Food and feast for eyes

Hi

Its been a highlite for my journey today.

Got quite an early start from St Rafael where I had an excellent pitch for the night with my very own palm tree on a well looked after lawn with usual auto sprinkler system to keep the tent clean.

Un up was pleasent with the lapping shore just yards away.

Soon after I got going, I spotted a fella in wet suite with spear. He is Morgan who lives nearby and works as an engineer for water purification plants having recently completed a contract in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

He had yet to spear a fish but was on his way out again when we met. Hope he caught a good one or two for lunch.

Later, I came across a cycle touring couple John and Vicky from Perth Aus. They had been touring all over France and were soon to be heading back home via Paris.

Then when the call from the sea which throughout today has been just yards away, became too enticing, I stipped off and had a great swim.

Francis Ilari explained that the water temp is around 20 degrees, just very refreshing and plenty warm enough for a swim. He is 93 and can be found daily at the sports beach with its resturant west Cannes. We got chatting, he did mostly with rather good English and a fine view of us poms mostly. He was prefect he tells me before managing one of the casinos here before retiring most likely many years back. He did, as I say most of the talking since he is quite deaf and conversation rather one way but very interesting to be with. He invited me to join him foe lunch which I gratefully did and dined on Salmon, potatoes, tomato, Brocoli, and a beer. All delisiously mopped up with French bread. He insisted on the bill being pkaced on his montgly tab which he accumulates there daily.

Perhaps I have not seen as many coastlines, compared to some folks, but from my point of view, this coast scenery must be one of the most beautiful world wide. Quite stunning, I just hope that my photos do it some justice.

As usual, I snnoped about the ports today and Cannes and nearby had some amazing ocean going sailing vessels proudly showing off their masts next to the Gin cruisers or stink pota as we sailors like to call them.

A lot of the boats are registered in the Caymen Islands as well as the IOM. One was about to head over to Palma and another from ther on to the Behamas. One of these days I may find one heading east through the Suiz perhaps. If I could then be a deck hand or whatever, Heaven is where I'd be. Oh well, one can make wishes.

In fact if I find that all are heading across the Atlantic, it'may not be a bad idea to adjust my directional approach to Melbourne.

So having dined well at excellent value, I carried on and am now in Antibes. It is 1940hrs and I had better move on once again to find another quiet fine lawn somewhere. I am getting used to this nomadic existance and look forward to what the next day will bring.

Expect to be in Italy soon. Mote Carlo here I come. Last time I was there with Julie for a weekend sponsored by Friends Provident who gave me a ten Frank voucher for the casino and within 15 minutes had one about £400 and promptly left while well ahead.

Think I'll steer clear of the casino this time though. Seems as though every other building of size is a casino in this place.

Well then, all for now.

A dogs Life

Yesterday, was at Grand Prix Best Western Hotel bar near Paul Richarde race circuit. Very Posh until I cruised in.

Enjoying the coffee though and and comfy chairs. No ruddy Pom newspaper. Free wifi !

Had a good nights sleep but a wee bit nippy this morning as the traffic woke me. The road was very quiet last night except for occasional local racers a couple of which were quite spectacular even in the dark. I heard the screeching of tyres, then one engine roaring while on the tail of something a lot smaller. Most likely ,the little one leading was a Hot Hatch Renault and something like a big BM trying to push it along. I have seen many floral tributes to those travellers along the road who have met their demise, quite possibly racing like these two or having got in the way.

Earlier this morning I must have made quite a contrasting image cycling brightly past a crowd blackened mourners through a little village. They were all walking along behind a motor hearse when an animal drawn one would have been more suitable.

Don't wish to continue with this theme too long, but yesterday my route from the Chateux to the old port lead me straight through the city cemetry of Marseille. I thought Scottish cemetries were a little over the top, but they are nothing compared to this lot. Some very large structures housing, I suppose many generations of families seem to compete with each other in their grandness. Many have clearly been forgotten and even robbed of probably valuable items kocked within. Some of these little houses are big enough for quite cosy bathelor pads and I will perhaps keep that in mind for my onward journey, Most likely kidding.

Lovely sunny day here, I see that temps are holding out back at home quite well but possible rain there today. I laughed at by two tone body when in the bathroom in front of a mirror, first time for some time. Though my stripes are wide apart, a kind of zebra came to mind with very brown tee shirted arms and cycling shorted legs some inches above my knees.

So now will be on my way again towards Toulon passing the race track nearby but no sport there today I believe unfortunately. I have managed to get this far on €178 or €101 if one deduct the cost of ship from Palma and new back tyre. So average is about €7 per day. I reckon to have lost some weight but more from the excercise since I have been far from from starving myself. I put on a little before starting out and explained to the children that it was purposefully planned so that I had some fat to sustain me on my coming journey. A fellow at the beach the other day indicated in gook that my tummy would be very flat indeed once journey concluded. I will try to find some scales.
Cuao for now 28th Sep 1300hrs.

Now 1915hrs wed 29/9/10
Been a long day in the saddle and have been thru more olive groves and vineyards which are great to ride thru when thirsty. I reckon on marketing a new value for money drink. Its called zippy pippy. What you do is stop, zip into the vines and come out ejecting the pippy's. Very thirst quenching and as fresh as can be. Sometimes it isn't nec to zip as when lucky, the vines can be reached from the road, I prefer to take those bunches from harvested vines which are to be left and would wilt if not eaten.
Today my route took me from Pierrefeu.. To Pignans, Le Luc, Le Muy and onto St Raphael where I am now. This afternoon I used route DN7 which was very busy but quite efficient. I came across a mobile caterer alongsside the rd and decided to indulge in a Frog Burger which is a monster hamburger using half a loaf of French bread, salad, chillied mayonase and two burger pieces. This I consumed with a small bottle of local wine which arrived in a green unlabelled bottle and had a pink tinge. I'm certainly no expert but I thought it very good even with sediment.
So that blew €6 which compared to any other bought dishes around here, was very good value indeed.

