Still windy
When I awoke in the morning, I found that wind was still very strong. As I was packing up, a small van stopped nearby and people from the surrounding tents walked towards it. It turned out to a bloke running a mobile patisserie business. He was doing a roaring trade.
As usual, if was a bit tricky finding my way out of the town. One way streets and the Garmin often lead you in the wrong direction.
I stooped at small a supermarket to buy some fruit. A young English couple with King Charles Cocker Spaniels asked me where I was riding. They seemed amazed that an Australian would ride from Canterbury to Rome. I am not sure if it was the nationality that was the issue or the distance.
The Benefits of Own Two Dogs
We also had a chat about the benefits of having two dogs, rather than just one. They are convinced that dogs with a mate (in this case brother and sister) are happier than just one. I tend to agree based in my experience with two Schnauzers and my Canberra hosts’ experience with their Border Collies.
Commonwealth war Cemetery
As I heading into Etaples, I passed to Commonwealth War Cemetery. Over 10 thousand buried allied soldiers lie in this place. It is a stark reminder of the horrendous losses that were incurred in the Great War.
Lunch
Leaving Etaples, I headed east. Now the wind was behind me. This was such a relief. It is hard enough carrying 35 kilos plus of luggage without having to hack into a 30kph wind was well.
I stopped for lunch in restaurant which was right of the road. Many of the restaurants in country France look really dodgy from the outside. When you walk in side, they are really nice.
The clientele in this place were a mixture of the old ladies (that I assume to be widows) middle aged blokes that appeared talking business and travellers. They all seem to have plenty of time to eat and drink.
Losing the trail
I was following the cycle route to Arras using the map I was given by the Tourist Information Centre in Calais and the Garmin.
Somehow (blame the Garmin), I lost the trail. I resorted to following the road signs to the next town shown the route. This took me on a major highway. This was not a pleasant experience. Fortunately, after about 10 klms I was off the highway and back on a D road which part of the cycle route.
Smokers in a Bar
It was getting in to the early evening when I arrived in Filleres. I came a across a camping site next to the road. It looked Ok.
After setting up the tent and having a shower, I went into a small bar next to the site. There were small some number of people in there, they were all smoking. It was like going back to the 1970’s.
Night’s Sleep
I was good to be able get a night’s sleep without the tent flapping about in a gale.
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/827284903
War Cemetery Link
http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/56500/ETAPLES%20MILITARY%20CEMETERY
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