The weather was absolutely awful through Southern France. I'm wearing waterproofs nearly all the time, and it feels very much like I am nearly finished. This is semi-familiar territory, and for the first time in over a month I can (almost !) understand the locals. Combine that with the English weather and the feeling of unpredictable travelling is rapidly diminishing....

Did a little bit of routine tourism around Orleans on the one sunny day and lose all interest in updating blogs in internet cafes. Torrential rain again approaching Calais and my exhaust finally snaps clean off. Makes a hell of a noise through the Dartford Tunnel later on :)

I replaced the exhausts when I got home and sold the Pan again on ebay. I lost about £150 on the bike, although I had put on a new back tyre, front wheel bearings and the exhausts. Basically though, a very cheap trip - reliable, comfortable and not the sort of thing that attracts too much undesirable attention.

Back to reality now, and wondering whether I will ever get that chance again !