We spent a relaxing day in Bordeaux, wandering through the old town which was literally right outside out hotel door. It was rainy for a good part of the morning though hotel umbrellas helped. Some light shopping along Rue St. Catherine, a brief stop in a covered outdoor cafe for perhaps the tastiest chicken wings ever, and a visit to St. Andre Cathedral kept us mostly dry until the rain dissipated.

We saw most of the main sites, arriving at the world’s largest (man-made) mirror pool as the sun was returning.

It was impressive, though I could argue that on a sunny day the entire sky over Kennedy Lake (on the way to Ucluelet) or the sand of Long Beach would be outstanding naturally occurring rivals.

We managed to get in a fair number of steps before returning to our hotel where we shared a lovely bottle of Margaux wine. Rick had been hauling about in his pannier since… Margaux. It was a well travelled bottle and survived the journey very nicely.

It was our last night with Cathy and Ken. We had booked dinner in a nearby restaurant “1925”; simply named after the year it first opened. It was our most delicious meal and our waiter was amazing. He spoke almost perfect English, encouraged me to use my French, and impressively prepared Rick’s dessert, Crepes Suzette, right at our table.

Cathy and Ken have been great travelling partners. We shared similar interests; food, sights and of course wine. We are not as experienced at cycling as they are. In spite of a few mishaps, dropped chains, and a tumble, we survived and actually enjoyed the journey. We wish them well as they head to Barcelona (after a several hour wait due to another airport evacuation in Bordeaux airport).

Next stop – the Loire Valley then home.