Any excuse ...

... to get back to Gevrey Chambertin ! Well - a good win is enough - and it is CHISTMAS ! Sorry to my reader for not reporting in earlier but been down in Ceret . They have a rather wonderful Xmas market - the is best place in the world to buy someone that completely unwanted gift . But the best thing is coming home .... via GC of course !

The downside was that I missed the weekends racing at Cheltenham - must have been the first one for many a year - and even more - that Kings Palace absolutely hacked up in the colours of my mate Brian Drew . I did see the race on tv but - well - not quite the same - not sharing in that celebratory glass of champers ! Still - what a prospect that horse is! Back him to win a Gold Cup sometime . Let's hope he keeps fit .

On the subject of fitness - George - who had been entered for the Long Walk at Ascot this weekend - had his last piece of proper work yesterday and unfortunately it didn't go well . It might be that we'll have to draw stumps with him now. But he's very well in himself - I now that sounds contradictory - but it just a physical thing and that happens in all sports . We'll make a decision on his future this weekend. A happy retirement beckons .

Sad as it might seem - I was watching an original Star Treck episode the other day - in Francias of course . It occurred to me that the series is coming up to its 50yrs anniversary and still our technology has not caught up - or I was born too early . If I could be 'beamed' about - just like Scotty - life would be just so perfect - and then I could've made Cheltenham ! CU

The forgotten one

Yea - remember Only Witness ? Poor ol'bugger - he gets a bit forgotten about but is making his seasonal debut this afternoon at Taunton . Had leg problems last year but Brendan says he's in good form and fit . Should like the ground - distance right and the race itself is not a strong one.
EW recommended though - CU

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Brothers ...

... but very different ! I took a photo on Sunday of George & Geoffrey's rear . Notice anything ? Well - you can hardly make it out - but Geoff - if you look really closely - has a white mark on his right rear - George a black one . They're opposites . Anyway - that's what the Francia's say . Interesting though . CU
Ps thank for everyone's very kind messages about Madi - and the photos . I must make it easier for you all to do this stuff directly to la blog - be more fun

Another photo -

Thanks Matt

More ...

... photos of Madison - thanks Paul .

Madison du Berlais

It was with great sadness that this week I've learnt of the loss of Maddie after a short bout of colic . It was only last Sunday that he took first prize in a dressage event and had been in typically buoyant form . It is true to say that he made Yvonne and myself everything that we are today in horse racing . He took us from the ranks of selling class to the heights of winning Hennessy's and great races . He won well over 400k
in prize money - beat the mighty Denman twice - and to this day was the last horse to beat Big Bucks . (Photo)
My real condolences go out to the girls who did all the hard work in training him in his new career . I never thought it could be done ! Bloody horses .

On a much lighter note we all went down to Pond House on Sunday for a glass or two (or more) of champers to celebrate Geoffrey's success at Haydock the previous Saturday . He's come out of the race really well and we can now look forward to him going novice chasing . He's not quick enough to stay hurdling - but - fingers crossed - will make a really natural jumper .

And as for his elder brother George - well the jury is still out . The main thing is that he's well and in good care . A long holiday somewhere ? CU

Happy Days ...

... are here again ! With all the trials and tribulations of this last year it was so good to get back to winning ways at Haydock on Saturday . And what an exciting race it was . It's so easy to get caught on the line with Haydocks long run-in but Geoff and Tom held on - just . Thought it a gutsy performance - rather than flamboyant one - unlike when George won the same race . But Geoff always keeps plenty up his sleeve and the brothers couldn't be more different .
He doesn't possess enough speed to keep him hurdling so he'll now go novice chasing . I just hope he's good enough to have a crack at The Feltham Chase on Boxing Day at Kempton - and make it another memorable double ! CU
Ps DP phoned to report that both Geoff and Dynaste were full of it the next morning and acting like lunatics in the paddock . They seem to get on - and travel well together . Let's hope they travel well .... to Kempton !!!

