Day 6 Les Sapins to Mont St Michel

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.

A misty Mount.

Day 5 hauteville sur mer to Les Sapins

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.

We stopped at Les Sapins and the rain did come.

Day 4 Pirou to Hauteville-sur-mer plaige

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.

Day 3 – Sutainville to Pirou

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.

Day 2 Clairefontain to Surtainville

We managed to ride 24km yesterday and setup camp at Clairefontaine. This was a bit of an exercise as we’ve never used the tent before.

Today is another clear day, although there was a few spots of rain around 4.00 just after I got back from the loo.

We were both pretty cold over night, I think our 3 season sleeping bags are for summer, summer and summer seasons.

Not sure where we’re going today. That’s the great thing about cycle touring.

Only rode for 20kms today, but we did stop fir coffee and lunch, mussels and chips. Jo’s been gagging for them since we landed in France.

Day 1 – We’re definitely off.

The alarm was set for 5.00 am but it wasn’t needed as we were both awake at 4.30.

First off was coffee, followed by breakfast and then loading the bikes.

The ferry leaves around 8.15 and we have to be at the port by 7.30. Google has told us we have a 25 min cycle ride.  Heading off at 6.00 should be enough time for us hopefully as we won’t be the fastest bikes on the road.

As it was we did arrive in plenty of time arriving at 6.45.

There were a few motorcycles and one other pair of cyclists waiting to board along with a load of frustrated drivers all coped up in their cars.

We pulled away from the dock at 8.15 and gently glided through the harbour passing Brownsea Island, millionaires Row at Sandbanks and finally the chain link ferry at the harbour entrance.

After passing Old Harry with Swanage in the background it was then out to the open sea if the English Channel.

The crossing was very smooth, just a very slight roll that you didn’t even notice. Within no time we were docked and wait to jump ship onto French soil.

Just a quick stop at Frech border and we were on our way riding around the centre of Cherbourg looking for water.

Finally at my wits end I said we would find somewhere if we got away from the centre. True to my word we hadn’t gone 500 mtrs and we found a grocery shop.

Getting out of Cherbourg was a bit of a grind, as it’s all uphill. None too steep if you’re fit, but we’re not quite there yet.

We had a couple of stops for minor adjustments. I had noticed Jo’s fro the wheel had been put in the wrong way round, which I corrected while in Bournemouth, unfortunately I forgot to re-adjust her brakes, so they were rubbing. This most certainly didn’t help with the up hills.

We finally arrived at our camping spot at Camping Minicipal de Clairefontain around 5.00. This is the first time of using our tent a d the pretty pictures showing how to erect it weren’t very helpful.

But in the end we nanaged it, now time to relax in the sun and decide what’s for tea.

A week in Bournemouth

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.

Flights and things

Usually our trips back to the UK go without any events to talk of, not this one.

It all started off when we arrived at the airport.

Being a little early, and with international flights just starting back up, we arrived to find that the premium check-in desk wasn’t open. Perhaps 6hrs before the flight us perhaps a shade too early.

We were directed to a baggage drop off area.

This was no cause for concern as there was no queues and we promptly served. We provided our passports and Jo was promptly informed that there wasn’t an ESTA on her’s. I’m not sure what happened but I know I submitted the details of both her passports when I applied for the ESTA’s last month.

We presented the AirNZ rep with her NZ passport, luckily this did have an ESTA assigned to it. Phew we can transit via the USA after all. Now we have to work out how to enter and leave the USA and still be able to get into the UK without any problems.

The flight to LA went without any further surprises, the meals as usual were a delight, if a bit fancy. Having said that the breakfast choice was a little disappointing and the scrambled eggs felt gritty so went uneaten.

We landed early in LA and had just over 2 hrs until our 2nd flight. Hopefully this would allow us enough time to get through both immigration and customs.

First stop immigration. The queue wasn’t too bad and we were soon staying in front of a scary immigration officer. Jo presented her NZ passport which cleared ok. We then asked if she could leave using her UK passport as she needed that one at Heathrow.

The officer took both passports and studied them both clearly. Then said “It’s very confusing having two passports you need to get rid of one.” The look of shock on Jo’s face was unbelievable. The officer then looked up with a broad smile on his face and said “Just joking, you’re good to go on either passport”

Next challenge was customs.

At customs along with everyone else we removed our electronics from our bags and deposited them into tray to be scanned. Our bags in another tray and then our shoes, belts before we ourselves went through an xray machine.

On the other side we then collected all our items, except for one. My bum bag was missing. I waited a short time while putting all the items back into my backpack and putting on my shoes. Still no bumbag. Jo went off to find someone.

Finding someone then wasn’t the difficult part, trying to get them to understand English was, that is until Jo remembered that the Americans call them a fanny pack.

Four bags later mine is eventually found. Now it’s off to find our plane for the second half of our trip.

Finding a departure board amongst all the shops was beyond both of us and we had to resort to asking for help only to be show a massive screen high up on the wall.

Number found it was a quick walk to the gate.

Our seats had not been allocated so Jo went to the attendant to arrange them. As she waited in line there was a large notice “We over book our flights”.

On checking our tickets the attendant informed Jo that the flight was full and that hardly anyone ever makes it to this flight from the AirNZ flight we were on.

After checking she found two seats unallocated and gave them to us. A little unfortunate for the other couple that were on our flight but hadn’t made it to the gate in time.

So we were going to be OK getting to the UK after all.

We’re off again…… maybe!!!

So after 3 years of staying in NZ we have taken the plunge and decided it is now time to travel internationally again.

Well we couldn’t before now as the borders were closed due to Covid. Now they are beginning to open up again and giving us the chance to travel again.

Where should we go first. Our first thought was to test the waters and go to Australia. Having done ‘the big tour’ in 2007 where did we want to go. We couldn’t decide so obviously we weren’t ment to go there for our first trip.

How about an extended tour of the USA?

I filled out the visa application, but the first available appointment was in October. I also researched the cost of hiring/buying a campervan. Renting for an extended time was expensive and buying seemed too problematic in the short term.

Nearly time to travel again.

It’s 5 days until we leave on our first international flight for 3 years.

With Covid still around we won’t be certain if we can travel until Saturday, our departure day.

The USA still requires a negative pre departure test. To make things worse Jo fell ill last week. She never gets unwell.

So the last week has been spent taking RAT tests and checking, hoping they are negative.

Are the results correct, there are reports that they are only 50% accurate. Can 4 tests all be wrong?

Well there are lots of little jobs to get done before we leave. Like eat all the perishable food before we finally go.

Check back later to see if we do get away.