As peaceful as we could wish for last night. The morning is bright with the odd little shower. Ali visits the boulangerie to buy pain aux chocolat for breakfast.
Canoeists and paddle boarders stroke their way up the channel and two loopy springer spaniels stalk wagtails on the grass.
We use the service point and head through Taule to join the N-route towards Brest before stopping in a supermarket for wine and presents in Landivisiau. We stay in the town for lunch and Ali speaks with Godson Elijah about this afternoon’s surprise. Then we set off to arrive in Brest at 14:30 as arranged.
Today is Annick’s birthday and she is in the kitchen preparing a meal for friends coming this evening. The last person she expects to be ringing the doorbell is Ali. A look of disbelief is followed by a howl of laughter then hugs and tears. It is nearly 4 years since we saw her and the family and she is so surprised that everyone knew we were coming except her.
On the news, Ireland beat England at Twickenham to seal a grand slam with Wales’s later victory over France pushing England to a worst ever fifth place.
In the evening the friends of Annick and Jean-Michel arrive, Loic, Muriel and their sons, and Stephan we know well. Drink and nibbles are accompanied by Yovan playing Celtic music on the accordian, and then it’s time for dinner, a massive tarteflette followed by rum baba or chocolate mousse [or both for Stephan]
We drink and chat, and are treated to some clever card tricks by Loic and Muriel’s son, finally returning to the van just after 1:00.
It’s a bitter cold night but we are soon asleep.