervan for the final leg of the trip and it’s follow Greg’s directions (he had warned us that the TomTom would want to go the opposite way).
When we were almost there Jo started to panic again as the tarmac ran out and we were now driving on a dirt road, this last all of 2 km.
Finally we arrive at Debs & Greg’s gate, where the instructions were to ring to be allowed in. On calling Greg he laughed and said the gate is always locked, the sign was just to keep nosy parkers out. He arranged to meet us at the junction in the driveway and would then show us where we could camp.
Waiting at the junction they turn up on a quad bike Debs on the back wearing a t-shirt & Greg in front wearing only a pair of boots and sunscreen, his hair tied back in a pony tail.
After our beach walk and coffee at Hervey Bay it was time to up anchor and away, travelling North along the coast. We were heading up to Bundaberg. By the time we had reached this part of Aus on our big tour we had just about had enough and by-passed Bundaberg.
We started off by following the coast to Burrum Heads. Although following the coast on this day meant travelling along a road with no view of the sea. When we arrived at the heads we looked at each other and both said ‘We’ve been here before’ I will check out our old tour route to check it out one day, but the place did look familiar. We also found out the only way out was a 7 km backtrack.
So it was back to the main as the only viable way to get to Bundaberg. We initially drove along the by-pass to get to the camping grounds at Burnett Heads only to find them both booked out. Not sure if that was due to school holidays or Grey Nomads. We did however get informed that there was space at Moore Side Park campground. So it was back through Bundaberg and north up the coast a bit more.
Driving through the town I can now see why Jo decided to bypass it on our last trip.
What a turn out, right on the beach so much better than anything over at Burnett Heads. Good walks along a prom, fairly short as it turned out, and along the beach. The campground also had a great camp kitchen, lounge area & tv. All included in the price and all for our soul enjoyment.
