Day 17 Pyruvault to LA ROCHELLE!!!!! 30km

Bit of a hangover this morning as we had a couple of halfs that turned into 4 and then turned into 5 when the barman gave us one free!!!! Havent had that happen before even in the White Cross. very laid back campsite indeed as we worked out they under charged us on the site too, only by 2 euros but still. really lovely place and smiley happy proprietors. Anyway after watching the largest campervan monstrosity next to us leave (honestly the size of a 35 seater coach), hideous, with a FST driving it (David Farren will understand that abbreviation I think) we set off on what we thought would be an easy 29km cycle. Felt hard work from the start but then realised it was 40degrees. It was flat but down canal track for about 6-8km, very bumpy so quite tedious. Wanted to get off onto road but no clue where we were so stuck with it and then thankfully became small road and nice track all the way to La Rochelle. Into the centre before we knew it, really stress free.

This is a bit of a pilgrimage as Ronnie French (Daves dad) played here in the 50s in his capacity as a jazz pianist, so concerned that it would be less than anticipated, but a really pretty city. Busy but not terribly and lots of arty things on the front. Found municipal close to old port, not bad 15euro, though the first pitch he tried to palm off on us was not a pitch at all, managed to get better one next to some young buskers from ireland and poland. Into town for the evening, a bit of a mecca for stag and hen does, even with some English hen's, but nothing too hideous noted,  and we did have a little blow out, 1 days budget on 3 pints but worth it to get one in my favourite stella glass!! Now i do get that in the White cross. Lucky i have my little stash of cash for such times :)