After a couple of relaxing days in Dartmouth, seeing aunties & uncles, and having lovely walks, we finally left the UK.
The overnight ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff left at 10pm and after a night of pitching & rolling onboard we drove Lenny off at 8am to be treated to a glorious lilac and pink sunrise.
We headed for La Rochelle on the south west coast. I’d cycled part of this route a few years ago (Brest to Ars[en Re] for breast & prostate cancer charities). Charging along the motorway on a 4×4 was less satisfying and certainly less environmentally friendly.
In research for the trip I’d read blogs by people cycling the west African route, which is incredibly impressive. Just the practicalities about what you carry on a bike and how vulnerable you are makes this such a gruelling, courageous and adventurous option.
We’ll consider cycling on our next trip, once we’ve scoped out the route with Lenny.
Driving through flat and marshy Charente-Maritime, with flooded canals on either side of the road, watching the temperature gauge steadily rise from 5 to 14, we arrived in the pretty and bustling coastal town of La Rochelle, all lit up for Christmas.
Due South 
Great to see you are on your way and survived the Bay of Biscay. Where are you over Christmas as Karen and I are flying into Barcelona on the 24th and spending Christmas near Perpignan?
Great to see that you’ve started your trip and survived the Bay of Biscay. Which way are you going through Spain as Karen and I are flying into Barcelona on 24th December and spending Christmas near Perpignan?
Thanks Andrew, we had a less enjoyable drive through the Pyrenees in high winds. Poor old Lenny was buffeted left right and centre.
We’ve made it to Salamanca, heading to Tarifa tomorrow, so will miss you & Karen in Barcelona, what a great city to celebrate Christmas in. Have a great time and let us know if you might get any further south.
I heard the weather was bad and I know how tricky Lenny can be in high winds so I can imagine it was a fairly hair-raising trip. I’m sure you’re looking forward to warmer and calmer times in Morocco. Unfortunately we’re not going further South. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Thanks Andrew, those high winds were the most challenging part of the trip so far. We’ve had a really enjoyable and easy drive as far as Ouzoud, just north of Marrakech, though we know there are challenges ahead. Hope you had a great Christmas in the Pyrenees and Happy New Year to you & Karen.