It was cheery-bye to the Hunts and Howcrofts this morning and then a rather freezing descent for the next 8.5 miles into Bourg d'Oisans for a cuppa and to consult my map. I knew I was heading for Grenoble but that was about it.
It was a gorgeous morning with deep blue skies and lovely sunshine. Mountain air is just jolly cold first thing!
I stayed on a main route with a cycle path descending the Gorges de la Romanche before heading off to the very pretty town of Vizille for lunch by a nice water fountain and overlooking the chateau. I then took a lovely peaceful route into the outskirts of Grenoble.
This is where I really wasn't sure what would happen next and I just hoped for helpful signs for the station. Even better, I found a greenway, a lovely wide cycle path along the river and far away from any roads, with signposts for the station. Hurrah!
Once off the greenway and well into the city centre, more cycle paths and signs guided me to Grenoble station. Phew!
Then I was fortunate again to have a really helpful railway guy to help me get the right ticket to Chamonix without having to take a bus (as many of the routes proposed). He kept coming to find me to make sure I was on the right platform at the right time. The security guys kept an eye on my laden tourer when I needed to nip off to the loo. It was a bit difficult to take my bike and possessions with me!
And now I'm whizzing through spectacular mountain scenery on my 1st of 3 trains.
Lorraine has already been awesome and found a campsite for me, knows they're open until 10pm and will meet me at the station to take me there. What a fab, fab friend!
And I can't wait for us to have a fun and relaxing day together tomorrow. My first rest day on this trip! If nothing else, my bum will really appreciate it :-)
The photo today is from the cycle path near Grenoble. It's hard to imagine from the scenery that a major city is around the corner, isn't it?!
Thank you again to all of you for your messages of support each day - you know who you are :-))
Lots of love
Andi xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Your photo looks lovely. You have been through some lovely scenery on your journey that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI hope your journey on 3 trains has worked out ok for you. Sounds to be quite a long journey for you.
I bet you will enjoy a day of rest with your friend . It must be very tiring day after day of cycling. The scenery will Make up for sore legs I have no doubt.
We had a lovely day racing. I bet 2 horses in every race and only lost £1.60! My each way bets seemed to work! Beeper get rich but I won't be broke either!!
We are seeing Sheila again in Hospital tomorrow. I hope she continues to improve. It will be a long journey for her.
Take care and look after yourself
Lots of love and hugs
Mumxxx
Looks like you've been having fun playing with your play mates! Complete respect to all of you.
ReplyDeleteI can picture lovely Chamonix town, although not seen it when not covered in snow.
Enjoy your rest day. I bet every inch of your body will enjoy having a bit of a rest. You really have been on a great adventure :-). Jxx