Mimizan, Aquitaine

We can't believe today is the fortieth day of our trip. Life just seems to fly by so quickly as you become older, so it's important to live it before it runs away from you. The forecast for today is not great. So keen to head further north up the Atlantic coast we left early, stopping for shopping en-route. Oh, the joy of once again shopping in a French supermarket, and being able to yet again buy coleslaw. It's the little things in life that really do matter. We are now heading towards Bordeaux. But to drive all the way there today was too much, so we decided to stop at Mimizan Plage to break the journey. It seems surreal to think that we cycled the length of the French Atlantic coast in 2015. It's also nice to revisit old memories. 

Our chosen spot for the night didn't feel right, so we moved to a parking area in the centre of town where vans are allowed to park. Once again we are the only English. As forecast the rain arrived at lunchtime, drumming on Margery's roof and dripping off the tree above her. Just after six this evening, the weather settled and we were able to walk out through the town and along the promenade.

It's annoying when the weather is against you, it feels like a wasted day, and as we have just over a week left in France each day really does count now. Saying that, the  terrible weather of the day forgotten we were rewarded with a stunning sunset. Sometimes the weather can be just so crazy.

Saint Jean Du Luz (Day 2)

Last night a thunderstorm warning was in place for the next twenty four hours. So with this in mind, and rain due by midday we were out walking by nine.

The stroll along the coast  down to the town was pleasant in the early morning sunshine. Saint Jean Du Luz was busy as a market was taking place. The noise, colours and aromas of a French market are captivating, they draw you in.

Angela couldn't resist buying a folded pizza, not a calzone, but a miniature version, stuffed with mozzarella, green pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Yes it was delicious. After four hours of walking, exploring, photographing and stopping for refreshments it was time for a quick lunch before heading out again. A few spots of rain had fallen, but with no sign of the threatened storm we walked along the coast in the opposite direction.

All the walking of the day meant we could justify a meal out tonight, but sadly around seven this evening, the nearby mountains of the Pyrenees disappeared into an oblivion and rain fell steadily. Oh well, 'c'est la vie.'

Saint Jean Du Luz, Pyreness-Aquataine

All quiet at the cemetery last night. John complained the Wi-Fi connection wasn't very good. Well let's be honest, the local residents didn't really have much call to use it. Today we decided to leave Spain. A drive over the lower reaches of the mountains as we headed towards the border with France was definitely to be classed as, 'do something everyday that scares you', as was the motorway drive around Donostia San Sebastian. Just as we prepared to say 'adios' to Spain we happened upon a fuel station, joined the queue and filled up Margery's tank. Fuel is a lot cheaper in Spain than France. Then it was time to say 'bonjour' Francais. No more Gracias, or ' grassy arse', as Angela's mum used to say, now it would be s'il vous plait, or 'silver plate', another of Angela's mother's attempts at a foreign language. Our destination for tonight was Saint Jean Du Luz on the Atlantic coast. 

We've never stopped here before and were looking forward to a stay on a campsite and a walk around the area, and of course yet another glorious sunset, the sky alight with deep colours of orange, red, pink and mauve.

Castro Urdiales, Cantrabria

The English have arrived! After five weeks of seeing hardly any last night at the aire in Santander there were plenty, because today a Brittany ferry sailing to Portsmouth was scheduled. It takes 48 hours. We both agree it's not for us. The five hour sailing from Poole to Cherbourg is long enough. Whilst it saves time, fuel and accomodation costs, it also means you don't get to drive up through France on your way home. Which we like to do. With less than two weeks until we return home we are hoping our driving days will now be shorter. Today after a visit to Lidl, and Margery full refuelled we drove for less than an hour to the pretty coastal town of Castro Urdiales.

With Marge parked at a very nice cemetery, we walked down the hill into town. Today we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out. Checking out the restaurants we chose one overlooking the harbour. After Google translating the menu we chose.

The food was excellent, and at £28.00 for two three course lunches including a drink we left feeling very satisfied. Not used to a large lunch, we decided we should take a walk.

No siesta for us. 

The town was interesting and the beach, although man-made looked inviting. A few people lay prone on fluorescent towels. Swimwear optional, as was oggling! Full of Spanish fayre we now feel tired. Not sure if an evening walk will be on the cards tonight.