Thursday 11th September 2014 - Eventually left campsite at 12pm. Let the tent dry out before packing it up for a change. Nice day, cool enough breeze though thankfully. Legs liked being back spinning again. The walk into town yesterday, they felt a bit mushy.
As usual, steady long climb out if Le Treport. After about 20km there was a cycle path. Separate from road by trees. It was lovely. Smooth wide, quite sheltered. Passed a few other cyclists out on their fold up bikes from the various campsite close by.
This lane went on for a good while. Its beside the D940 road toward Pinchefalise.
Was merrily cycling along think this is great, but you don't really pass any shops. I could be doing with a boulangerie stop soon. Then from behind the trees the golden arches appeared. This is probably only the second one I've seen since being in France.
So I did it. I stopped and had a dirty McDonalds. Although, to be fair as it wasn't busy, they had to make my order fresh and then brought it out to me. Ashamed to say, it tasted like real food!
Finished off the Chicken Mystic and fries (with ketchup and mayo - its Europe), washed down with orange fanta.
Feeling full and happy, jumped back on the bike for a few more km of cycleways. One part was set below the road beside a river, which was lovely. Quite a few cyclists here too pottering up and down.
Headed through Rue. Lovely old town, with big stone church in center. Stopped on way through to get some cash out. The €7 for McDonalds was tonights campsite money.
Took a few back roads as had spied camping on the map just outside Conchil-le-Temple. Passed through some marshland area with lots of birds. Then two lovely horses in a field.
Great day on bike, not too many hills, easy cycle paths, cooler weather. I've been wearing my arm warmers now, to cut the wind chill and cover up from the sun.
On target for stopping at 6pm, I rolled in to the reception to pay for a pitch.
The lady behind the counter said no. They don't have tent camping. Argh...
So, restart Garmin and for the next hour and a half I cycled 26km looking for a campsite that allowed tents, not just mobile homes.
After trying the closest 3 and no joy, I decided to go to Camping de la mer in Stella-Plage. I had seen the town on the map and looked pretty cool the way the roads were laid out. The sun was setting. Just coming down to the sea and it was straight in front of me. Lovely end to the day.
This Stella place was weird. Proper ghost town. Houses and apartments everywhere, but all closed up, no one to be seen. Only a few people in the only open restaurant.
Heading to the campsite, usual campervans all parked up on the road to it.
Thought, perfect end to the day, just get in before dark, right beside the sea......the gates were locked and it was being taken over by the looming sand dunes.
What?!! Argghh.... Stopped and talked to some Germans at one of their campers. Had a bit if banter with them and got told there was a campsite a few streets away.
Back up the road I went in search. 6th campsite tonight. Reception closed. Mobile homes. Very deadly quiet.
Went to use their toilets and also fill up bottles with water, all prepared to go back and camp in the dunes.
A lady walked past, English woman. Said she hasn't seen any tents on site and reception doesn't open to 9am.
There were a couple of empty plots and there was one beside her and her husband's caravan, so just stuck the tent up there. Sculked about the laundry room charging phone from the iron socket. Then into bed for 9pm....so many mobile homes, so few people, so weird, so quiet, so lovely!
Day 13 - 11.09.14
Le Treport to Stella-Plage
12pm to 8pm
5hrs 10min cycling
85.4km
2121calories
743 metres asc
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