What a truly fabulous day! This is what cycle touring is all about. Beyond incredible scenery, gorgeous weather and pure codeine tablets to stop my back feeling like it's breaking. My back wasn't as bad today thanks to the gentler gradients. I've got some lavender oil with me to massage into it tonight.
When I dreamt up this tour, I had 3 cols in mind - Mont Ventoux, Col de la Bonette and Alpe d'Huez. I wasn't entirely sure though how I would cycle between them all and hoped for valley routes through the mountains or train services or, worst case scenario, taxis. I'm actually amazed at how many taxis there are even in the smallest of places. It's a comfort, I might need one yet!
And today was the perfect route through mountain valleys. Given I'm making this up as I'm going along, I couldn't have been more surprised or delighted. It wasn't exactly flat but I'll take gently undulating (by Alpine standards).
The temperatures soared to hit 40 degrees today. No wonder I felt to happy! I know many people would melt in these temperatures whereas I felt completely comfortable. It's after 8pm now and still 34 degrees. It is warmer here in the valleys. I'm back in the mountains now so we'll see how stable the weather remains. I've loved Provence and it's hot, sunny weather :-)
Tonight I'm in the prettiest little village called La Javie. It's just over 12 miles north of Digne-les-Bains where I thought I'd be staying. I arrived there early in the afternoon so decided to carry on a bit further and reduce what looks to be quite a big day tomorrow. And I'm back in a campsite I'm more familiar and comfortable with - just a field with simple facilities and some lovely people. No swimming pool, no holiday village. The difference in price? Yesterday was 24 euros; tonight is 6 euros 75!!
I was back to camp cooking tonight. I had some of my Beanfeast Mexican Chilli cooked with a small, sweet onion, the rest of my carrot and courgette and what was left of my giant tomato from lunch. All munched with (Charlie will love this) some fluffy couscous!! And a mug of tea of course.
There is nowhere to recharge my phone battery at the campsite so I've come to the only place in La Javie that is open. It just so happens to be a bar - what are the chances!! A glass of wine in return for them allowing me to charge the phone. So apologies for the later than usual blog. I struggle a great deal with phone battery whilst on these trips.
Mel, have no fear, I'm scoffing a pastry a day. I used to love pain aux chocolats but I've not been impressed with those I've had so far and have switched to the uber-delicious pain-aux-raisins. I love all that custard squelching out when I bite into them. Yum, yum, yum!! A daily staple.
Both Caroline and Teresa have mentioned bikinis today - the former regarding what she would be wearing in these temperatures and the latter saying not suitable attire on her cycle tour in the Hebrides!! Definitely not something I have with me either!
Sis! Hope you've been celebrating your last day as a 39 year old! And loved the comment about grazing sheep walking faster than you cycled!! Really made me laugh and kept me going :-))
Mummykins, glad you've got wi-fi tonight, even though you thought you might not. Er yes, I'm not surprised you need a separate room for your suitcases! (Yours. Not Charlie's!)
Charlie, LOVED the French blog comment!! Mary and Rene I'm sure will be very impressed also!
Tony, I did end up camp-cooking last night instead of pizza - crazy! After that far too large glass of wine, I was extremely enthusiastic about cooking my mushroom risotto. In fact, I think there may have been a little dance as well! (No slurring though.)
Ade, hope you enjoyed your cycle today? Are the blankets you picked up for the twins super-cute? Happy pedalling with Bri tomorrow :-)
Bri, your DJ skills were needed at the mega-expensive campsite last night to help the "entertainer" (Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang anyone?!!)
Which reminds me: Poggle, in a supermarket today, they were playing "All That She Wants" from our uni days. And if I remember rightly, we did our own little dance video to this when at the villa in Provence with Ben, Straight Steve and Sandra!!! Happy memories!!!
Right, it's getting dark and codeine and wine don't seem to mix so I'd better make my way back to the campsite.
Cheery-bye for now!
Andi xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Presumably you get a "chapeau" after climbing the Col de la Bonette:)
ReplyDeleteJust in case you haven't heard Jeremy Vine has been announced as the first contestant on SCD - this also makes him the first Old Epsomian to be on it. Others so far are Ainsley Harriott and Kellie Bright from Eastenders. That's all the news!!
Your days seem really good and full of sound and vision. I. Am so pleased you are enjoying your cycling and camping. We are in Dorcester tomorrow calling At Weymouth and Portland Bill.
ReplyDeleteIt's been very hot today not as warm as you but perfect weather.
We are enjoying our time away.
Lots of love and hugs
Mum xxxx
My suitcase feels picked on! I packed very carefully for this week ! Always trying to improve on amount iof clothes I take! Never seems to work!
ReplyDeleteLots of love xxx
Phew catch up with your stories now. Keep having fun and look forward to further installments
ReplyDeleteChristine
Flippin eck that's hot!!! You cyclists are all crazy, I can't believe you call that perfect cycling temperature (so would Rene!!). Hope it cooled down a bit in your tent and you got some sleep. Sweatbox tents are not my favourite thing but it probably helps not to be sharing in those temperatures! Train ticket all booked by the way :o) Hope the back is feeling better
ReplyDeleteMxx
I must be getting addicted........to your blog. Didn't know what to do all evening waiting for your post. Having read it now I know why you were later than normal.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're having fun.
Keep peddling ...and posting.
Alison