cazaubon - marciac

Overlooking coutryside along the way

                                             Chateau de Begue - where we stayed in Cazaubon

That was a great day of cycling! About 70km through beautiful French farmland, mainly corn, sunflowers, cattle, geese and all the farm smells mixed with a bit of rain and a lot of lavender. Lots of little villages with coffee and pains chocolat and not too many gruelling hills. We stopped in Plaisance (Kiwi Haka) for a 3 course lunch which we found included 2 caraffes of wine and the usual friendly service with no English. So we are never all that sure what we are going to get. There was an exception to the friendly service in Cazaubon when we tried to have dinner at the local chateau where we could see masses of tables set beautifully out on the country verandah (and no guests in sight),but the man in the penguin suit (looking very like Bazil Fawlty) told us he was sorry - no dinner for us as they had "Pas de produits"!! Since that was the only restaurant in town it left us a bit sad. But we found some pizzas at the local supermarket.

Anyway, back to today - we took all these little unmarked back roads, which almost caused a few problems. Firstly Celia found herself a couple of km down the wrong road without anyone following. Richard managed to catch her and we re-grouped, only to create another pile-up when Rob and Richard stopped to study the map again and Celia rode straight into them. Having your feet stuck in your pedals can be dangerous.

Since Rob has found he can't get the US Open he may add a bit.

From Rob -

What a great day , cycling into the unknown is remarkably relaxing. Saw the most beautiful castle flying a flag of some sort in isolated place. Could imagine German tanks rolling down some of these narrow streets during the second world war. Some of the looks we get from the locals are amusing but most are very friendly and will wave and greet you with a warm bonjour. Feeling a little guilty that I have not been in touch with office in Perth but had positive email from Esme that all is good so long may that last.

Pool overlooking countryside at chateau de begue in Cazaubon

(these photos have a mind of their own - I never know where they are going to enter themselves.)