Then onwards, I came to another great Lidl store and got two beers, a chocolate moose pud, and grand looking apple all for 99 cents. No way you could get anywhere near that for value/cheapness, call it what you like back in Blighty.

Eating out here looks very dear though from menus that I have seen.
I did end up camping next to the supermarket last night. Whilst pitching, the local fuzz shined a bright light on me and I simply asked if I could stay to which they replied ,No Priblem. At around midnight, I was woken by an insistant, quite indignant barking hound who just would not go away. I tried all sorts of dog type expletives. EG Footsack, Basket sounded a bit wimpish especially since I could not remember Basket in French and others I'll not mention. Eventually I had had enough and got my SPD's on (cycling shoes) and must have made quite a spectacle, charging down the road in just my briefs showing off my two toned tanned body in the moonlight ever towards this most suprised and happily terrified woofter. The metal bits attached to my soles make a real clacking noise and quite possibly emit sparks on the tar as speed picks up. They tend to turn into skates though at high speed so care taken, but managed to chase this noisy pest several blocks
away where he or she continued to bark but far enough away for it to be someone else's problem.
In the morning, I noticed how lucky I had been with placing my tent as I discovered to my horror that the lawn was clearly a favourate dumping spot for that and quite possibly other dogs in the neighbourhood. Still, I had happily managed to pitch either side of some unpleasant accumulating lumps.
Managed to get some breakfast at the supermarket and get a wash and shave in their spacious disabled loo.
I could really do with a swim in the sea this evening but thinks its quite chilly so we'll see. I'm in MacD's and ordered a coffee but to my horror, its €1.50 here, 50% more than the last time so I ordered a little one instead, blasted rob dogs. In my innocence, I believed that prices were standardised at MacD's. This one does not have an electric charging point like the last one too.

Well, its nearly 2000hrs so better go and have a look where to lay my head this evening.

I have begun to see signs for Cannes so before long, I will be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. They wont know what's hit them.
Till next time.
S.

GPS Steve W

Just seen message from Steve W in SA. Hi Steve, no GPS other than on my cell when hotspotted.

Great to hear from you mate. Drop me a line on simon.wales@talk21.cim

Hope to catch up with you perhaps April ish next year. How was Aus?

PS Thanks for breakfast, I owe you. Tot siens.

S.

Grand Prix stop

Now at Grand Prix Best Western Hotel bar near Paul Richarde race circuit. Very Posh until I cruised in.

Enjoying the coffee though and and comfy chairs. No ruddy Pom newspaper. Free wifi !

Had a good nights sleep but a wee bit nippy this morning as the traffic woke me. The road was very quite last night except for occasional local racers a couple of which were quite spectacular even in the dark. I heard the screeching of tyres, then one engine roaring while on the tail of something a lot smaller. Most likely ,the little one leading was a Hot Hatch Renault and something like a big BM trying to push it along. I have seen many floral tributes to those travellers along the road who have met their demise, quite possibly racing like these two or having got in the way.

Earlier this morning I must have made quite a contrasting image cycling brightly past a crowd blackened mourners through a little village. They were all walking along behind a motor hearse when an animal drawn one would have been more suitable.

Don't wish to continue with this theme too long, but yesterday my route from the Chateux to the old port lead me straight through the city cemetry of Marseille. I thought Scottish cemetries were a little over the top, but they are nothing compared to this lot. Some very large structures housing, I suppose many generations of families seem to compete with each other in their grandness. Many have clearly been forgotten and even robbed of probably valuable items kocked within. Some of these little houses are big enough for quite cosy bathelor pads and I will perhaps keep that in mind for my onward journey, Most likely kidding.

Lovely sunny day here, I see that temps are holding out back at home quite well but possible rain there today. I laughed at by two tone body when in the bathroom in front of a mirror, first time for some time. Though my stripes are wide apart, a kind of zebra came to mind with very brown tee shirted arms and cycling shorted legs some inches above my knees.

So now will be on my way again towards Toulon passing the race track nearby but no sport there today I believe unfortunately. I have managed to get this far on €178 or €101 if one deduct the cost of ship from Palma and new back tyre. So average is about €7 per day. I reckon to have lost some weight but more from the excercise since I have been far from from starving myself. I put on a little before starting out and explained to the children that it was purposefully planned so that I had some fat to sustain me on my coming journey. A fellow at the beach the other day indicated in gook that my tummy would be very flat indeed once journey concluded. I will try to find some scales.
Cuao for now 28th Sep 1300hrs.

Marseille and beyond now

So its Sunday night and the first since I left home to be sleeping in a bed. I am staying in a Napoleonic period Chateux here in Marsaille. Having arrived by way of the very large Port, quite late this afternoon.

Earlier, the wind was still howling and often a srain just to keep moving when head on even with my lowest gear. I managed this time to get through security and cycled around the port looking at the varios ships. I boarded a couple via theee gangways and one was bound for Brazil but only in a couple of months time, another was not going anywhere for at least 5 months, and an Algerion one which I could not get near to. Only one heading in my general direction was to Corsica where another can be boarded for Italy.
It would not be easy to stow away as all have security gaurds and I noticed crew were logged in and out electronically. When I left the port at a different Sorte, it caused much confusion for the exiting gaurd who questioned where I had come from. And was suprised with the just lloking around having entered at another place. Then with a few stops to get directions,lastly at a Pizza takeaway which I can recommend ,are a good source for directions, I finally made my way to what must be the highest point in the city. Knackered.

