________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 Willow Wheelers Logo Transparent.gif (3602 bytes)       France - Day 5

 

 

Home Up


rotating red - new.gif (11381 bytes)

Thursday 8th

The our last days cycling dawned bright and sunny (as you can see from the photos from and of the Hotel). As there was nothing special organised for the day, each group was again able to determine its own destination. Most groups opted to head in the direction of La Rochelle, some with the intention of visiting the aquarium, which had been highly praised by anyone who we had spoken to about it. view.jpg (30363 bytes)  hotel.jpg (22820 bytes)   

The senior group went off in search of a go-karting track, which after a few hours cycling they managed to find on the far side of La Rochelle, close to the bridge for Isle De Re. Unfortunately that’s all they found.... a track. No karts or anything else. Disappointed but not down hearted, they then headed back into La Rochelle and overcame their karting disappointment by having a slap-up meal.

One group (England ??) deserves special mention for their activities today. This group made up of sixth class and first years, cycled to Isle D’oleron, which was all of a 70 mile round trip. To do a cycle of this distance on the last day of a full weeks cycling is truly a great feat. This group was the only group that managed to visit all 3 islands in the area that we were staying in. Well done to all the members of this group.

As the groups arrived back to the hotel in the late afternoon the bikes were loaded on the truck that would transport them back to Ireland. Again some of the lads took the opportunity to pay a last visit to the swimming pool before dinner. Others decided to have a game of soccer to work up an appetite. Dinner was the usual fare, fish again.

soccer.jpg (26950 bytes)  soccer1.jpg (37713 bytes)  soccer2.jpg (36256 bytes)  

As is usual on our last night in the Hotel several speeches were made. Christy was first up, and was full of praise and thanks to the hotel and it’s staff for looking after us so well during the week. He presented the hotel manager with an engraved crystal bowl as a token of our thanks and appreciation.

presentation.jpg (28571 bytes)  presentation1.jpg (34412 bytes)  presentation2.jpg (32044 bytes)  

Next up was John Kelly (4th Year) to speak on behalf of the kids. He too thanked the hotel for looking after us so well, but swiftly moved on to his main task which was to preside over the presentation of a gift to Christy in thanks for organising such a memorable trip. Dara McNamara performed the presentations, which included a presentation to Billy Kelly for the help he gave to Christy in organising the trip.

Richard Kelly spoke next on behalf of the adults. Special mention was given to several people. Billy Kinsella whose help to Christy in organising the trip was invaluable. Also his concern for / attention to the kids, was second to none. Mirette Slattery, Marian O’Leary, Una Rogan, the Price family for their back-up in the cars. Mary and Declan Sugrue for their doctoring skills. Kieran Moloney of Sandycove Cycles for keeping the fleet of bicycles roadworthy for the week.

After the speeches the kids went to their rooms to pack, and most went to bed after this as we were all in for an early start in the morning. Some of the adults and the older kids went into town for a last Crepe. The kids came back early via a stroll along the beach with some of the adults. All arrived back to the hotel safe and sound, except for poor Tommy McNicholas, whose crepe seemed to disagree with him for most of the night.

Click here to go to France - Travelling Back

 

 

Send mail to ndevine@indigo.ie with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: September 01, 1999