Conca to Fautea. I arrived in Conca, finished. The place was very quiet but the Gîte was open. I bought an iced tea and chatted to one of the staff. She suggested I hitch to Fautea and stop there the night. In the morning, I can catch the Blau Rapide bus to Bastia. A plan. She gave me some card and a marker pen to write a sign. Before I knew it, a couple picked me up and dropped me off on the right road (T10) in St Lucia.

There was already a young woman trying to hitch having recently finished herself. We teamed up (it’s easier if you look like a couple). 15mins in, a van pulled over and we were off. The driver, who had no English dropped me in Fautea Camping.

Fautea to Camping E’spiranza (Nr Bastia/Poreta Airport)

This was also an easy leg. I got coffee and bread from the camp shop (itself a delightful French tradition). The bus would stop outside the camp. I got out there in good time and found a hitch-hiker’s cardboard sign and tried it. Soon, a soft-top car pulled over with French youngsters in but they were only going to the next city. I decided to wait for the bus.

The bus was a proper coach and cost €20 to go to Casamozza. Ideal. I felt quite emotional leaving the Vignt and watching Corsica reel by. Vizzavona could be seen which bright back good memories as fter passing Corté in the distant west.

Trek Domain, 34°C, no wind, full sun.

Although this was only 25 miles, I still really struggled on the hills. Ok, it was 34°C in the shade and climbs had not a breath of air. Further, I think I still suffered from that cold I had a few days ago.

The bike was pretty good (Trek Domain 105 disc) They didn’t supply enough tools to get all the adjustments I needed. The seat was slightly too high . Oh, and the reach a little short. I made do with lowering the bars.

Warms sunny days with cold nights. Still using the winter sleeping bag.

Another problem free expedition, this time – bronze practice. I always like these better than Qualifying Expeditions because I get a good walk on day 1 and get to know the kids. There were few anecdotes to relate here, but I did see one thing.
Checkpointing one day, west of Long Itchington, I waited on a low hill for my group. I could see at least 3/4 kilometer down the road where they were to appear. The wait wasn’t quite long enough to put a bew on the stove.
A car pulled up and hesitated. Then they stopped and let 3 dogs out onto the verge. Nobody got out but they drove slowly along with the dogs trotting along the verge. Then they stopped while one of the dogs had a poo. Nobody got out to pick it up. Then they drove off faster forcing the dogs to sprint for a few 100 meters. In the distance, I could see the car stop to collect the dogs.
If I ever made a film, I’d put this scene in.