Quite a climb this morning after a quick run along the river, up into the hills and high lavender fields. I shall be watching for bees having already been stung once the other day. It is not pleasant, I have recovered well with no lasting effects so that's that.
The lavender is wonderful, and this time for the most part in full bloom.
Several people, on bikes, in cars, on foot, stop to photograph it. Some walk into the crop and one lot picked quite a bunch. You wonder if they'd do the same if it was wheat or barley. .I doubt it.
Coffee in Valperole, lavender capital of Provence .. so much purple everywhere. Sailing downhill out of Valperole I stop briefly at a farmer's roadside stall to buy a small bottle of lavender oil. It fits neatly into my pocket and as long as I don't crash and smash it all will be well.
Today is a short day, but a strenuous ride, more uphill, more downhill with a final stretch up into the beautiful tourist town of Moustiers-Saint-Marie. Lunch today is a real sit down affair at a restaurant - delicous with a cold beer, then check in and shower. A walk around town through all the ceramics shops for which Moustiers is known, and the ceramics museum which is lovely ... and cool. More walking, must be time for a swim in the hotel pool.
Dinner on a terrace is a must in warm Moustiers with a stroll back to bed. After sharing a room with Anna for the last two and a half weeks I am on my own. It seems a little weird. Anna's husband Ian has arrived to follow the ride's last few days by car. Ian had driven some of the route and marvels at our hill climbing prowess .. and rightly so. This does not do justice to the hills, but gives you an idea of how steep it is in town.
The lavender is wonderful, and this time for the most part in full bloom.
Coffee in Valperole, lavender capital of Provence .. so much purple everywhere. Sailing downhill out of Valperole I stop briefly at a farmer's roadside stall to buy a small bottle of lavender oil. It fits neatly into my pocket and as long as I don't crash and smash it all will be well.
Today is a short day, but a strenuous ride, more uphill, more downhill with a final stretch up into the beautiful tourist town of Moustiers-Saint-Marie. Lunch today is a real sit down affair at a restaurant - delicous with a cold beer, then check in and shower. A walk around town through all the ceramics shops for which Moustiers is known, and the ceramics museum which is lovely ... and cool. More walking, must be time for a swim in the hotel pool.
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