A week of firsts

First solo ferry crossing was great. Queued with and befriended numerous motorcyclists, saw a great sunset and was off and cycling the next morning by 715am! 

My new motorcycle friends

Sunset from the ferry

The 7am views

I survived my first solo camping experiences and even felt safe most of the time despite numerous Frenchies asking if I was scared to be alone. Met lots of fellow cyclists. My favourite were a group of four women who invited me to sit with them at dinner as long as I promised not to eat any of their food! They go on a holiday together cycling every summer and told me hilarious stories of their previous cycling trips as well as giving me a few tips for my first solo venture. 

First camping spot

First solo cycle touring has been amazing and horrific. 

Amazing: beautiful views, being freeeee, cycling fast, French markets, French food, castles popping up all over the place and quiet lovely roads to speed along. 

Horrific: my whole body aching, concerns I may die from dehydration on day 1, gravelly tracks that are really hard to cycle along and so many hours going solo! Things have improved since I've discovered the joys of the Woman's Hour, Desert Island Discs and BBC 6 playlister podcasts. So good!

Mr first sighting of the Nantes-Brest canal.

Josselin

Malestroit 

So many pretty locks!

Gravelly path- not fun

Beautiful canal! I saw two beavers near here (I think they were beavers anyway!)

My final sighting of the canal 

And now my first hotel night in Nantes! What a relief! Tomorrow I continue to follow the Velodyssey (Eurovelo 1) which will lead me out to the coast. I can't wait to be by the sea! 

Rubbish photo but this is basically my route so far... 

Total distance 500km.