Day 19 - Bridges and Detours.

Breakfast was almost ready.  Almost.

The water had boiled and the oatmeal and coffee / tea was in place, but.... the skies opened.  Frantic pouring and passing into the tent, running for the phones charging outside, and then sitting in the tent while the skies let go, at least we had hot drinks and oatmeal.  And then it cleared.

It seemed quite straight forward as we left the campground and headed out. North towards Rochforte and then head back west to the sea shore. Just follow the bike path signs...

So we started out along quiet Sunday morning roads and freshly planted farm fields, and we could see the big bridge in the distance. 

We stick-handled around (as Dad would say), and found the bike path to the bridge. But there were construction barriers and a small sign stating "deviation pour cyclists". With no other information. 

So we rode on to find the alternate route, and found a local man out walking his baby. He was kind and explained that the bridge was closed to cyclists as the bike path was not complete. He said we would have to ride on, the opposite way to the seashore. 

We rode a bit more and then stopped to look at our map again, and a window opened "etes - vous perdu?". Marc replied, "not yet". Another local to help us. She suggested to try the (famous) pont, the last of it's kind in France...

The gentleman with his baby had told us it was ferme dimanche but the woman said "how do you know if you haven't gone to look?", as she held her local paper with the bridge schedule 

So we went. It was closed.  

So we took the deviation. Meaning we rode about 11 km along the south side of the water way, to find an old pedestrian and cycle bridge and we finally crossed. 22 unscheduled kilometers. (See highlighted area on map below).

Luckily the bridge was pretty cool, cycling up to it, the old construction was impressive. 

And we were happy to find it open.... To cyclists. 

Woot woot 

and the village on the other side had a Sunday market. Fresh oysters!

And then we carried on, back towards the coast, along EV 1 and EV 2 and EV 3. With fields and towns and quiet paths. 

We arrived at the beach at Chatelaillon-Plage

Beautiful long beach. 

Enjoyed some relaxation here. 

And pitched our tent with the Pirates at Air-otel camping. See the pirate! 

With today's mileage, we have pedaled just over  1,000 kms. 

And miles to go before we come home 😉

Thanks for reading our blog!