Dates for the 2014 France Trip

"My" Heritage Railways 2014 Steam Gala is over the weekend of 24th to 26th May ie Bank Holiday weekend. I missed this event in 2013 as we had already booked to go to the Hebrides but I would like to visit this event this year. How does this affect anyone's already-booked holidays (Shawn specifically)?
Today I received an advertising email from Ibis so (tongue in cheek) I checked out a potential booking in Nantes in mid May and was offered 2 rooms for 5 adults for a total of 41GBP. Not bad!!

Lacanau-Océan to Bordeaux

Just to whet your appetites! This is a tiny part of the D801 (you will recall from our 2012 ride that the department of the Gironde gives road numbers to its greenways!) from Lacanau-Océan to Bordeaux. Sylvie and I rode this bit to Le Moutchic, only a few km from Lacanau-Océan, this summer. It's an old railway line, like the one we rode last year from Mios to Bazas. The sign in the top right picture says 'Bordeaux 60'. For the AF3V website link for this voie verte click here. 

The Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne greenway, which should be the next leg of our ride next year can be found here. It is named after Roger Lapébie, winner of the 1937 Tour, who came from SW France. Alas, although I've ridden it, I have no photos; but AF3V does - have a look! It's another ex-railway line with a lit tunnel halfway along.

Outer Hebrides Ride 2013

After visiting Flora McDonalds birthplace in South Uist we went to the Kildonan Centre and had an excellent Salmon Pate and Oat Cakes in the restaurant. A very nice waitress offered us the recipe and seamlessly took 50p from Shawn and I for copies! So, here's the Oat Cake recipe.

Morag's Oatcakes Recipe 

2 cups oatmeal
1 cup plain flour
1/4 tea spoon baking powder
4 1/2 oz margarine
1 dessert spoon sugar

Methord : Mix dry ingredients, Rub in margarine and make a firm dough, Roll thinly and cut into squares or rounds. Bake 190/200C. Check after 15 minutes.


A few more pics of our Hebrides trip.

This very expensive single Malt (£15 a shot) we saw in the Harris Hotel - Looking at the the label, I am not sure if you rub it into your hands, eat it or drink it!

The Last Leg - Ullapool to Inverness

Its only 32 miles to Garve from Ullapool but they are hard miles into a southerly gale, thank goodness the rain kept off until the last 5 miles from our cafe stop at ' Fawlty Towers' Hotel scots style! Garve railway station received an award for tidiness. After our arrival they may have no chance of  gold next year.

A parting shot from thelast evening in Inverness as we waited for the ' Caledonian Sleeper' to Crewe.

Western Isles - Day 3 Harris to Lewis - an epic breakaway!

 As we left Tarbert I realised I had to 'breakaway' to ensure I would see the magical Callanish Stones. I was not disappointed, the landscape, the light, the chance to visit 2 of the circles entirely alone added to the impact of a fascinating, significant site. Sorry  you missing them guys.

Thanks to Clyde for watching over me on my epic ride and for updates on Cav's successful bid for 'red' at the Giro!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callanish_Stones

Pictures:

A beautiful morning on South Harris (Flodabay)

The early morning walk was rewarded with spectacular views and a wonderful light for photos. The 'boat skelton' and the  five curious seals a highlight!

Outer Hebrides day 2 - North Uist to South Harris, 'The Peat Road'

North Uist, blowy and drizzly but still spectacular, a long wait for ferry on Beneray, exploring outstanding beaches on west coast( a rival to the 'Dunes du |Pilat'), then foreboding as we approached Leverburgh with the mist low over the hills on South Harris. A battering from the weather as we scaled the 'Peat Road' and relief as a bedraggled foursome approach Flodabay and the wonderful 'Tigh an Eileen'

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g316008-d1788328-r162153647-Tigh_an_Eilein-Isle_of_Harris_Lewis_and_Harris_The_Hebrides_Scotland.html

Note: I accidentally used my daughters profile..oops

More Pictures

Western Isles (OH) Day One - Barra to North Uist

For Posterity a few choice pictures from day one - Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist - 6 islands one day - the sun shined, the food excellent, the debate heated, the hostess not amused- miserable moo.