Day 19 - 25 mi: Bordeaux to Arcachon

After scoping out the route (or lack there of!), the decision was 
made to take the train from Bordeaux to Arcachon.  Thanks to Franck and Brigitte, they drove their van from Chambery and it would serve as our Sag Wagon for the remaining stage of the trip.

Six of us cycled from the airbnb to the train station.  What should have been a 20 minute ride became a 40 minute journey. Rather than having a designated Briefer for the day, everyone was weighing in on the ideal route which took longer than expected.   

We met Franck and Brigitte at the train station and then Lance and John's bikes were loaded into the van and they joined Franck for the drive to Arcachon.  The rest of the gang quickly headed into the station to find the specific quai to board the train.

Being the first time taking bikes on the train, it was a bit nerve-racking particularly when we saw plenty of other people with bikes which made us wonder if there would be sufficient space.

Fortunately we found a car that had ample room for our bikes except Nic had to hold his bike for the 50 minute journey.

Upon arriving in Arcachon, we left our valises at the Hotel le Dauphin that, back in the day, must have been a three star hotel.  It still had plenty of character.
Then we headed off on bikes to La Teste de Buch in search of a "dégustation".  Chantal and Yves suggested we have lunch at one of the many oyster shacks dotting the coast.


After sampling local oysters most of us ordered crevettes from of all places Malaysia!  Nic and Lucas became concerned when they realized that was the extent of their lunch!  
Lance and John opted to return to the hotel while the other 6 set off on a meandering trek to find (or not find!) the EV#1 route.  After stumbling on a rather pleasant and unexpected bird sanctuary, which we pedaled thru before high tide closed down the path, we then found  yet another path to route us back to Arcachon.  
After a 25 mile shakedown ride to acclimate.our new riders, it was unanimous that a cold boisson along the Marina was necessary!
Franck spotted a most unusual creature swimming along the dock which none of us had ever seen or heard of previously (photo pending).  This weird creature was beautiful in its own way.  

Then we also observed a particularly high tide that was so high it was overtaking the board walk amd encroaching a beachside home thanks to the full moon.

In the evening we dined at a some what pricey restaurant along the board walk but gosh was it good!
It was fun to see the lovely architecture of the homes on our way back to the hotel.

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