Page 22 - Walking Back Through Time

CHAPTER 3
THE JOURNEY HOME
The Final Outposts of This European Challenge
- Le Mans to Nantes (Northern France Border).
Day 12 Le Mans to Malicorne - k35km
After a night of rain I pack my gear and tent quickly and then find my friend’s flat where I enjoy a shower and breakfast whilst she dries some of my clothes. Bading farewell about 10am I encounter road repairs; most people I speak to here live in fear of the Taliban and yet this place is at present under siege from the councils JCBs which have decimated the entire thoroughfare. A century ago Le Mans played a significant role housing American forces during and after the Great War. Many stayed here for several weeks after it ended awaiting embarkation at Brest to make their journey back to their Homeland; there is also a cemetery containing many graves of commonwealth soldiers who did not make it home.
On leaving Le Mans I face heavy rain throughout the day which is the forecast for the week. I find it a struggle to keep going and make more than the usual stops to reach La Suze-s-Sarthe and Malicorne. Finding a reasonable hotel I decide to stay the night and enjoy the comfort of a room and a chance to dry out my gear. Moments after I had called it a day a huge storm opened up the skies which justified my decision to stop at the inn.
Day 13 Malicorne to Angers - 60km
A good night’s rest usually helps to renew strength and with a dry start I make light work of the D23 to Durtal covering 25km by 1.30pm. After contemplating my route, I set off towards Nantes which is about another 150km.
Traffic dies down in the afternoon thanks to a section of road works blocking part of the thoroughfare and the access to shops/restaurants