June 26 Scaer to Pont Aven 29 kms
Our map showed that the last section of the rail trail - 13 km to the town of Rosporden - was under construction. Fortunately our information was out of date and the trail was in quite good condition. As I had been predicting for several days, the trail did go downhill, although there were 3 kms of uphill first, but then it was a breeze and most enjoyable. From Rosporden we had to return to the road for 16 km, the first time that we had been on roads for quite a few days. The fact that most of the way was down compensated for both the few hills and also the traffic. We arrived in Pont Aven down a long, steep hill (me thinking 'we've got to get out of here in a day or two') into a very pretty riverside village and booked into a lovely hotel where our room overlooked the river harbour and the opposite hills. Very relaxing and refreshing. Decided to stay for three nights to relax and have a good look around the town.
Gaugin and his school of artists put Pont Aven on the map last century, and today there are around 46 artists with galleries in town - all styles, including those copying the styles and works o.f Gaugin and others. Sue found a gallery that had some beautiful sculptures of horses and bears - flowing easy lines - costing 15000 Euros plus.
When we asked to lady who runs the hotel for directions to a laundromat, she said she would wash our clothes for us - very kind and unexpected touch.
Dined at the next door creperie.

June 27 Pont Aven
After a bit of a slow start we visited the Museum to see an exhibition of the work of an artist called Signac, who painted in the area in the first half of the 19thC.
Had a light lunch at a small cafe in town and then Iain decided to rest and read while Sue headed off to explore the area. Her meanderings took her out of town and into the countryside and she was soon quite lost. Met a man and asked for her location on the map she had. He seemed to indicate that she should keep going the way she was to reach town. After walking for some time with no sign of Pont Aven she met another man who told her to go back the way she had come and turn left twice. Following his instuctions she did find herself back in town and the first person she met was this man. The second person she met was the first man she had asked for directions!
Had our worst meal of the trip at a local hotel restaurant.

June 28 Pont Aven
Raining this morning when we woke, but cleared during the morning. On checking our emails learnt that the 20 year old youngest son of one of our close friends had died last week. Had dinner, sat in chair and went to sleep and didn't wake up. Devastating news. Phoned our friend, but are really feeling the distance between us. Wandered around somewhat shell-shocked for the rest of the day.