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