12 June 2014 (hot and sunny) 16km

We cycled from France to Belgium today, which sounds impressive but we actually only ended up doing 16 km.  Awoke this morning at the campground on our little site at 8am. Great sleep, only woke once in the night. The sun was already providing us with some heat as we got up and went for a wash at the toilet block. That out of the way, it was back to the tent for a “fruitfilled “ breakfast. On the road by 9.30am and basically just cruising.  Cycling in this part of Europe is so enjoyable as the cyclist “rules”.

Although you may be on the road, you are in your own space and the traffic is extremely courteous. Went looking for a place where we could get access to the internet, which was proving to be difficult.  Just asking for what we wanted was tricky because it’s not pronounced wifi over here.  We found out later in the day it’s actually pronounced weefee in France and Belgium at least.  

A nice house we passed in Belgium

Took a few wrong turns getting out of Zuydcooke.  Tried to find our way back to the promenade and ended up back at the beach but the promenade had ended.  We looked back towards Dunkirk and could see a smog cloud above it.  Not surprising with all that industry at the port.  The rest of the sky was clear blue.  After a nice ride of around twelve ‘ish  km we had now left France and moved into Belgium. Very sad nowadays not to have to go through border control and as we entered the country we saw what used to be one in the middle of the road, now being used as a bar. Soon we entered the town of De Panne. First we stopped at a Lidl supermarket (they are very popular in England, set up by two German brothers) and purchased some supplies, then rode a little further and came across an information office.

Church in De Panne

Asked the lady on the desk for a map of the area and received a really good one of the Belgian coastline. Also asked where Mc Donalds was so we could gain internet access, but she told us that we could just use it there, either inside the building or outside….for no charge! Fantastic !

She also allowed us to charge our camera using one of the plugs in the hall, until some miserable cow came along and told us “no way “. Still, we had good access.  After five minutes and just having skyped the kids, we were told that the building was closing for lunch from 12 -1. So we hurried outside thinking that was the end of that. But no…….we still had Georgina on line.

Spent the next hour skyping both the kids, but mainly Gigi. Part way through a guy came out of the building on his way somewhere and spied the bikes. Turned around and introduced himself as “Bram“. Told us that in 2000 he had cycled for five months in Australia.  Also invited us to come to his house to spend the night.  We thanked him and continued with the kids, before calling it quits and pedalling off down to the beach.  De Panne itself is a lovely town of a good size (about 11,000 permanent population) with a beach to die for.

the beach at De Panne

Miles and miles of golden sand and promenade. After eating some lunch in a secluded spot, decided it was time for our first swim in the northern hemisphere. Expecting it to be nothing short of freezing we strolled toward the water. O.M.G. it was like bath water….. I kid you not. Hence we enjoyed a great swim overlooking the prom and coastline.

After relaxing on the sands for a while we made the decision to take Bram up on his offer and so made our way to his address. He lives with his wife Daphne and the five kids on a quiet street about 150 yards from the town centre (you wouldn’t know it) and what a gorgeous old home. They bought it last October and are in the process of renovating it.  Talk about massive…..!  It will be a huge job but they’ve got time (although how much time can you have with five kids I don’t know).  Bram showed us round the house and then took us out to the sunny deck where we enjoyed some delicious cold Belgian beers and brie cheese.

Julia, Daphne holding Lilo and Bram

Spent the afternoon with them gradually getting to know the family.  The kids range in age from twelve to five months old.  Such a busy household and they’re getting married in two weeks as well.  Julia spent about an hour holding the baby and feeding her bottle to her and winding her, while I updated the blog.  Enjoyed fantastic showers and Daphne even put some washing on for us.  Then she made us a beautiful spaghetti pasta dinner which we enjoyed on the deck in the sunshine with the whole family.  We jumped at the chance to help shovel and rake some bark on the garden as we wanted to repay their kindness. 

Then we watched some of the World Cup opening ceremony and had a cuppa.  We started watching the opening game between Brazil and Croatia but could only make it to halftime before the eyelids started drooping as by now it was after 11.00pm.  So hit the hay on eldest son Storm’s bed and had a great sleep.