The Longest Day

As we started the climb out of La Couronne it was obvious that the wind was going to be a problem. The planned route was already around 70k and we very rarely avoid going over the planned mileage.
We had breakfast in Martigues and the set off towards Fos. The problems started when the only direct road was a restricted N road. We diverted around , got some advice from a old guy on a scooter who came over to us pondering our map, and still almost ended up on an autoroute. Quickly backing up the slipway we looked for another route. One dead end, more advice from a La Poste lady and we had a revised route which would get us to Arles from the east rather than the west.
We left the towns and headed onto the D5. 12k of open straight road with no shelter straight into the Mistral. Despite it being flat we could do no more than an unsteady walking pace.
After what seemed hours we turned west towards Arles.
Did some shopping at St Martin de la Crau and pushed on to the edge of Arles fortified by coca cola and bananas. The site was recommended by some English cyclists we met going the other way.
Whilst sorting out I found that I'd left my lock at the supermarket. I wasn't happy, but was far too tired to do anything about it.
6 and a half hours riding, 85+ kms and 600+m of climbing, plenty for one day.
Woke up at 8, after nearly 10 hours asleep, got up, dressed and went off to find my lock. A 26k round trip but it was still on the floor where I left it, so worthwhile.
Back for breakfast and the rest of the day.
It's much cooler today but at least the wind has dropped.