A little bit of fun

Now - my fellow owner - Brian Drew - is about the most well dressed country gent ( he's obviously a townie ) you'll ever likely to meet - but I've been talking the P*** about the way he wears his trilby - sort of turned up at the front - Horatio style.
These pictures prove my point . The first photo was taken at Fontwell earlier in the season - after the success of Kings Palace - and the second one taken at Plumpton on Monday -after Tullyesker Hill won . To be fair to Brian though I did ask ask him to pose with his trilby turned up - and he dually obliged . As you can see by the photo Brian did see the funny side of it . But will it set a trend ? Must get MCP on board ! CU

I need a day ...

... off ! After all the heady heroics of Sunday it was back down to earth yesterday at good ol' Plumpty . And the journey was well worth it ! DP only had one runner and in the colours of Brian Drew - a combination that has a near on 50% strike rate in bumpers - Tullyesker Hill with Tom Scu on board - dually obliged at a surprisingly good price - considering - of 6-4 . I think Brian has another good'n there.

Geoffrey is still on course for Haddock ( my little termism ) this Saturday - so looking very much forward - I think! - to that . I remember when George won the same race - was it really 3 years ago ? - he was a hot favourite off the back of his Cheltenham success . But - although brothers - they are very different types . George was - is - much more precocious - Geoff rather workman like . But he has strengthened up over the summer and DP has a fabulous record in the race . We'll give it our best shot ! CU

PS George is absolutely fine after his Kempton race . He's been eating up and is in very good order - which is the main thing . I'll hopefully be speaking to Paul Reynolds and DP sometime over the weekend to see how things stand with him - so will report .

Cheltenham - Day 3

What a crazy sport this is ! Trainer and 'tag along owner' could do nothing right the first 2 days - then bang - 4 winners and everything in the garden ....Not that I backed the first and at 40-1 not many of us lot did - but good on Will Frewen. What Brookhouse thought it though is another matter - his expensive Western Warhorse was beaten into 2nd by Will's Home Run - and was the most fancied - but these things happen . Anyway - he didn't have to wait long for himself to get amongst the winners when The Liquidator won under a good enterprising ride by Scu .
And then came the highlight of the day when Scu got Caroline's expensive new recruit - Dell'Arca - back up to win the top race of the day . Very happy for owner and trainer .
And - not finished there - as Red Sherlock won the bumper in the colours of the late David Johnson . Very emotional for his lovely wife Shirley - especially as DJ had breed the winner . Quite a day . Now on to Plumpton ! CU

Day 2 Cheltenham - Another Day ...

... another skinner ! At least Nicola had Le Bec in the second to cheer up the funds . Not that it wasn't a really good racing day but winners were in short supply - for everyone - apart from the bookies whom were seen leaving with smiles on their faces and satchels full .
A couple of good performances from the stable to mention though . 'Lady' Caroline's Azza came 3rd in the 1st - a nice slightly built filly whom - judging by her knee action - would appreciate it softer . Brookhouse's Legacy Gold in the bumper also did well coming 3rd . But that was about that !
Day 3 ? If anyone is reading 'la blog' please send more money . CU

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Cheltenham - Day One

Sorry reader for not reporting in earlier - but I've been in a darken room for few weeks - hardly venturing out ! But now I'm back ! Not that there's a lot to report on day one . We fancied the first - no show - fancied the fourth - ran well but - alas - non show .
Apart from having a complete skinner it was all very enjoyable. Really good to catch up with racing mates . DP had organised 4 tables - 40 people - make that 41 ( wasn't expecting me !) Caroline Tisdale ( lovely )- Brian Drew ( immaculate as ever ) - Brookhouse ( scruffy as ever ) - MCP & Carol ( hierarchy ) - even Chester Barnes ( must be desperate ).
Always the same question though . Well - George is absolutely fine after his race . He ate up and is bouncy . Unfortunately he can't physically see his race out ... and ....well ... that might be that . If it wasn't for him - and Madison before him - we wouldn't have Geoffrey . And that's how it goes . And - talking of Geoff - providing things go well this week is on target for The Brush Hurdle next week at Haydock . Will let you know when I do . CU
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Update

As you are probably well aware George ran a lovely race - only to come to a stop 2 out ! DP phoned this evening to say that he'd bleed . The trainer and team at Pond House have done everything to alleviate this problem - but unfortunately to no avail . Times like these it's best to remember all the great days George has given us over the years - and get some of those old videos out . Anyway - who said this was an easy game ! CU
Ps - will keep everyone updated
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Quick up-date

