Don't Ask Me...stage 9...Cognac to Marmande

Evening folks! I'll not even try and bluff you 'cos I've *way* too much love & respect for you all, you know: anyway, I started doing the blog and crashed-out (your gags are too obvious) so it'll be a tad photo-centric, ahem...

Yeah, it is a tad sore. Knee is more of an issue though. More drugs please!

So, outta lovely Cognac and into the countryside all tickety-boo except for the standard breeze against and a couple of rude 10% climbs: who needs that nonsense?

Right lads, is that the sunflower season over then?

The progress wasn't rapid as per, and I was glad to see a Boulanger open: not quite as fine as previous effots but a respectable 7/1o nevrtheless.

There's a salmon one lurking beneath. Neither lasted long, hah-hah!

Call that a roadblock? Snuck by on our RHS, nae drama!

Business especially slow for a Saturday morning!

Excellent bridge-work to cross La Dordogne at Branne.

Another time- more interested in water right now!

Google suggested a turn onto a cycle route: having been burned by it about 27 times previously, one was a little bit cautious, hah-hah!

In the event, Google was right!

Almost 10 car-free miles, thanks.

It's based on a defunct railway line- genius, or what?

Gone but not forgotten, etc...

Good use though.

As you can see, even Mr Sun came out to play...great stuff. A treat to use that sun lotion that I've lugged around all the while, hah-hah!

Good bridging, people.

It was almost as regulation a run-in as you get: nice to try and fail again chatting to some passing cyclists...always get a hearty "Courage" or "Bon chance, Monsieur!", which is nice. "No chance, Monsieur", more like.

The view from tonight's Ibis Budget. Yeah, the socks make it!

Sorry it's a tad rushed folks but I am toast...felt much the same *after* I woke-up this morning, hah-hah!
Anyway, here's Public Image Limited with the message...bon nuit!

Cheers John.

More yards gained...great!

Thanks a million for the donations- the charities have been in touch and are thrilled with your generosity. Good on you!