The weather did not look so hot this morning. The decision was made to head South today. There were no specific instructions as to where we were to meet etc, so each group could choose where and how far they went. The senior group set out with the great intentions of getting close to Isle D’oleron, which would have meant covering about 60 to 70 miles. Having navigated their way to the turning for Isle d’Aix, they set off with confidence in the direction of some town or other. Covering the next 5 or 6 the miles a brisk pace, taking several rights and lefts, they promptly arrived back at the turn for Isle d’Aix, having gone around in a rather elaborate circle.

With rumblings of dissent coming from the junior ranks, the group took shelter from the now pouring rain.

The lunchtime discussion among the boys in the senior group revealed a desire to visit a supermarket to stock up on sweets and minerals. The adults agreed to this and arrangements were made by phone with one of the cars that had travelled to France with the group, to swing by the supermarket and transport the goodies back to the hotel. The first supermarket visited turned out to be a bit of a let-down. Enquiries were made for alternatives and the group cycled to another supermarket about 5 miles away. It was no great surprise to find that another group of Willow Wheelers cyclists were at the same supermarket. Purchases were made. Video games were played. Coffee was consumed, and the group then headed back to the Hotel.

Diarmud actually parted company with the group before we got back to the hotel. It has to be said that on our return journey some of the rather tired senior lads in the group were looking enviously at the vacant back seat on board the Sugrue express.

Despite all the stops the group(s) managed to cover between 35 and 45 miles today, which was good going considering the bad weather earlier in the day.

Again some of the groups arrived back to the Hotel earlier than others, and took the opportunity to go for a swim at the pool just down the road.

The evening meal contained the now familiar fish (as a starter this time), but with rabbit as the main course. Unsure of weather the kids would eat the meal if they knew they were about to devour Bugg’s Bunny, they were informed by an astute Mr. McDaid that the meat was actually chicken, presented in a French style. The kids ate the food to varying degrees, but some did comment that French chicken seemed to taste radically different from Irish chicken.

More creps and drinks were enjoyed in the creperie in the town in the evening, with entertainment being provides by some friendly card games and Christy (among others) on the tin whistle.