George heads off to Kempton Park on Monday in the long quest of getting his career back on track . He had his (very well documented ) problems last year so we are just looking for a nice run . He's giving lumps of weight away to some potentially very good animals so - though we would obviously love to win - will be looking for him to enjoy the race . Originally we had some Weatherby targets in mind for him this last weekend but feel this race is just ideal . He loves the track - however - 2 1/2m might be on the sharp side . CU

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Double up

Of course it's always great when the stable has a winner . So yesterday at Wincanton it was double glory as Standing Ovation and Franklin Roosevelt dually obliged . I was at a raucous Halloween party Saturday night so was in two minds wether to go - but very pleased I made the effort - with the aid of lots of strong black coffee ! DP has his team in superb form - lets hope that continues through November ... and the whole season !

I was able to have a good chat with DP . George had a racecourse gallop last week at Exeter and pleased . We're looking to give him as easy first race as possible so won't now be going to Wetherby . I think DP would like to keep his chase mark in tact so the thought is to take him to Kempton Park next Monday for a 2m 5f hurdle . He likes it there and even if he got beaten we can better gauge his well being . He'll get an entry for the Paddy Power - but let's see how he is first . CU

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Much as I like ...

... the warm days of summer - and my little excursions abroad - one can not replicate the warmth and passion of National Hunt racing . And on Saturday it didn't disappoint !
I was at Plumpton last season when Kings Palace first won - along with his very new and very enthusiastic owner - Brian Drew - and have been to every one of his races since . So it was particularly thrilling to be there on Saturday for their first Cheltenham success . It won't be there last either . Great day Brian .

And that was not the only good news ! My racing mate Nick - whom now lives across the pond somewhere and who's been 'fighting the good fight' agaist the dreaded c thing - had his last chemo treatment last week - and has been given 'the clean bill of health' to return home . Wonderful . Good on ya Nick !

Talking of mates - Ken had a runner at Kempton yesterday. Dark Emerald - one time Derby hopeful (according to the owner) - ran very credibally in a juvenile hurdle . He didn't quite see out the new trip but should be winning races shortly - albeit at Folkstone or Hereford ! Well - that's what I told Ken ! CU
Footnote - I have been shown how to put more than one photo on 'la blog' . Clever stuff this new tec stuff .
Oh and a ps - thanks to Douglas ' the Anorack ' for all the comments and stuff . Fit To Drive has been given back to Bill Smith ( the breeder ) as a part of the agreed deal relating to 'Little Miss Dynamite'.
Pps - great 1st photo - Scu looks rather relieved !

Still in 2nd place

George follows Big Bucks ( and Celestial Halo ) around the paddock . Who was all the applause for ? CU

Standing Ovation ...

... in winners enclosure along with DP and Connor O'Farrell >>>

A winner ...

... to cap a really good afternoon at Wincanton . Standing Ovation - at a surprisingly good price of 3-1 and pictured in here in winners enclosure with the lovely Prof ( no less ) Caroline Tisdall - who picked up the prize on behalf of the late DJ . >>>

George -

- parading at Wincanton - along with a couple of old adversaries - Big Bucks & Cue Card . It was planned to give him a racecourse gallop after racing but the ground was still a bit too firm . First opportunity for a run looks like being Weatherby in two weeks but ground dependant . Might go to Kempton for a spin on the a/w . >>>

Little Miss Dymamite

Photo of our 6 month old filly 'Little Miss Dynamite' with John Howson - Meon Golf Racing partner . The stable girl named her that - it suits - and we like it ! God knows if she'll ever make into a race horse but she certainly is a bonny sort with a lovely temperament . The plan is to send her to Emmanuel Clayaux's - down near Moulins - next spring .