So just had first hot shower and watch of tv which I could not understand.

This morning I also treated myself to a Mac D's coffee, a large one at €1 was extravigant but managed to do blog, charge phone and camera, hair wash and shave so good value really.

Breakfasted on a plate full of pasta screws which some traveller had left and added the last of grated cheese. Good ennergy giver as road out of Marseille very steep.
Stunning city, manged to get some good photos hopefully. Reminded me of Capetown a bit with moutain surrounds. Good view from Ceasers Chateux I think it was called. Old harbour clearly very old in parts. Got a glimpse of Marseille version of famous Parisian buiding. This one has a gold bit on the front as may the one in Paris?

Very busy city and lots to see, one could spend days there to try and see it all. But ever on, now in Cassis and getting here was one very steep ride. Little expensive place this with good beach and typical yachty harbour.

Must get some grub and get going, now heading towards Toulon. Bike seems to be holding out ok but brakes will need seeing to soon. Descending some of these hills is an excersise in faith as stopping distances with my load are very long indeed so hope evasive action will not be needed.
Cheers for now, must get going.
S.

Marseille and beyond now

So its Sunday night and the first since I left home to be sleeping in a bed. I am staying in a Napoleonic period Chateux here in Marsaille. Having arrived by way of the very large Port, quite late this afternoon.

Earlier, the wind was still howling and often a srain just to keep moving when head on even with my lowest gear. I managed this time to get through security and cycled around the port looking at the varios ships. I boarded a couple via theee gangways and one was bound for Brazil but only in a couple of months time, another was not going anywhere for at least 5 months, and an Algerion one which I could not get near to. Only one heading in my general direction was to Corsica where another can be boarded for Italy.
It would not be easy to stow away as all have security gaurds and I noticed crew were logged in and out electronically. When I left the port at a different Sorte, it caused much confusion for the exiting gaurd who questioned where I had come from. And was suprised with the just lloking around having entered at another place. Then with a few stops to get directions,lastly at a Pizza takeaway which I can recommend ,are a good source for directions, I finally made my way to what must be the highest point in the city. Knackered.

So just had first hot shower and watch of tv which I could not understand.

This morning I also treated myself to a Mac D's coffee, a large one at €1 was extravigant but managed to do blog, charge phone and camera, hair wash and shave so good value really.

Breakfasted on a plate full of pasta screws which some traveller had left and added the last of grated cheese. Good ennergy giver as road out of Marseille very steep.
Stunning city, manged to get some good photos hopefully. Reminded me of Capetown a bit with moutain surrounds. Good view from Ceasers Chateux I think it was called. Old harbour clearly very old in parts. Got a glimpse of Marseille version of famous Parisian buiding. This one has a gold bit on the front as may the one in Paris?

Very busy city and lots to see, one could spend days there to try and see it all. But ever on, now in Cassis and getting here was one very steep ride. Little expensive place this with good beach and typical yachty harbour.

Must get some grub and get going, now heading towards Toulon. Bike seems to be holding out ok but brakes will need seeing to soon. Descending some of these hills is an excersise in faith as stopping distances with my load are very long indeed so hope evasive action will not be needed.
Cheers for now, must get going.
S.

Near Marseille

Another friendly MacD's finds me just outside a town by the name of Margnane. I had been trying to ride down through the Hills heading East from Ensues la-Ledonne, but the howling wind was too much to bare, preventing me quite literally from descending a steep decline and fast moving road. I noticed a fun park and headed for shelter. Completely abandoned though and quite eery, I wondered up hill into the woods in search of a flat pitch in steep rocky ground. Eventually I found an abandoned shack in a Pine Forrest, pitched my tent on soft fallen needles and settled for the night with Mackeral in mustard sourse and green bean sandwiches followed by a Caramel pudd. Woke this morning to dogs barking, trees still creecking in the wind and heavy at times, shotgun fire. Many trigger happy frogs around so thought I'd better gobble some breakfast, gather stuff and head out of the woods before
Receiving a butt full of shot and my heels being chewed by an overzealous hound.

Made good miles yesterday mosly with the wind behind me, travelled from South of Arles where I had stayed, visiting a market at Port-St-Lois-du-Rhone.
After being directed out of Arles by a very helpful Cycle shop keeper who drew me a very good map, I headed south east along D35 and came across a row of small houses right at the water's edge. Beutiful spot but quite abandoned. I ventured into a garden overlooking the river which could quite easily have been mistaken for a large lake it was so wide. There were some tomatoes growing in the garden so concluded that the owner may turn up and be rather disturbed to find another bear sleeping next to his vege patch, so I moved on. The Rhone is one mighty. I gather it supports amongst all else, this rice growing region by flooding the fields, desalinating the otherwise salted ground. I believe that the rice is then grown and the fields drained once again for harvesting.

Also many horse ranches about, the dominant breed seems to be a very sturdy looking Grey, quite stunning and certainly able to hold my weight. I understand that the area is proud of its Bull Breeding too, though I did not see any which is probably just as well.

Well I eventually came to a Farm homestead and wonderwd in when a gentleman came to say hello. I mimed as best I could in the most wearyest manner abiut pitching mt tent to which he said 'No problem' He later offered me a drink, but I think I misunderstood him as he may have expected me to go indoors with him away from the voracious mosquitos (I was well protected by then with Peaceful Sleep) for whatever was being offered. I thanked him asking for a cofee but none arrived. In the morning I heard one of two Landrovers move off and when I had packed I knocked on the door. I filled my water bottles, and left a little note of tganks leaving my email and blog address. I hope that he or his daughter will write so that I can stay in touch.
So, now on to Marseilles which I understand is the oldest of cities in France having been established by Greek Sailors 600 BC. Let's see.

