I wake up and see the wind is quite strong onshore. The German guys tell me that the surf is messy white water, and that they have decided to drive home to Germany. I decided to move on and say my goodbyes. I have exchanged email addresses and hope to see them in Newquay one day, especially as Phillip has to work aboard during his doctorship. I am impressed by their commitment to surfing as they live in German, where there is no realistic chance of waves. Living near Newquay feels like a privilege now.
I don’t know whether to head straight for the Spanish boarder towns or to take a few days getting there. I want to see the Dune de Pyla, the biggest sand dune in Europe, which is nearby. I drive for about 1 hour to get there, stopping at a supermarket for food. I get lost on a road that ends up going to a closed military zone, and end up driving back 10kms.
I get to the dune, pack lunch and hike up to the top. It is very spectacular. The view is amazing. There is a little settlement with several boats in the bay. I decide to head for Biscarosse-Plage in the hope that there is some surf. On route I get stopped by the Gendamerie Nationale police. The officer asks for my papers. I’m not sure what he needs. I jump in the back and give him my passport and driving licence. He takes then to a stump where a piece of paper is held down by a rock, notes down the numbers and gives them back to me. He says ok. I ask if I can go and he says yes. None of the police check the vehicle or any other paper work, so I drive off towards Biscarosse-Plage which is a nice little town. I take a walk on the beach, the weather is sunny and 25 degrees. The surf is still messy. I try and find Wifi access, but drive around and get frustrated when I can’t find any. My surfing guide says there is a good camper rest area. I eventually find it and pull it. It is a very nice shaded area where there are lots of campers. If the surf is good tomorrow I will stay here for the day.
