Now That's What I Call Music

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HOUND DOG

I forgot to mention the airport dog loo.  Having built my bike, I went looking for a loo for changing into my cycling skimpies.  I saw signs for one nearby and headed that way then realised it was a special loo for dogs. I am both curious AND lazy so headed on in.  It was basically a public toilet but, where the stalls would normally go, was a big patch of astro turf and a hose.

I wriggled into my cycling shorts but then couldn't resist cocking my leg and watering the grass before I left.

BRILLIANT MISTAKE

I should probably also update you on the bottle of Port.  Our debate went like this:

Are we in Portugal...yes
Is Port delicious...yes
Is Port in Portugal expensive...No
Is Port available for purchase nearby...YES

I scuttled off to LIDL to purchase the cheapest bottle of Port in the store.  I returned with the most expensive bottle of Port in the store.  The moral of this story? Don't send a man who has been drinking for 2.5 hours to buy Port!

The Port was lovely.

THE OLDEST SWINGER IN TOWN

There was a time when I would take the prospect of 70 miles with panniers in my stride, but the were the same time when I could drink 5 or 6 pints and get through the night without needing a pee.  Time is a cruel mistress.

Now that I am officially an Old Age Pensioner the prospect of hauling 30lbs of crap (and a bottle of wine)  over 70 miles and a few hills was a matter for concern.  Especially as I haven't done so for a couple of years.

I needn't have worried, today dawned with clear blue skies and by the time we set off it was already warm enough for our skimpiest cyclewear and it was one of the nicest days riding I can recall.  We shared the road with very little but the cork trees and the odd stork on mostly smooth roads with gentle climbs.   We stopped for 'lunch' (a beer and a Bounty bar) in a little locals cafe and were all done and dusted by 3:30.

JAMBALAYA



I have had to contend with all sorts of animals on the road over the years but crayfish is a first.  We have seen a lot of evidence of recent storms and flooding but this stretch of road still had standing water...sometimes a few inches deep.  For some reason there were hundreds of crayfish crossing the road, and hundreds more splattered on the tarmac.

IF I HAD WORDS

The village of Montargil is perched on a hill overlooking a lake; last time we were here we stayed at the poncy 5* hotel beside the lake but it isn't really our sort of place so we have a room in a B&B in the old town.  We were received by the elderly owner of the restaurant next door who seemed unable to decide whether she despised us most for having bikes or for being English.  Check in was performed entirely using mime and, apart from having a key that opens a bedroom door, we can tell you nothing about all the rules and other arrangements.  We think we can get dinner next door and we think there is breakfast.  Beyond that...no idea!


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