All for now, phone and camera fully charged with MacD's compliments. Coffe was good, first I have had since Palma 12 days ago. the occasional Pils and fruit juice has been good though in the meantime.

Bye'eeeeee.

weekend starts here

Hi,

In Arles, lloking for the way out. Need to head SE from here I reckon.
Today has been good cycling ground, it being flat, just a breeze and bikes well catered for.

Last night ther was an almighty crack above the thunder sound and my tent collapsed in a heap. Blithering blasted barnacles, a section of the pole qhich I had been previously nurseing snapped under strain. Well, I managed to use a twig as a splint but one very wonky residence prevails.

Alsoo had to pack up very wet this morning so must try to find a place soon to air before repair, hopefully.

Mostly paddy fields around here, heard many wetland birds and passed over many flat frogs. Maybe its why French are called frogs. Saw one very large rodent, at least the as big as a good sized sausage dog. Took no notice of me at all while I took his picture, just carried on swimming slowly, munching his way through the reeds. Also seen a hedgehog who really did live in a hedge and did not eat whole wheat bread.

Rained quite a lot today but I seem to dry out quickly on the bike.

Its 1740 hrs and time to get going again to find a good patch to do some drying out and house keeping/mending.

Cheers.

I

Sete

Wondering along the port area I noticed a couple of Barge type sailing vessels here in Se'te. One of which is called Tarzan.

The other is being lived on at present by Benjamin from Marmaris in Turkey. He speaks English well and I had a good chat with him on the warf. He offered to let me stay on board while in Sete and it was tempting. Many Tourists passing thrupough here with caf'es and resturants everywhere. This vessel is used for providing sailing experiences for young socially wayward teens who would hopefully learn from cooperative,communicative, and order following activities necessary to manage this mini sailing ship.

Similar activities are arranged on the few remaining tall ships back in UK I believe.
looks like it pays to be wayward sometimes. Either you pay dearly for an experience like
this or use an asbo for the ticket.

Benjamin advise tgat there are sometimes commercial vessels sailing from here to Turkey, offering a potential short cut to my journey. I wondered over to the port but could not get past security or enquire about any Turkish Vessels or there Captains. Not sure how you are supposed to do that then.

Oh well peddle on.

So here I am having found another freindly MacD's on my way out of Sete. Catch you later.

update added 22 Sep 10

Well, its 0200hrs Tuesday and I thought to write this since an automatic sprinkler has woken me and although the tent seems to have got off lightly I cannot for the moment say for the bike. It and its paniiers and contents may be swimming. Spray went on for about 16 mins. There is also a blasted cricket who has been advertsing for a mate, or his territory for the last half hour. It is so loud, I've stuffed some tissue in my ears to take the edge off. Is there a recognised crushing cricket sport ? If not, there should be. I've a mind to have a go but the little blighter is probably a ventriloquist, and I kind of feel that he belongs here, not me. There goes the blasted sprinkler again. What fun.. Maybe its the town's anti vagabond system at work.
Later in the morning after a quick piddle probably, whilst contemplating the best way to de-camp without carrying too much due, sprayed water and general damp, the local gendarmes paid me a fleeting visit and waffled something in gobble gook language to which I replied, Je ne parles pas gobble gook, parles vous proper language? Whith exchanged smiles I think I managed to mime that I would be on my way in about 20 minutes.
So off on my journey once again ever mindful of the need to take a seat somewhere soon. Twas long before my opportunity to do so presented itself at a cafe/diner just opening next to a marina. By then though, I must have been keen and probably looked so, so when I was making a bee line for WC with probable pleading expression aimed at,happily agreeable gentleman, he door was quickly shut behind me with grateful satisfaction. Peering in the mirror seemed to add to the few days stubble though and thought a shave later was a must. On exiting after making good the environment, cleaner you understand than when I had entered, a not so friendly lady had a right go at me in Gook. However much I tried to explain my non comprehendes at the same time glancing at the fella whose trousers were obviously a mith,she kept jabbering away, pointing to the marina. I got a bit cross and said Look Clean and gestured for hwr to follow me to inspect her precious shrine. She
responded with a gook mumble and dismissed me though I linguered, looking at fruit juices on her shelves. I picked up a litre carten of her finest pineapple juice and asked if she had a small carton. Oh well , with an attempt to look politely dissapointed I replaced the juice and suantered out. Fully loaded and unloaded you understand, I was on my merry way once again. Not long after, the heavens opened, as if Noah lived nearby, so I dashed to the nearest shelter, a bakery/paper/coffe shop. Spotting a can of Minute Maid, I asked the lady for it in my best ......Rene... (I shall say ziz only waance) accent. Now my eyesight is not was it was and though its price was marked on the shelf, the shelf was well over beyond the counter and when she rung up the till presenting me with a bill of €1.80 I tried not to look too disturbed and reluctanly poured some gook money on the counter for her to do the counting. Juice was good though, as was the 45 minute
sit down shelter.
So yesterday was as ever, eventful. The sun is now rising and goosies too so I must stand up from this concrete park seat and move a bit to get warm.
In Agda now, will head for Cap and then north east along coast towards Sete. At McDonalds wifi . HAd a good ride along the Midi Canal and had a good look at a grape harvesting machine in action. Surprised that the vine is left standing once these monsters pass over. Indulged in some more grapes and have just done my Lidl shopping again. This place must be manic in August but is just pleasant right now. I see that the ships go to Marocco from Sete, bit of a temptation I could travel east along the north African shore instead. Perhaps not.
Navigating to find smaller roads avoiding nsuitable cycling roads is a challenge and most often means longer, slower directional progress. Becoming laid back about it though and getting quite used to pitching my tent in any quite level spot for the night. Have yet to pay for accom. As even a night on a campsite pitch is €15 which is a crazy price for a shower when a swim and shoqer at the beach does fine, gratis.
One of these days I will try to work oit total distance travelled but qill have to guess as this one crow who does not fly straight.
Well, catch up with you later. If you wish to leave me a message, please use simon.wales@talk21.com

