June 24 Carhaix Plougher to Scaer 39 km
The road from town was downhill. At last we had an easy start to the day! Our celebrations were premature, as we soon encountered a couple of serious hills before arriving at the start of the trail. Then the trail kept the theme going for most of the ride. 20 km into the ride we stopped in the little village of Gourin and had a hot chocolate at the Boomerang Bar. Name seemed to be accidental, as the bartender didn't know anything about boomerangs and Australia. When his wife arrived she greeted everyone in the bar - a kiss for those she knew and a handshake for us.
After another 10 km of uphill we stopped by the side of the trail for our lunch of yoghurt and banana. Uphill for another few kms before the track levelled out and then actually descended in the township of Scaer or should I say to the road into the township - which of course was uphill. I tried a caravan camping ground at the bottom of the hill but found no one home but a note saying pitch your tent or park your caravan and we will settle the formalities later. We had no tent so the only option was head off up the hill. Information office closed.
Unfortunately, the accommodation book we had been given did not show any accommodation in town. I rang one of the B&B's listed to be told that they were 4 kms out of town in the wrong direction for us. I booked us in, then we looked for some food before tackling the undulating trip. Sue asked the lady if there were any B&B's in town to be told yes, just at the top of the hill. Relieved we went to the place which was in a beautiful garden setting. I cancelled the other B&B. and we settled in to the most extraordinary room with fake roman columns at the end of the bed. Bedside lamps and a couple of sculptures were glued to the bedside tables and stands. Despite the eclectic selection of decor, the room was spacious, and very clean.
Madame spoke no English, but her sister came and told us in French that we could use the kitchen area of the dining room to make ourselves some dinner. Off to the supermarket and home with cold chicken, tomatoes, capsicum and cheese, as well as chocolate mousse and a bottle of cider brut. Sue only had one glass of the cider. I finished the rest of the litre bottle and knew about it that night. Developed something of a head-ache.
Pleasant end to another hard day, so it was off to bed for a good night's rest. Again debated about staying another day for recuperation, but decided against it as we didn't want to limit the time we had at Port Aven or have to cut the trip short in order to meet Cam in Bilbao.