It was a familiar story – damp, drizzly start to the day again. We were lucky with the weather in Spain, but so far in France it has been pretty variable.
Managed an early get away and headed up the coast, aiming for Le Verdon and the ferry across the Gironde to Royan.
By our standards a quick 34 mile ride, saw us make the 1200 crossing, it was that or wait another 90 minutes. 
It wasn’t exactly busy, the only other cyclists a French couple with Electric bikes. I could see Tim eyeing them enviously !
Once on board the short crossing was very civilised. Coffee and Choclatine. I would say Pain au Chocolat, but was firmly told last night they are not called that in this part of France.
Off the Ferry in Royan and it was a quick trip to Decathlon, to buy some more camping gas and then off up the coast battling drizzle and strong winds. There’s nothing so depressing looking as seaside resorts in the rain.
Perhaps it was an appropriate sort of day for the next stop on our ride. A visit to the memorial to the men who took part in Operation Frankton- immortalised in the 1956 film “Cockleshell Heroes”
Then for the first time on this trip we had a bit of help from the wind as we cycled through the salt marshes towards Rochefort. Quick stop for tea at Champagne beside the old church and then off again
Our route took us over the Charente, via a rather large bridge. Not that much fun with the high winds.
Then as if by magic we ended up at another one of these:
Never pass up the chance to visit Decathlon, especially if like Tim you have snapped a tent pole !
Finally after around 67 miles we rolled into camp – sadly no restaurant or bar. So once the tents up, another few miles to the supermarket ! Bike looking very French
Steady Pedals 