To Bordeaux, Beach and Moilets

15.4.09 Wednesday – Bordeaux – then Moliets

Next we head towards Bordeaux, straight down one of the major toll roads, through lots of pine plantations and forest and make good time. We were originally going to stay just outside Bordeaux somewhere but because we had travelled a fair distance and because the weather (which started out very bleak) was now clearing, we decided to head towards a campsite on the ocean (Atlantic Ocean). So it is off to Campsite Le Saint Martin on the “Avenue de L'Ocean” in Moliets. The campsite is about 30 kms off the beaten track but right alongside the beach, between forest and beach.

The campsite is 4 star and has internet (or so the review) and is new and modern. Once we pay, we are told that the internet is only accessible at reception (oh well!) – but there is a hotel/cafe down the road with ”gratious” (ie free) internet. We go for a little stroll, passed the cafes and down to the beach – beautiful wide, unspoiled beach. A storm approaches so we head back to the campsite and then to the pub/cafe for the free internet and a couple of beers. The hotel/cafe was run by a relatively young guy and his - it was a modern, upmarket, hip place to be and we a couple of English guys who were also enjoying a beer while on their computers. Well, the beer and wine went down well, but we spent two frustrating hours trying to access the internet – the first hour trying to access the internet (with the help of one of the English guys) and the second hour only able to access on or two sites (ie Formula 1 and news) but not webmail or travel blog – oh well! At 9pm we wadled home and made scrambled eggs for dinner!

The next day was beautiful and sunny so we decided to ride our bikes into the local township. We spent a lovely morning riding through the countryside and then through the streets - all the shops were closed because it was siesta time, but no problem. There was only one crash to report – Kerrie into the bushes but, once Bob stopped laughing, he came to the rescue and pulled bike and Kerrie out, brushed her down and all was OK – no major injuries.

We spent the afternoon at the beach reading (in jeans as most of the locals were!) – but the sun was wonderful. There was a bit of excitement when someone needed to be rescued from a rip. Two swimmers swam out and rescued the stricken person while two ambulance crew watched. Once the person was on the beach, a medical helicopter and then a gendarme (police) helicopter and crew arrived. We are not sure what the problem was but it seemed to person survived. That night it was off to a local cafe for pizza and local red – both delicious. I must say, we are enjoying the local wines, good quality and cheap.