George will be paraded at Wincanton tomorrow . It was then planned to give him a racecourse gallop - but that might now be at Exeter next week . The Roan Chase at Aintree Saturday week or The Charlie Hall the following Saturday could well be his early season targets . The handicapper still has him on a mark of 155 - over both codes . I think he is reluctant to reduce it because of his form of two seasons back - only time will tell . CU

Happy days

Fonty

Really good to get some national hunt racing at Fontwell Park last weekend - and even better when the stable has a winner ! Kings Palace - owned by Brian Drew - and ridden by Tom Scu - dually obliged at a ratter skinny price of 2-1 . Brian is a great character and is new to racing . I was with him when this horse first won at Plumpton last season and has now 'caught the bug'. He has since bought 4 other nags
- one of them a Dom Alco - and asked if I wanted a half share . Very tempted but can't do . Another time . CU

Fwd: Nag, nag, nag......................

Begin forwarded message:

From: "dawend@btinternet.com" <dawend@btinternet.com>
Date: 7 October 2013 09:07:06 BST
To: PETERTHOMPSON <peterkeiththompson@yahoo.co.uk>, ANTONWILCOX <a-wilcox@sky.com>, "sue.burton@jacobs.com" <sue.burton@jacobs.com>
Subject: Nag, nag, nag......................
Reply-To: "dawend@btinternet.com" <dawend@btinternet.com>

NAG NAG NAG!!!

An attorney arrived home late, after a very tough day trying to get a stay of execution. His last minute plea for clemency to the governor had failed and he was feeling worn out and depressed.

As soon as he walked through the door at home, his wife started on him about, 'What time of night to be getting home is this? Where have you been? Dinner is cold and I'm not reheating it'. And on and on and on.

Too shattered to play his usual role in this familiar ritual, he poured himself a shot of whiskey and headed off for a long hot soak in the bathtub, pursued by the predictable sarcastic remarks as he dragged himself up the stairs.

While he was in the bath, the phone rang. The wife answered and was told that her husband's client, James Wright, had been granted a stay of execution after all. Wright would not be hanged tonight.

Finally realizing what a terrible day he must have had, she decided to go upstairs and give him the good news..

As she opened the bathroom door, she was greeted by the sight of her husband, bent over naked, drying his legs and feet.

'They're not hanging Wright tonight,' she said.

He whirled around and screamed, 'FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WOMAN, DON'T YOU EVER STOP?!'

A lovely photo

Claire with Geoffrey

Stable visit

Always an exciting time of the year - a 'Land of Hopes and Dreams' . It's not a time for any doubts or realities so enjoy the moment . It rather like buying a new horse - the longer you wait for its first run the longer you have to dream !
There was a good buzz around Pond House last Saturday . DP was - well - like he is - laid back . Hate to think what stuff is churning around inside - but he doesn't show it . Mind you - don't get near him a week before The Festival in March! Martin was looking really well - bit of a surprise really cos I never thought he would make it this far ! Carol has just celebrated her 70th - in Tuscany with all her friends and family - and looks 10 years younger . She is still 'supreme commander in chief '. Liane and kids - great . Yvonne is still very poorly - bless her . This dementia thing is just awful and she was sadly missed around the table . Her son Paul and his partner Claire were there though and they seem to be keen on carrying on with Yvonne's legacy - which is great .

And horses ? Well - its the first stable visit since we lost Bruce - so a bit sad there . Geoffrey has just had his breathing op - so didn't come up the gallops . But he looks bigger and stronger . I think the plan is to keep him hurdling for the time being and might take a similar route to that of his elder brother ie Brush hurdle . And what about our 'enigma'. George has put on plenty of weight and looked the best he's done for this time of the year . He did two canters on his own - as he always has done - and as far as I can tell was enjoying it - ears pricked and full of himself . He's eating better now since he's been on the ulcer stuff .Only the next race will tell us - and that might come earlier than first envisaged - maybe at the end of October .
Afterwards very nice lunch was readily consumed . I sat next to Professor ( no less ) Caroline Tisdall . Caroline has been enthusiastically investing in new horses and has just spent over 200k on a Frenchie ( can't remember the name ) . One can only wish her all the success she deserves - a lovely lady .
Talk around the table was also about how to buy the good horses - those with proven form are prohibitively expensive . I'm a great believer in getting young store horses and being patient . The problematic thing there is you need to sell sometimes - costly to keep every horse . I do like the French way .

