Thursday 30/7 Little Jonny’s 32nd Birthday today!

Despite our principle of avoiding motorways, we were both (temporarily of course} twistied-out, so decided to use the Peages to get across the South of France. Too easy? WRONG!

To get to the A8, at Nice, we had to go over the two Cols from the day before, but – obviously - in the opposite direction. It was really hot, so Rod decided to boost his ‘dad’s tan’ and not wear his jacket or gloves but, by the time we’d done a couple of stints on the autoroutes., it was so hot he had to put his jacket back on – just due to heat mind you, not because he was scared!

The autoroute ‘quick but boring’ idea fell apart when, after the second toll booth, Rod pulled over to wait for Simon – and waited and waited and waited, etc.,etc. After several phone calls, most of them failing to connect (due to his mal-functioning Bluetooth headset), it transpired he’d exited the autoroute for some totally strange whim. He’d been fully briefed with the day’s route, as far as Montpelier, and knew it was motorway all the way.

Having given Rod the benefit of a six fag, one hour sunsoak, Mr Cowen arrived at the toll station and we set off again. Bearing in mind our intention of reaching Spain and Andorra, it was a good move to use the autoroutes. Originally, we’d anticipated taking two days to get across the South of France, using N and D roads, but comfortably got west of Perpignan – despite delays.

We stopped for the night in Prades, on the way to Andorra, at a Hotel/Restaurant – with no restaurant! We had a quick douche and went into the town in search of food. We ate at a Catalunyan restaurant, The Casa Nostra. This was good because it gave Simon the authentic Catalan dining experience without us needing to stop and eat over the border, tomorrow. The waitress, Nina, was delightful. She is studying English, Chinese and French at university. The owner, Eric, was good fun and provided opportunities to taste regional specialities. He’s a keen rugby fan who deserves a visit if you’re around that way.

Fed and quenched, we wandered back to our hotel, - only getting temporarily lost on the return, probably due to Simon discovering the delights of Picon biere.

We decided to visit Andorra and ride the Spanish N260 (to Sort) tomorrow, before heading back north into France and towards home..