Arrived in Bagnerre de Bigorre after the biggest day on my bike of the whole trip. Some 10 hours, was totally shattered and could hardly speak or think, bum sore and ears ringing. My welcome was nice though, freshly cooked monkfish (Jamie O recipe...) some red and collapsed into a deep deep sleep. The day started at a relaxed 10 am, from near Thueyts, in the Ardeche Gorge. I gave away some food and beer to my Dutch neighbours as packing was tight. A distance of ...

Italy bound, ants in my tent and sauna heat drove me to the cafe...and pool, yes site has pool no wonder it's booked out. Reading a great book loaned by Pat - it's called Raw Spirit by Ian Banks, basically he is touring Scotland visiting and tasting malt whiskies...