The best photo - which never got taken - was MCP wearing his new - very glitzy - Italian shirt . Unfortunately - he had it tucked in to his very grey flannels and was still wearing his trilby ! CU

Roger's back

Yea - back from our summer jollies - but not without firstly calling in on our way home to see the Clayeux's near Moulin. Always interesting . If you didn't already know Emanuel was the pre-trainer of 'The Brothers' - and has many exciting horses - either to stay with him in training or to be sold on . His best young horse - Violet Rose ( pictured in red on far side - with Emanuel and Nicola looking on ) is a big sort blessed with speed who won its first race at Vichy . Willie Mullins has the first option and is over next week to broker a deal but would need to part with 150k € . Don't think that'll be a problem !
I was interested to know how how the 2yr old by Bucks Boom ( brother of Big Bucks ) and Fee Magic (mum to The Brothers ) was progressing . They intend to keep him as a stallion but would like to win a race first . Although they are happy with him Emanuel doesn't think he's in the same class bracket of Grands Crus or Gevery Chambertin . Keep on eye on that one !
Another interesting thing that Emanuel mentioned that due to the new tax rates in France it is becoming almost impossible to send horse to the sales and come away with making a profit . All the 'gooduns' are now bought privately . Does he mean cash-cash ?
The Clayeux's also intend to have more runners at the Cheltenham Festival . They had an excellent 2nd last March to the brilliant Quevaga and are now smitten ! Although they think the prize money is derisory ( tell me more - we won 5 races last year for a total pot of about 16k ) they feel the prestige of a Cheltenham - and the publicity it attracts for them - is well worth the effort . I think we'll be seeing them again next March !
Emanuel has a high reputation for training fillies - so I'm keen on him looking at our young one - Kaptivating . ( Nicola suggested the name and I like it ) He's not bothered if he's training to race - or training to sale - so she'll be heading to the Clayeux's for her formative years . At least he will be quite blunt about whether she'll ever make a racehorse !
And we're off down to Pond House this Saturday to see how our fellas have faired this summer - so plenty of photos to come . CU

Back to business

I don't get back to ol' blighty till the end of August - and as much as I love it here in Ceret I do miss the stuff back home. I use to be a member at Goodwood - and for me Glorious Goodie was always one week - a bit like Cheltenham - that was just unmissable . Watching on TV - unlike cricket - is not the same . Must be the social thing about it . One can't be every where so choices have to be made .
A good mate of mine and friend to The Anorak ( yes - he does have one ) - Steve Nelson - had a runner last week - Commend - trained by Sir Stoute . Although the horse finished down the field I bet still there were a few bottles of champers 'downed on the downs ' . DP also was there with a runner for for Will Frewen ( Loche Derg fame ) so a good time was missed I feel . I need to get a better control of my life !
Still - I did speak to DP - albeit on the phone . DP reports that George has summered the best he has ever done - actually put on weight ! Although The King George will be his main target we might just start him in the brush hurdle at Haydock . He's rated 157 both over fences and hurdles - on previous form he would be nicely weighted - but needs to prove last season was all wrong . I'm confident that DP has got to the bottom of what was plaguing him but only his first run will tell us .
Geoffrey has also done well over the summer . He went for the usual breathing op yesterday and all went well . He's due back to the stable today . Haven't discussed what he'll be doing this season - but would think it would be novice chasing . Am I allowed to dream ? Feltham Chase / King George runner on Boxing Day !
This photo is of Brucie's ( bless - do miss him ) 4yr old full brother . Bill Smith ( breeder ) was devastated when I told him of Brucies demise . He was hoping that this was going to be the year for him - and that he might sell be young bruv . Then I would've had a pair of brothers ! Alas ... Still young bruv is a nice stamp of a fella . We shall see - and CU .

A View From Behind

Ola! Ola! sorry late with posting the anti-blog but out for 'Last supper' with Chris n Sue last night, to a tiny little restaurant up n up n up a track road here, to Ruinogues - 3 houses and the very good but very small restaurant. Even if you go extremely hungry you still can't complete the menu!

I've been told to say we had a good holiday - 'Rog n I had a very good holiday' and we did!, though parts seemed more trip like (Louise).

With Sal n Pete it was great fun. At least Sal n I had each other to cycle with as we found 'the boys' were usually just distant spots on the horizon....

