Today's tour chapter title could be "three old men and Alan doing well heading north". Alan, of course, is a very young man, don't mention his next birthday. The weather turned nasty hot on us today, perhaps our previous rainy and chilly days were not such a problem. Only one day's cycling left, impossible to believe. AB

I was minding my own business 5 metres behind the main pack when they disturbed a 1 metre long snake in the grass verge. It slithered out in front me. I took evasive action along with the snake. Not sure who was more in a state of shock me or the snake. Needless to say my view of the French countryside has taken a immediate turn for the worst. I am very nervous of grass verges from now on. Countryside very beautiful around here. Lots of forests. DH

Another 64 miles to the north sees us 'camped' on the outskirts of Argentan, yet another 'ghost' town where we have struggled to a) find a bed for the night, and b) be fed and watered. Nevertheless we have fallen on our feet and just had a feast fit for kings, and all for 51 euros (for 4) including drinks! The 'cheapskates' have done it again! The cycling has been made harder today by the hottest temperatures to date; it was still 26 degrees at 6 pm. No worries, we are now a mere 45 miles from our ship, so tomorrow should be bit more relaxed. JS

Andy is obviously referring to my 30th birthday in a few weeks. Only another 25 years before I engage the services of Stannah and wheedle my way out of a hard day's work like Foggy, Compo and Clegg. My efforts at engendering my own dedication to work have fallen on deaf ears with these workshy skivers. On to the cycling. A massive hill through the forest today that climbed for 4 miles after which a Frenchman shook A and my hands as a congratulatory gesture. David was wrestling with a snake by now a la Jon J Rambo in the final film of the Quadrilogy. We coaxed David down from the tree and he is fine now after a couple of alcohol free lagers. Phew !!
A short push for the coast tomorrow. We can smell the sea drifting in on the breeze.........or is that David's fear . Last blog from the ferry before a welcome return to Angleterre. Bike for sale Wednesday. APL