Monday 26th May 2014 As the shops were closed yesterday we were on the road by 0800 with only a cup of tea and half an apple each in our stomachs. It was a long climb to the Vranov Dam, the Greenways trail going over it. We only set a 30kms aim for today, to the wine town of Satov but Judy did notice that we would be climbing over 600m in total on this leg. For the first 13-14kms all we seemed to do was climb, albeit it was only steep in a few stops. Judy doesn't particularly like going down hills and when it is combined with either a potholed road or a dirt track she became even more concerned, walking down many long hills, much to Rags' disbelief. The first stop was in ... read more

Tuesday 20th May 2014 Judy didn't sleep well last night, as she is little bit worried about getting back on the bike since her fall. The hand is still swollen but is going down. Because of that she was downstairs working in the dining room of the penzion just after 0500. Rags dozed for a while but he too got up early and started preparing for the day's ride. Kevin had written and suggested that we stop at Tucapy, about 25kms away, as they had some penzions either side of it. This way Judy wouldn't be under any pressure to ride a long distance and it would renew her confidence. After another yummy breakfast (love that muesli slice) we were off. The day was perfect, sun shining and no wind. Just outside of the town boundaries ... read more

Thursday 15th May 2014 Well, the day has arrived. We had our stuff at Okolo Bike Hire by 0900 as arranged. It took two trips to get it all there as our suitcases and the saddle panniers with what we need over the next fortnight were too awkward to carry together. It took a little longer than expected to get away, panniers and handlebar bags to fit, tools, spares and maps to pack, and generally to get used to the bikes. A wobbly start on the bike path alongside the river but we met Kev and Jan about 1030, 30 mins later than planned. The worst part of the day followed, winding our way through a bit of pedestrian traffic and following a map which didn't take new detours etc into account. We finally found ... read more

Thursday 8th May 2014 Up early this morning, sheets and towels in the washing machine, then the dryer. Mopped the floors and the house looked as if we hadn't even been there! This was confirmed when Fred & Helena, who oversee the house, came for coffee and to collect the keys. What lovely people they are, they had tulips on the table when we came and they gave us a gift of macaroons when we left. The weather was the worst it has been since we came here, it rained almost continuously all day. This didn't make for relaxed driving on the motorway where the speed limit is 130kph in fine weather and 110 kph when raining. The rain obviously wasn't noticed by most, we sitting on about 120kph and many cars passing in excess ... read more

Saturday, 26th April 2014 A windy and wet day greeted us this morning but by 1100 it eased a little and we set off for the markets in the town of Quimper just over 20kms away. This town is based around its cathedral as well as the Odet river with its charming bridges and gardens. The cobbled streets are lined with buildings made with timber frames and stone and cement filling them. Many are showing their age, with buildings askew or leaning over. After parking the car we made our way through the market, some stalls already closing as it was a morning market only. Rags became interested in some scallops as the price/kilogram seemed quite reasonable. Wrong! The price included the shell and after they were shucked by the friendly fishmonger he ended up ... read more