10th Day

10^th Day

Bonjour!

            Heavy rains woke me at 4:30 and continued until 7 without letup.  Then the sun came out until 12:30 when the storm ratcheted it up several notches.  A break came at 3:30. 

            Big mystery!  I mentioned the missing clothesline and clothespins.  I thought that the taller and younger cleaning lady took them down thinking that they belonged to one of the campers that had left.  When I walked her around the buildings to the area, I pointed and there they were, exactly as I had left them.  I swear the clothespins hung from the same spots on the line.  She looked at me like I had several cards short of a full deck.

            David and his wife left about 11 in their Rapido.  He is an age mate, born in 1943, and has been retired for 8 years.  He shared that the first year was the toughest.  After that he adjusted and now would not think of working.  They are heading south to the Pyrenees.

            I cycle into town for the Internet.  It is still acting up.  I was able to get everything done. 

            There was a huge fair in town that block off the entire boulevard.  Cars and trucks were re-routed.  The fair happens the first and third Thursday every month.  I stopped at one booth where the ladies explained what they baked.  An entire display case contained a pastry covered potato baked dish.  I was ready to buy one but the lady said that they should be served heated.  The sweets were in a second display case.  They offered tastes of tarts.  I opted for a nut and a chocolate.

            I barely made it back to the hill before the rains started up.  During a brief letup around 5, I cycled over to the Casino for more tomatoes, bread, and wine.  I better start cycling soon or I am going to look like the Michelin Man.

            The weather report now says the bad weather will last through Sunday, and then take a two-day break before starting up again.  This place is so close to perfect I am debating about doing day rides on Monday and Tuesday or moving south.  As we say the best day is the day you are in.

            My bike is an absolute delight.  Bruno in Niort has set it up beautifully.  Everything is nice and tight.  The new front wheel is trouble free.  I don’t what to think about breaking down in this weather.

            Uninhibited by the weather, a jogger struggles up the hill.  He is wearing tight black shorts that outline every thigh muscle and a dull red windbreaker with a white stripe up the side.  The hood is pulled snugly around his face.  His black eyes bulge out of the sockets.  With his long peaked nose he looks like a character in the movie “Young Frankenstein” by Mel Brooks.

            The trucks are huge, the logging trucks especially.  They cover the entire lane.  Without any shoulders I have to bike in the lane.  Fortunately, they usually move across the centerline.  If that is not possible because of oncoming traffic or on hill or curve where the visibility is restricted, they will patiently wait until the road is clear.  Sometimes I will move onto the grassy shoulder and let them.  A honk from them tells of their appreciation.  Obviously, they have a schedule to keep.

            In town, the trouble is when the divider on the centerline forces cars and trucks to stay in one lane.  The small cars can still get by but no way for the trucks to pass.  Here again I found it wise to jump onto to the sidewalk.

            Heavens to Betsy!  Will wonders never cease!  We have gone 17 hours with no rain! Never fear, the skies are still threatening.

            I hope that Gene can tape the Tour de France on July 6^th. I would love to see the professionals tackle the town and the 8% grade outside of town.

            With my pantry full I spent a whopping 18 euros today and probably will spend less today.  I would like to find another canister of Butane.  If the weather holds I am going to try a short day ride after visiting the Office de Tourisme.

Avoir!