We moved campsites yesterday & are now in Caratan-les-Marais, further along the Normandy coast.
Today was one of the best rides of the week so far, we went to Utah Beach, approx 34 miles (56 kms) with 764 ft of ascent (233 metres) including a trip for the now traditional croissant & coffee breakfast. A lot of tracks & off road gravel which was a joy 🤩.
Utah Beach memorial was amazing, unsurprisingly the Americans do everything very big & bold. Fully respectful of the fallen soldiers who fought for Freedom.
The first picture I've posted made me shudder when I saw the statues, the bravery of those young soldiers who went on shore from their landing craft, not knowing what they were going in to.
We stopped at a number of memorials, all celebrating the achievements of the many fallen 😢.
As we approached Sainte Mere-Eglise 2 fighter jets went over our heads, absolutely incredible ✈️.
The parachutist 🪂suspended from the church in the centre of the town was quite haunting.
The memorial and museums are amazing & well worth the visit 🥰
The Eurovelo routes are superb and a joy to ride, with the exception of one route into someone's garden 😱😳 so an impromptu diversion was required.
The picture of the sailor & the nurse I commented on earlier this week, Richard kindly gave me the background of. The same scene/mannequins also stands in Sarasota, Florida, USA - thank you Lesley 🥰 and in Australia, thank you Nigel ☺️
A few photos below are of the memorials 👍🚴♂️🚴♀️🚴♀️🚴♀️
Thank you for reading, please leave a comment your email address won't be shown, or leave a star rating if you prefer - thank you ☺️
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Wendy it sounds like you have had an awesome day which have given you some memories that will stay with you forever yes them soldiers were incredibly brave rip
Thank you, it was an awesome day. Speak to you soon xx
Fabulous and very sad
Thank you
Wonderful photos Wendy. I recognise those places from having watched Band of Brother's depiction of DDay and the following days of the invasion.
I agree, the parachutist on the church steeple is very moving and poignant.
The nurse and sailor kissing on Times Square and photographed by Robert Doisneau hung on my bedroom wall for many years- not the original I hasten to add - I'm not THAT rich!
Anyway thank you for the update and safe travels to you and the rest of the group. I look forward to hearing all about it when we meet up!
Thank you Gill, I’ve not seen Band of brothers but will be watching it when I get home. The scene with nurse & sailor has given me lots of feedback, which is always good news. Looking forward to catching up. See you soon xx
And literally as I finished my post a Spitfire flew over Burbage - what a coincidence!
Thanks so much for sharing Wendy - I appreciate it v much
Thank you Mary, it’s good to hear from you xx
It sounds a fabulous trip Wendy lots of interesting history, good cycling and fabulous weather ☀️
Thank you, it’s been really good. Every days a school day ☺️
What a fantastic trip. How you found these routes is amazing.
Looks to have been a great week, and no Rain, which is a bonus for you 🤣
Thank you Julia, the routes took a lot of research & then trial & error. The lack of rain has been welcome 😂