Monday, 30 April St. Paul-les-Dax to St. Palais

DISTANCE: 64.9 k/40.3 mi; TIME: 4h 51m; AV: 13.4 kph/8.3 mph; ODO: 1285.3 k

Well, if yesterday was wet, today is even wetter. I abandoned the idea of using a Lavomat, as my clothes would have needed washing again. I cycled to Pereyhorade without too much difficulty. Not much to see there, so set off to look for l’Abbaye d’Arthous and the Pilgrim Museum. I abandoned this after 30 minutes of fruitless searching. Finally I reached Bidache, over the worst roads I have seen in France, and in pouring rain. I had lunch at 12:30 at the “Hôtel des Voyageurs.”  Part way through the meal I started to feel very chilly, so I got one of my light jerseys from my pannier and added it as an under layer.

After lunch I continued on my way to St. Palais. I elected to use the main road in view of the weather. The traffic was fairly light and the drivers were considerate. On arrival in St. Palais I went to the Office de Tourisme and got details of the hotels in the town. I chose the “Hôtel du Midi.” I had to wait several minutes for the proprietor to return. The room facilities were adequate and the WC was on the landing opposite my room. On closer inspection I found that the wash basin and bidet plugs did not work! At first there was no hot water. I was aware that some workmen were working in the hotel. I think the water had been turned off. When the water was turned on again, I then had the problem of getting a smooth flow due to air-locks! Eventually I managed to get it to work and got my shower.

I decided to eat dinner in the hotel that evening. My cycling shoes were sodden and I was not sure if I could get them dry. I put on my cheap plastic sandals with my warm wool socks.

When I returned to my room, I found that the heating had come on. Hooray! I placed my boots on the radiator to dry.

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