A bit industrial after Zaragoza but once we started to climb into the hills of Catalonia cycling through the pine scented forests it was absolutely beautiful.

The last day's cycle was a two and a half hour climb followed by a three hour down hill ride (yes longer than the up hill!), but it also included a race against a thunderstorm - which we just beat!

The days passed without too much drama though panic did strike when my brakes failed n the chain came off my bike -all on the same day - but to my utter amazement Rog fixed both and all without the aid of a knife!

Yes Rog did look after me and I did enjoy our ''holiday'. Especially as someone who literally just slides off one set of wheels (office chair) to another my trusted bike, a cross somewhere between 'Proud Mary' and 'Old Delainy's Donkey'.

Why Sal and I do these trips are a mystery but there is a sense of achievement. At the start it's a mind boggling struggle to get up the hills. Sal was happy to wait for the next bus but i'm married to Rog and i don't have that luxury of choice!

All in all a good time with memories to share. Xx

Late la blog

Oh well - all done and dusted for another year . Great to do but bloody lovely to get home .Guess I'll be back on own next year ! Took us two and a half hours to get to the border and another three actually getting down to Ceret . And who do you think were the first people we saw ? Chris and Sue coming back from the beach - with shopping for a paella !
Unpacking is an event - 'bloody hell I new it was in there somewhere' - 'why on earth did I take THAT' - 'what's this' and so forth . We did take sleeping bags - more as a precaution than anything and came close to needing them when in Solonso . We never had a puncture and never used the tool kit . So much is taken for 'just in case'.
Great fun was had with Sally and Pete in the first part of the trip albeit a bit bizarre . Funniest moment for me was Pete ordering an Orangina and getting some very precise directions to some other village !
Favorite meal was the tapes in the hostel in Solona - best value was beef cheek ( or was it horse ?) with free wine for 10€ in S . Best stop was the hostel rural Bogagas outside Logrono - a swimming pool and their own vineyard helps .
Nicola is threatening to do an anti blog tomorrow which might just put a different slant on our trip . But put it to my avid reader - who would you believe ? CU
Ps Thankyou for reading - and all the comments x

The summit

La blog t'mor

Nic in a hurry - she's seen the sign to Ceret

Tonight we are staying in the border town of Camprodon - a favourite last stop of mine . Two rivers collide in a fantastic spectacle of sound and vision and the town has a very Catalan feel to it . The food shops are a bit 'lar de dar' but full of lovely stuff - perfect buy for our last picnic tomorrow high up on the border .
We were up at 6-30 this morning from Berger . We had 67km
to cycle and the afternoons get so hot - so an early start . Nicola was so enthusiastic there was no containing her . She
muttered something like ' let's get this thing over ' ( she's been saying that a lot recently - even in bed ) but I take it as keen ! Sometimes she has difficulty in sleeping for the excitement of the next days ride . But I digress . It was a stunning cycle ride from Berger to Ripol where we had lunch ( clammy cheese and an apple ) and we got to 2km outside Camprodon when the heavens opened up with a rather spectacular thunder storm . We took cover in a bus shelter - and were joined by a couple of camp Belgians ! A memorable hour ! Say no more .
So last climb tomorrow and freewheel ( Nic's downhill is slower than her up hill - she's worn out two sets of brake pads ) down to Ceret in the afternoon . Where we will be greeted by Chris and Sue ( who have been holidaying there ) with a bottle of cava and one of Sues very special paellas . I hope they are reading this ! CU

Easy goes it

Why is it - when you've had a hard day you can bet your bottom dollar things just get worse ! It was fourth hotel lucky last night - I think Solsona has only four hotels - but we got in at a family run hostel on the edge of town . But out of diversity came a real pearl of a stay . We intended to walk the km into town - have a drink and find a restaurant . Then the heavens opened up and as we were a bit knackered decided to stay in-house . And what a great evening .We were the first into the large dinning room at nine - by 9-30 every table had been taken - all locals and gave to great buzz . The menu was only tapas - but hey - what tapas . We had anchovies with a salad - a large plate of grilled calamaris - plate of succulent prawns and one of octupus . A bottle of wine and ice creams - a free lacquer at the bar - all for about 12€ each . Terrific .
We played it easy today . Breakfast at ten - and that was really good - and a 44km cycle rid to Berger - through wonderful pine forests and typical Catalonian countryside . Little did she know that I wanted to finish early so I could listen to all todays sport on my radio!
Tomorrow we start towards the border . We should be in Tues / Wed ish . So Nic has done pretty well . And she's threatening to write an epi-blog - or an anti-blog more like - when we get to Ceret ! Hmm - so longs I am supreme editor in chief ! CU
Ps - O - the photo . Its proof that she is still alive and bloody enjoying herself - and talk of cruises is strictly forbidden !