vin and tourist route

Ok, so now I an in a tourist info at Saint Cyprien and have been given a map of this part of Sud de France. I have discovered that there is an old Roman path/road which runs about 120km NE all the way to Beaucaire and beyond so hope to follow its course some od the time. Yesterday evening, I did reach France and found a level patch of stony ground which required a little peg persevere ing (sp?) to get the tent up. This must be a place at the bottom of the hill down from the old boarder where the now defunct Boarder Police building still stand, now abandoned with creeping graffiti At the very top of the hill which marks the boarder, thwre is a memorial to the refugees fleeing Spain from civil war, some 500 000 I believe. Go on readers, please email me with some history of the Spanish civil war, I seem to remember hearing about some bloke called Franco trying to crush peasants?
Slept well and got going around 9am.
Oh! managed to get a good photo off the sun rise this am at about 0730hrs.
I have just heard that there is a library here with wifi so can download this for blog.
I did a sheckle count this am and think that I found €180 left from the 305 I started with. So six days now should have seen €62.50 spent, but I paid for the boat from Palma to Barcelona and €15 for a new back bike tyre so 125-77.50= €47.50 spent till this am. Perhaps at this rate, + can make up for the boat and tyre.
Did have a couple of beers, a kous kous chinese thing and chocalate pudding for lunch, but that all came to estimated €1.60 and I have a doggy box.
The trick is, avoiding resturants and accomodation costs even those catewring foe tents. I was able to stay at a posh Camping site t nighta ago, but managed to share a pitch with Elena a lovely Spanish cycling lady who I met outside a Lidl. I wish my wife Julie could be with me, but the budget would be undwr some pressure, as would the towing up hill requirements be.

Must now look for a patch of grass somwhere as it is now almost dark.

Have arrived at Le Barceres after a quick dip in a quite chilly sea and beach shower. Nice warm sunny day about 25 degrees I reckon

All for now.

Smoke, flies amd Coke.

Am in a bar in Port Bou, not far from the French border now. Drinking a coke and putting up with the spanish smoking which must continue here I suppose. I have heard about there fisherman, perhaps the smoking fraternity is as determined.

Its five pm and I better start hunting for a place to lay my head. Perhaps right here' well see. Other than the smoke and flies O guess its ok.

Been a good ride today, seems I may have managed my target which is around 80kms per day. Scenery here is dramatic along the coast line and I am envious of the motorcycles going by at least when crawling up the hills anyway.

My budget was a bit blown yesterday as my rear tyre was, so had to purchase same for €15

I haven't had a cooked meal in ages but seem happy enough dieting on fish from tins, fruit,nuts,bread and cheese. Just finished the ASDA muesli thhis afternoon so must look out for some more. I am going to try and figure out best way to download photos I have been taking to reduse the tiresome text. Came across an abandoned castle that looked very old , on the way from Figueres to Llanco. It is called Casteil de Quermanco. Dear readers, please can you google it and provide me with a precis via email. IT ry is perched on a hill in the middle of nowhere and must have been put there for a reason. Well, I am looking forward to Franco so I can brag about touring twi countries so far, byt may be some time before 3 turns up.
All for now.

Hi any reader,
Have this evening met David who runs an arable farm and fine looking guest apartments called Mas Vermel at Fontanelles Girona. Though the apartments are fully occupied and I have explained my limited budget challenge, he has very kindly allowed me to pitch my tent on a fine carpet that he rolled out just for me. So I am typing away sitting on this carpet in front of my tent listening to the rain pouring down onto the concreted floor. I am in the far corner of of a court yard providing open fronted shelter for several large farming machines and some cars. One of which, next to me is a great big steel farm trailer which I have draped the outer of my tent to hopefully dry a little overnight. On my way here to this rural village of Fontanilles, I passed many vast apple orchards. I stopped to ask some workers where I could perhaps stay and was offered several delicious apples. I gratefully accepted two of the six and have guzzled both voraciously. LAter
in the day today, I recall missing having eaten some fruit today, it was as though my body was telling ne someting. Owen my son, take note!
I seem to managing without Spanish, but wish Jessica my daughter was with me as together. I know we would have communicated rather better. Last night, I pitched my tent for the first time and it was just as well, because it began to rain very heavily and did so for several hours. I had found this villa which appeared to be closed and wondered down to the beach. Along the way, I noticed a terraced green lawn overlooking the beach surrouded by borgonvilia on which two tits were hanging out. Blue ones that is who may well have travelled down from up country like me. I tried to photograph one of them but the little blighter must have flown off while I was max setting the camera zoom. Pity they are so beautiful but also so very tiny. Behind the hedge, were a couple of tennis courts., expect there was a pool lurking around too, commanding top dollar here. There was a no camping sign at the beach whith the lawn overlooked but I thought to take a chance and
pitched my tent qith an ocean view. Right now though, I would not swop the tractors for any view out in the open since it is really chucking down.
Im up again at 6 and its still raining though not as hard. Now waiting for the light so I can photograph my unusual site, pack up and have some breakfast before off. It was a good budget day as until last night when I went for a stroll between the torrents, I had only spent 3.60. Turns out, the travelling farm workers are from Columbia and when I asked them if there was a shop in the village to get coca-cola a true internatioal brand everyone recognises I was able to determine the nearest store to be 4 kms away.
However, a coke was magically peesented from their fridge so I quickly tried my spanish for bier and the coke was promptly swapped for an own superstore brand ,Carefour. This is the superstore chain I had been directed to when arriving in Palma,seeking a new innertube foe the bike. I han then thought that Carefour was a place. Just look how worldly I'm getting. Anyway, I asked in my best columbian spanish, how much? They insisted it was a gift but I left 1.20 for them on their kitchen work top. Later, soon after when beer was consumed, They gave me another couple of delicious apples. So not bad for a total of 5 euros yesterday. Who said Europe is a challenge? Even still have some milk chocolate and two tins of fish from yesterday's shopping.
Dawn has arrived and the sky still looks very grey, looks like another wet one. Oh well, makes for cooler and longer riding. David has given me a local map and suggested a route , he reckons I should be in France by days end, so will be off within the hour. It is now 0620hrs Sat 18th, the start of my 4th day of many more planned. Now to try the wifi.

