Keskastel to Strasbourg

1. Rolling country side on the way to meet Sal who had taken the caravan 80km on towards Strasbourg. She actually left the car and van on the side of the canal leading into Strasbourg. Much much later we got back to it in a torrential storm and found ourselves blocked in by three camper vans. We had no choice but to stay put and then cycled into Strasbourg the next day.
2. Much like England? It was shortly after this I had my first puncture and for the first time EVER did not call Bruce for help!!!
3. A beer stop, proudly showing our GB stickers on the backs of our bikes!
4. As we came into Strasbourg the first building we came across was the European Parliament.
5. Then the Council (Palais) of Europe which is where Ella did her internship last year. Strasbourg is a wonderful city and 100% bike friendly. From this point we pedalled into the city centre (via a sunny beer stop) often just going alongside the canals.
6. & 7. The Cathedral is the central point of the city. As you can see quite spectacular. The surrounding architecture was quite Gothic but there are also huge Italian style Piazzas. Really lovely. I was able to easily cycle out to our camp site in the suburbs whilst Sal cycled back to get the caravan.

Distance covered so far

709 km = 440 miles

First swim of the trip!

Rob left yesterday and Sal drove Arby to the next camp in Keskastel before coming back to join me on her bike.. We then did a circuitous route back to the camp so she did'nt have to repeat herself. The country side is so beautiful...very green and wild flowers including poppies, decorating the verges. Cuckoos are still calling and there has not been a day when we haven't heard one. We stopped for a beer about 4 kms from 'home' and the landlord said we could get to Strasbourg along the canal...oh joy! more hill avoidance. It was however uphill back to the camp but the lake 50 metres from the caravan made it worthwhile and we chucked ourselves in ( Well Sal was a bit more sedate!) It was FREEZING but we soon warmed up in the hot hot sun. Today is another warm day and we are just about to set off. Should get half way to Strasbourg. Speak tomorrow.

More photos

1. Charlie and Dan at first camp in Lignes. They were great at getting the camp up and running.
2. Sal and Mary Ann at camp in Chenefleur. We spent two nights here.
3. Rob waving us farewell as we crossed the Moselle on a little foot bridge. He had appeared out of the blue and produced a fabulous lunch including the longed for beer!
4. Sal then took a photo of him as he drove away on his way to Burtoncourt. If anyone wants to drive in Italy...weeks 2 and 3 need a driver.
5. Sweet little camp in St Avald although we had to scamper down a bank with bikes, from a flyover in order to get on the right road ! Many hills so only did 20 miles.
6. Back to the footbridge going over the Moselle. We try to use cycle routes when possible although invariably we end up lost in a forest or on a horrendously steep hill!

Hilly days are a coming!

We left lovely Luxembourg this morning and are now in Burtoncourt in France (I think!!!!) we seem to have been to Germany as well!. Cycled down a bit of the Moselle and amazingly found Rob parked up by the river with lunch and beers all ready for us. Up until then we had only encountered a couple of steep hills but oh boy they came later. Bottom gear on at least 5 out of 30 hills. Aches and pains still at bay although we could do without these 5-7 hour days. We have seen more cows than we have ever seen in a single week ...so, why no fresh milk in Belgium, Lux, Germany or France.? Rob had to bring some out from the UK. Have to to get Rob to the train tomorrow and then on to Strasbourg. Days are much cooler and a bit of rain today. Heres hoping for more sunshine.... speak tomorrow i hope

mary ann coupland and sally howell:

mary ann coupland and sally howell:

1. leaving calais

2. necessary lunchtime beer

3. french canal

4. changing tyres

5. cycling down the magnificent meuse

6. path leading to British war cemetary where I saw a solitary poppy. poignant moment.

7. rob and sals 29th wedding anniversary on the 15th may.