So I’m still in Dax…and as you can imagine a little frustrated…

My achilles ended up being pretty stiff when I arrived here on Saturday so I’ve had to take a few days rest. I‘m hoping to be back on the road tomorrow. Given the next bit is a little on the hilly side, I’m trying not to get ahead of myself and burst out of the starting gates again without ‘trying’ to be sensible (difficult for me!).

Despite my frustration, Dax has provided some pretty wonderful experiences. The place I am staying is a very small hotel and the owners, a couple, are simply lovely. They’ve been providing me with ice packs, physio recommendations, food etc. So very kind.

As I was in a spa town, on Sunday I’d already decided I was going to give a gift to me from me, a massage. Lovely and relaxing. On top of that I got chatting to the taxi driver on the way there as he asked if I was from the area (no public transport on a Sunday)…the conversation progressed from there. Then, he wouldn’t let me pay!

The same thing happened to me yesterday. I went to the physio recommended by the hotel owners and he was brilliant (I’m currently in French rugby land and their son is a keen rugby man which I think almost by definition means injuries).

Despite the physio not liking sport (for a physio!!!), I received serious VIP treatment, massage, two types of electric shock therapy for the achilles plus ultra sound to help it heal as quickly as possible. Again, when I asked how much I owed him, he refused payment! Not only that but he’d even stayed late to be able to see me in the first place. Merci Mathieu Lartigau!

Such kind and generous people in Dax, it’s so heart warming. This is clearly not something that I expect or ask for but people’s openness and kindness is wonderful.

Gratefulness all round.

Tomorrow I’m back on the road and going to see how things go. After a few days off and eating well I’m beginning to feel a bit like a caged animal so I’m looking forward to it!

I’m going to try to be sensible and take it slowly (patience as I think I’ve mentioned before is sadly not a great virtue of mine but I’ll do my best!).