Hi any reader,
Have this evening met David who runs an arable farm and fine looking guest apartments called Mas Vermel at Fontanelles Girona. Though the apartments are fully occupied and I have explained my limited budget challenge, he has very kindly allowed me to pitch my tent on a fine carpet that he rolled out just for me. So I am typing away sitting on this carpet in front of my tent listening to the rain pouring down onto the concreted floor. I am in the far corner of of a court yard providing open fronted shelter for several large farming machines and some cars. One of which, next to me is a great big steel farm trailer which I have draped the outer of my tent to hopefully dry a little overnight. On my way here to this rural village of Fontanilles, I passed many vast apple orchards. I stopped to ask some workers where I could perhaps stay and was offered several delicious apples. I gratefully accepted two of the six and have guzzled both voraciously. LAter
in the day today, I recall missing having eaten some fruit today, it was as though my body was telling ne someting. Owen my son, take note!
I seem to managing without Spanish, but wish Jessica my daughter was with me as together. I know we would have communicated rather better. Last night, I pitched my tent for the first time and it was just as well, because it began to rain very heavily and did so for several hours. I had found this villa which appeared to be closed and wondered down to the beach. Along the way, I noticed a terraced green lawn overlooking the beach surrouded by borgonvilia on which two tits were hanging out. Blue ones that is who may well have travelled down from up country like me. I tried to photograph one of them but the little blighter must have flown off while I was max setting the camera zoom. Pity they are so beautiful but also so very tiny. Behind the hedge, were a couple of tennis courts., expect there was a pool lurking around too, commanding top dollar here. There was a no camping sign at the beach whith the lawn overlooked but I thought to take a chance and
pitched my tent qith an ocean view. Right now though, I would not swop the tractors for any view out in the open since it is really chucking down.
Im up again at 6 and its still raining though not as hard. Now waiting for the light so I can photograph my unusual site, pack up and have some breakfast before off. It was a good budget day as until last night when I went for a stroll between the torrents, I had only spent 3.60. Turns out, the travelling farm workers are from Columbia and when I asked them if there was a shop in the village to get coca-cola a true internatioal brand everyone recognises I was able to determine the nearest store to be 4 kms away.
However, a coke was magically peesented from their fridge so I quickly tried my spanish for bier and the coke was promptly swapped for an own superstore brand ,Carefour. This is the superstore chain I had been directed to when arriving in Palma,seeking a new innertube foe the bike. I han then thought that Carefour was a place. Just look how worldly I'm getting. Anyway, I asked in my best columbian spanish, how much? They insisted it was a gift but I left 1.20 for them on their kitchen work top. Later, soon after when beer was consumed, They gave me another couple of delicious apples. So not bad for a total of 5 euros yesterday. Who said Europe is a challenge? Even still have some milk chocolate and two tins of fish from yesterday's shopping.
Dawn has arrived and the sky still looks very grey, looks like another wet one. Oh well, makes for cooler and longer riding. David has given me a local map and suggested a route , he reckons I should be in France by days end, so will be off within the hour. It is now 0620hrs Sat 18th, the start of my 4th day of many more planned. Now to try the wifi.

Brief

Hi I have just 7 minutes for this.

All is well, I am about 70kms from France on the costa Brava staying at camp site called aquareous at st pierre piscadol i think. Has rained for two days but now fine again. Had to change back type yesterday as old one just about to blow.

New one is budget from Pakistan so I will complain if it is no good if and when I get there.

A chap I met, a well travelled hotel worker said to avoid Pakistan but said Iran was fine.

Its been a wet few days and my rear tyre began to look as though it was about to blow so had to detour a little to get a new one. Got Pakistan make so hope its ok otherwise I will have words with them later.

I have stayed on lawns next to the beach, and night before last, I was happily offered a rolled out carpet in an open fronted barn while it roared and thundered. I have much mre to add from my phone but have still to download.

Must get going, looks like a hot day ahead.

Hope you are having nice weather in Blighty, I'm missing it already.

Ciau amigos.
1000hrs Sun 19th I think.

Catch up with you later.

S.

Another Hill to climb.

Whilst visiting this campsite somewhere between somewhere else I have stumbled across a computer whicg is working for free it seem when the going rate is apparently about 10 minutes to one euro.
I thinks my spanish spelling is very poor though.
Slept rough again last night but grass was very green and well soft. Security guard warned that sprinkler system may have turned on so had escape plan.
Up early around 4.30 and go going. Best time to get some miles munched. Too hot in the afterneens especially with prevailing terrain, being very steep and swisty. Kept within budget so far today, even had a beer. Been for another swim and beach shower. Bummed some salt from the beach bar and off I wnt. Very tired right now so must seek good spot to settle down for the night. Camp site wants 15euros and as the computer says so, thats that. No compasion for my budget whatsoever. Oh well, making up for it with computer.
France looks quite close now on one map but might be many days yet. I did not hang aroun Barcelona but just headed east and turned left. City is very cycle friendly with wide pavements or cycle lanes to chose from.
Came across the zoo which is next to Parliment so at the end of the day or over lunch they xcan drop in and visit their brothers. Not sure the security chap at Parliment gate understood or appreciated that comment.
Just gone 5pm now so must move on.
Think I am covering target distances but lowe progress as the crow flies.
Catch up with you later soon hopefully.

