Ste Eulalie to Boucain les Bains

September 27, 2021

The first ten miles of the morning were along side the road and went quickly. We were surprised to see a logging truck pass us. Then coming in Mimizan, Ann thought she was mistaken in thinking that there was the smell of a pulp mill. But having grown up in Bathurst, NB, Ann's nose was proven right as we rounded the corner to see a giant pulp mill. The rest of the day we passed through a number of clear cuts. Now we know why all those pine forests are being cut down. Having said that though, the National Forests seemed to be well managed with plenty of evidence of replanting.

At lunchtime we came out of the forest at Contis riding by the town's large lighthouse. The only restaurant open was already full and we didn't want to stop that long. As we rode the streets looking for another open restaurant, we spied a promising road leading up a hill and as we crested it, we realized we were on the dune, and the full force of the open Atlantic hit us. It was exhilarating to feel the wind and see and hear the waves crashing on the beach. We decided it was the perfect spot for lunch and dug out a second bowl of granola for the day followed by figs and chocolates for dessert. It did give us lots energy to pedal on!

Just before the Étang de Leon we had a decision to make, do we follow the Eurovelo 1 inland around the Étang to Leon, or shorten our distance by going directly south along the coast taking a D road. We opted for the D road which was very quiet and saved us ten km so we were at the campground with groceries by 4:30 pm.

Steve splurged on the wine, thinking fondly of the Sainte-Estephe area within the Medoc region we rode through last week. The wine was a perfect accompaniment to one of our favourite camping meals, our Italian friend Patty’s anchovy pasta with a green salad, dark chocolate with nuts for dessert.

A 77 km ride was a good day on the bikes so we crashed early.

Cork trees with the bark being harvested

This wine was in the ‘deluxe’ section of the grocery store. We rode by the château near Paulliac. Delicious!

Today's ride: 77 km (48 miles)
Total: 1,043 km (648 miles)

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Margaret Anne CameronOmg- another bug day! Your guys are on fire 🔥! I can appreciate the entry of Ann smelling the pulp mill. Who could ever forget that! Ride on guys. Be happy- be well.
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