from saline de giraud to arles back

We take it easy and leave at eight. For that, we got up at seven. First, we try to catch a glimpse of the sea. Since the wind is very strong from the north, we don't go too far. But we see the pink salt flats. In the canal in front of it, we see how the salt crusts and crystallizes on the edge. Like gemstones, they sparkle in the light.

Then we start the first part of the return journey to Arles. Since there is no bus or train going up, we ride our bikes back for about 40km. We enjoy the ride across the river on the ferry with a few cars in the morning sun. Then the battle against the mistral begins. It is very strong, and luckily Urs has an e-bike that rides against the wind, making my work a little easier. We agree to ride at 15km/h and can move silently behind each other.

After an hour, we take a break at one of the few stops. It has a bus stop and provides us with some shelter to make coffee. A cereal bar and a banana, and then we continue.

Another hour later (silently), we stop in a small village and hope to find a cafe. We find a bar and next to it is a small store. The two shops are connected by a small corridor, and I see the saleswoman again, even though we said goodbye politely. We bought a baguette and a pain au chocolat. What catches our attention are the "gambling halls" in the cafe. The cafe probably wouldn't even be open if it weren't for these slot machines; crazy.

Strengthened and refreshed, we start the final part of the battle against the wind. Occasionally, there is a curve, so we have the wind from the side. This increases the speed to the normal 20km/h and allows us to make better progress than expected.

When we enter Arles, we look for the way to the campsite with the GPS. Unfortunately, it leads us on a somewhat special path through rice fields. Luckily, "an angel" suddenly appears. Well, he doesn't look like one, he is a homeless person. He has made himself "comfortable" in a cardboard house, and his means of transportation is a bike. Probably his only possession. He tells us not to go any further because they are indeed rice fields and the road will get even worse. He tells us more. About those idiots in Avignon who instructed them to grow rice instead of wheat, and much more. I thank him several times and wish him a nice day.

Back on the original path, we continue into Arles. After adjusting my GPS profile (or should I say naive profile) from off-road biking to mountain biking, the route choice becomes a bit less adventurous. So we find the campsite without any problems.

But before that, we're hungry. Since it's a public holiday, we go to a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). I have never been to a KFC before and I'm excited like a child going to a McDonald's for the first time. It's also very similar. Choose the menu on the screen and grab the food. You have to pour your own drink. Of course, after studying the video... another task outsourced to the customers; of course, without a discount. Otherwise, very enjoyable, and we enjoy the Wi-Fi, the toilet...

When we arrive at the campsite, the reception theoretically opens at 4pm (instead of the advertised 2pm) Another cyclist is not amused by this and calls the "emergency" number (en cas d'urgence) and vents her bad mood. Oh well... we take a shower in peace and sit by the pool. When the receptionist appears, we check-in and then set up the tent.

Since I can't buy a train ticket WITH a bike on the website, even though the option is available, we go to the train station in Arles. Hoping that a counter is open. We quickly find the station, and it's only 12 minutes by bike from the campsite. The nice lady at the counter informs me that I don't actually need a bike ticket and everything is fine. I buy the tickets and once again realize: computers are only as good as their programmers, or rather: as stupid as their...

Now that we know how to get home, we explore Arles and later sit in a bar, or rather outside on the terrace in the evening sun. A little later, we eat at a previously scouted restaurant. Apparently not the worst choice, as there are already people waiting. We have the menu du jour: spaghetti au moules. With a red wine from Nimes and a cheese platter for dessert.

We don't stay too long since we have to get up early and also find the campsite by bike again. Which we manage ;)