Please email me when you get a chance, its good to hear news.

latest

Right, have comfortable chair , belly full of paiella and power at the socket thanks to Julie who has loaned me a travel adapter for the funny foreign plug sockets.
Bike well loaded on Tuesday , a pouted kiss and fond farewell, then found me in Crawley town for a cheerio, stand adjustment and chain n socyyket lube all expertly performed with usual smile,genuine care of the stirling service provided by Cyhris and Roy from Ahead Cycles of Crawley. I would encourage any cycle travelling readers to call in at Ahead cycles at Crawley , Gatwick, England, should you be considering a tour and need some help,advice,or spares.
Then a trouble free ride towards Gatwick just rg minutes away with a quick drop in at P&H motorcycles to ask Marcus for a record mugshot of my steed and I. A week before, I was at P&H when Marcus and two colleagues had posed for a photo which I offered to take before the 3 of them rode 125cc scooters down to Cornwall ,then curb sleeping before a turaround trip back. This tuesday though, Marcus had nipped out so Simon kindly took a snap of us (loaded bike and I), and bid goodbye.
Got to the wrong terminal as usual so shuttled across to be met by one gestapo type Italian though check in chap who adopted a 'you can't bring that thing in here attitude. Try as I may, he kept up the pessimism making a meal of every molehill which I was furiously fending off. He then dissapeared to consult with his manager apparently so I went off to purchase the bike carriage to get the ball... which pleasingly turned out to be £15, not 25 I had the day before been quoted, rolling. I deflated the tyres and deflated again per Mr knowledgable who had to keep referring to other more knowledgable,authoratative people by phone. Finally after agreeing that the bike ought to taken by hand rather than be chewed up on the oversize parcel conveyor I was escorted to a seperate security room and after more fuss and explosive detective work saw the rear end of my bike pushed away by the bike porter. Himself needing instructions about which route to take. Time
and tide then and now continue/d to wait for no man and the queues leading through security were at one speed. Slow! A fella was being escorted through this Great English Institution, which I had discovered when returning to Blighty from the SA wilderness some 25 years ago. Well, I successfully tagged along this official looking duo lead my lady in uniform and when she began explaining her mission, I piped up me too feom behind. Ofcourse I was immediately dis-owned and received the disspasionate response my audacity deserved. But but but about bike I pleaded still dressed in appropriate tights seemed a good bet. Oh you were late in checking in then she said with an uncaring smurk obviously a rhino with no feelings. You will have to ask all these people behind you if its ok to hop the queue. I could have exploded into how what a bunch of incompetant check in staff had caused me to be late .... but felt that would just agrivate things. After enquiring
as to how many and pointing out that all of them would take very long indeed, I turned to face those few people who may have heard my pleading and asked in projected deciballed manner if any of them objected. A shake of a few heads was what I received and the queue ahead seemed then to grind to halt. Years back while at working in financial advising, we had a dept we called bpt short for compliance (business prevention team) which is a bit unfair since it the other way to describe them was a dept whose job it was to make sure the business stuck and any advice complaints could be successfully defended or happily, complaints avoidded altogether. Well there was desr Nicky who was our branch go-between and on occasions I would hear her looking for objections in the way she would approach/ask questions and invariably find all sorts of reasons why the business in hand could not proceed until some silly hoop, usually needing a loose face client revisit. But
it was often a half full rather than positive approach and I would then say please ring again and ask the question differently and presto! The desired result would follow. In this world, if you seek problems, many you will find. Like Google, if you look, mostly its there. Where the hell was I.
Well I still sat relaxing in the boarding lounge so maybe the ducking and diving was nnot needed but who knows?
Good job more folks don't suddenly decide to travel with bikes. Man, the world would stop turning especially at Gatwick. So there I was, waiting in a special get your bike back lane in baggage reclaims at Palma airport. A young fella from Disseldorf was anxiously concerned about his mountain bike. He had two,one large bags as well and asked me if I was travelling light. Hopefully I said, all my stuff is still attached to my bike. It did get wheeled through before Mr Disseldorfs but one front pannier had been tied to the crossbar so had visions of it having bust but no! However, went to pump up front tyre and the valve tip popped off between my fingers. NO SPARE TUBE! The nice lady at Avis with we go further written on her blouse, proved very helpful directing me to a superstore centre some miles off closing at 10pm apparently and I could hire one of her cars overnight at a special price for me of €60 or I could get a taxi perhaps. In the end, shanks
pony came up trumps and I arrived at the centre in a sweat with only minutes to spare. Said superstore had many tubes but not mine so a gallop down the centre to a closing sports store did the trick even though I could not get my 25 cents change from the shut till. New tube finally fitted, water topped up and hands washed I settled at the all night Burger King and indulged in 4 so bloody small but very spicy chicken bits for €2.25 and someone elses newly discarded chips while I waited, the chicken took so long. Eventually, i cycled back to the well manicured lawn I had seen at the airport and settled down under a tree on my mat, in my sleeping bag. I had to put up with taking chances on being hit by droppings from a bird I think who had also decided to roost in this freindly tree. He or she along with mozzies had surely laid claim to this teritoey before and clearly not yet moved on. Got up groggily after an hour or so and ramaged around for the
peaceful sleep which seemed to do the trick. Up again at 5am ish after three to four hours rest at most, I rose,packed and rode back to the terminal for some breakfast ant to figure out how to head for Palma some 6 miles off but only motorway according to a few folks including airport info desk fella who did not have a map. I shuffled about in my panniers to find a photocopied map from the Broadfield library's Atlas along with my compass and decided to head South by South west unril i had to start swimming. Hooray! A while later, still dark but mosly well lit I came to the water's edge and turned right following a brilliant dedicated cycle lane which leads all the way to Palma. Really excellent. Along the way, I met up with a very nice Malorcan lady and she walked and I wheeled, chatting haltingly as she practised her limited English and I listened to but mostly did not understand the Majocan Spanish. She had been out visiting her friend and had
mistakenly left her door keys so had had to get buses and taxis leaving her skint or determined not to keep filling their coffers,decidind to walk the long coast path back home near Palma in not so suitable shoes. Some while later at around 7.30am we came to an open beachside resturant and I got us two coffees at €3.70. Parting company at an inviting beach, I decided to have a swim and a cool fresh water shower before wheeling on again. I roamed some of the marina jetties drooling over monster sailing vessels, one from IOM really impressed with suely several million price tag many many metres long. Also saw one in dry dock called Bristonia' a black, sleek and very fast looking ocean going vessel . I gather from a canadian crew member perhaps that she will launch again in May. Being mid September, several enquiries later seemed to reveal that most of the yachts were likely to be staying in or around Palma as the cruising season's tail end. You never
know, I may have been lucky to have found a suitable sailing thoroughbread to wisk me and my bike back to the European mainland via anywhere within reason. Hopefully similar enquiries down the road will pay dividends. we'll have to see. There is yet, a long way to go.
I glance out the ferry window and see sea,mostly overcast sky and white scattered white caps on the water. Must be a bit of a breeze building, hope it stays dry and any wind is from the west. I want an easy comfy cranking session from Barvelona. ETA is 1930hrs on the tannoy a few minute ago. Time now 1900hrs. This update for log has been typed on my cell so hope to copy,paste and send at hotspot soon.