Took a wrong turn...

...and - in the words of Bruce - just kept goin'. It was a beautiful ride out from Pont - up the Segre River . This very very much a cadillacing area - Olympics and all that . My map was pretty straight forward on a very wiggling white road though small hamlets . However - my iPhone map wanted me to turn back - something us real men shudder at the thought of . So we kept going - roads went into gravely tracks -then into paths ....and so on . Cutting the bamboo as we went and fending off the leeches we then came across a monster ... dam ! Hydro and all that with a big resiviour . No way ithrough . So back we turned . And that was the morning taken care of ! Good thing about cycling - especially with the Mrs's - is that you can always cycle a bit quicker - and not have to listen ! I recon my map was out of date - but tell 'er that !
So onto the N11 at about midday . It was a road I was hoping to avoid . It goes up to Andorra but at least it was Saturday and the juggernauts were having a day off . It was still a bit unpleasant - what with cars quizzing past you - and we had to go through a tunnel where we should've had lights - but no real problems .
We got off the N11 towards Solonso . Unfortunately - although it's an absolutely stunning ride - it is uphill for 10km. The afternoon heat is always hell - but we got the job done and into Solonso about five . The hotel we wanted was fully booked - and the next - and ... Saturday and all that . But we got into a hostel and very nice it is . A nice stroll into the very lovely town was the agenda - but - a thunder storm - and here we are - on our balcony ( yes we have one - but overlooking the main road ) finishing off that bottle of Rioja I've been carrying for the last week - watching the storm . Strange day . CU

Double chocolate croissant

' After all this cycling you would think the weight would just drop off '. Yea luv - where do you go wrong ? Lighter breakfasts ? Bless 'er .
Stayed last night in Balaguer . Nice old town on The Segre River . We just went tapasting - plate of Iberico Ham with garlic and tomato bread and a plate of anchiose . All went downhill with the ice cream and brandies after !
They had a live group playing on the river bank - sort've Specials / Madness - lots of of brass - good old stomping stuff .' Nuestra casa en el medio de la calle ' ( our house ) didn't sound quite right in Espania but a good sound nevertheless .
We took a quiet road out this morning to Agramunt - then up to Ponts - where we are aboding tonight . All in all about 50km - so an easier day . We looked at the hotel prices - only 43€ . Or 68€ with air conditioning! What would you do?
CU

Donkey Dick

We started out this morning from Fraga having to take the very busy N11 towards Lleida . It didn't start too well . Somehow I ordered Nic a con leche tea - hot milk with a tea bag ! Though she drank it she didn't think it would catch on .
So heading along this lousy N11and I noticed a small sign saying Cameo de Llieda . It took us under the N11 - under two motorways and into some orange groves - hence today's photo .( Naf I know but she wanted it included )The trail took us all the way to Lleida - big bonus - but we couldn't pick the trail up after - which was a shame . Not sure how these pilgrims find there way - must have some good maps - or a very strong faith !
So lunch in Llieda - well a picnic really . I've been carrying two things around with me that's been weighting me down for a few days . One is a bottle of Rioja ( yes - that long ago ) and the other - which goes even further back is a chorizo sausage - which Pete Insisted on buying - only for me to carry ! Well - Sally was so impressed with it she named it 'donkey dick' and so thats what we had for lunch - donkey dick with a glass of Rioja - luverly .
Onwards - and quite literally - upwards . In Catalonia now - feels we're on the home stretch . Climbing the Pyrenees so gets tougher now - but don't tell 'er ! CU
Cheers Doug - being an anorak you would naturally be fluent in Espana - x