Day 4

WARNING - Chuck is concerned about the low number of reads and likes on his blog, so I have removed all humour for this update to ensure he stays smiling for the rest of the trip.!!!!

The 41c heatwave broke at about 9am. So after a very hot night in our ‘value’ two bed hotel room we set off to Nantes feeling cool. It was a 110km day (battery failed with 5km to go for Strava log) with the majority of the distance being along the tow path. A mixture of gravel and tarmac allowed us good progress to our first official stop at a converted caravan cafe where we sampled the Cidre Fermier while we listened to the thunder claps and rain drops hitting the awning.

Next stop Guenroute where we successfully mixed with the locals at the boulangerie until a lovely old lady decided to ask us a question. Following months of Duolingo learning the frozen faced pause, followed by ‘errr, Nous sommes Anglais’ just made her laugh.

Many more miles on the canal followed and the consistent friendly ´Bonjour’’ of Everyone we pass is a bit of a contrast to life on a UK cycle/walking route.

La Cueilleuse was another canal side restaurant that we hit for lunch and for the first time on the trip we got got exactly what we thought we ordered. (Apart from Aaron who smile, nodded and said ‘oui’ to everything the server said when he didn’t have a clue as to what was going on!). Cracking mixed platter and another great local cidre.

We eventually left the canal and headed through the Nantes suburbs before getting the Google Maps ‘tour’ of Nantes

Editors note. Neither Aaron or Chuck gave ITIL to the people of Devon. But we all agree that Rich made it work!