Bloody blog needs editing already!

Change is inevitable, like death and taxes.

As I am keen to get to warmer climates, I have spotted an alternative approach and have this afterneeon booked the following diversion.

The ferry from Harwich looked like costing £80 to £100 with a train connection. Could have cycled there but ticket still in region of £60 to £70 and leaves 0900hrs, making getting there a timing challenge.

So when I spotted a flight to Palma Majorca for £35 from Gatwick leaving tomorrow at 1625hrs, it seemed a better prospect to get me somewhere warmer and a ferry connection to Barcelona (did once spend a day wondering about there on my way back from SA once. I remember big and busy)from there is about £55. Well I've booked and paid for my flight and Tom at Thompsons called the luggage folks who have advised that there is space for my bike in the hold for which they are to charge me the extortionate fee of £25. Still, I reckon I'm about even or quids ahead slightly and this time tomorrow, nearly off.

The blasted maps through Holland and Germany can now me discarded and some Spanish ones to add. No doubt panic will set in tomorrow as there is still much to do. Got some Euros today, Thomas cook had the better rate compared to Barlays or Lloyds, but did not have any Euros, so got some from a nice lady who had been queing (sp?) behind me with some insider dealing. Well, we negotiated inside and I confused the hell out of myself and the nice lady with some calculations using one of Thomas Cooke's desk calculators until we decided to have her ask the counter staff how many pounds she would get. She could have gone over to Horsham from Crawley and sold them back for a better rate but was happy to change 300Euros for £250 which would otherwise have cost me £257.

The inside/r dealing bit might have raised some eyebrows so we ventured out onto the pavement outside and did the dirty BLACK MARKET DEAL.
I had planned to get £1000 worth but the balance of £750 will have to wait for the next opportunity to present.

Just got some travel insurance sorted, had thought of an annual policy but trips limited to 30 days so managed to get a single Europe version for 90 days which will suffice for a while.

My Spanish is zero so will download English Spanish dictionary by Nokia and delete the German version. Available free which is cool, seems though that you are limited with the number of languages, so have to delete one before adding another.

Until next time, Tally Ho.

A Wheel Journey ....Somebody said...

A few days now before lift off.  Do a Blog.


What's a Blog?


Hopefully its a way to keep an easily followable track/record  of the intended cranking journey which I plan to begin in six days time.


Flying with the birds, or perhaps not so swiftly but to head SOUTH where hopefully the sun will keep shining.


Here I am in Creepy Crawley in the southern counties of Blighty where the days are shortening so first South then ever East for a good spell and South again with Melbourne in mind via Darwin.  My bike too is idly waiting for its load.


So this record may be added to it bit by bit along the way ideally via my phone or other keyboards along the way.  Distance reckoned to be near 13000 miles which converts to possibly 4 680 000 pedal revolutions averaging 10mph.


Goals are to keep a 50 miles per day average and £10 per day budget.  My route should find me passing through France, Belgium, Holand , Germany, France or Tunnels through Switzerland by rail, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan,India, Burma, Thailand,Malaysia,Australia with hopefully enough time to see some of Vietnam too.


Overland or sea is the plan and alternatives to cycling all the way will no doubt present themselves reminding me of earlier days growing up in SA where distances to school or friends were often more than just a quick pedal, so hiking lifts on pickups improves miles per calories no end.


Max time out is a year and aiming for between 8 months and a year to arrive back home flying from Melbourne via Johannesburg where I hope to leave my bike for other later journeys perhaps.


Tis all for now, there is much preparation to ponder.

S.