Good news! Grete found a vet in town to check Cleo for the ferry so we have another day together.

Ali and Grete go back into town for a final look then we find a passion en route to our separate ferry ports, which turns out to be a flour mill and restaurant in Gennes near Saumur.

Before reaching the bridge we see some of the island's famous donkeys which traditionally worked in the salt pans and wore trousers to protect their legs. We cannot see a lot more through the haze today either, but we leave La Rochelle and join good straight roads towards Niort. On the way a huge convoy of police vehicles pass in the opposite direction at very high speed with lights and sirens on.

Al lunchtime we find a lovely creperie on the Surgeres road and stop for lunch, which today we are treated to.

The afternoon is a long 100 miles over single roads and country roads through the Loire valley. It's a bit grey with occasional drizzle but there are also a few bright patches. Catkins and pussywillow are showing that spring is here, and the vines are starting to throw out shoots. Late in the afternoon we arrive, in convoy for the last time, at Moulin de Sarre in Gennes, and we spend our last evening together for this trip with a few drinks and tapas.