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.

We stopped at Les Sapins and the rain did come.

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.