We got a good start today out of Angers, with our baguette and pastries, and found a few stores open (on a holiday Monday) so we stocked up and followed the trail.
A turn into a wooded area, dirt trail, and we came upon a couple who needed help with their bike. He has fallen (not injured) and his derailleur had been bent. Another man, a hiker with his hunting horn was also helping. (See hunting horn over the man's shoulder).
As all this happened, I watched another cyclist take his bike across the small river, in a boat, by hand over handing the chain attached to each side of the river, and attached to each side of the boat. Seriously.
When the derailleur was fixed (thanks to Marc's tools), and the horn players solutions), the couple thanked us and rode off and the man with the hunting horn explained that YES indeed, that is the bicycle path, and we needed to retrieve that ferry from the other side so we could use it.
Hehe
And then we loaded up the bikes and us and started the pull across the river.
The Ferry Man!
And our new friend played his hunting horn as we crossed. There is a video. I will try to post it. It was surreal.
Now that's a highlight!
The rest of the day was perfect weather, and incredible roses. Everywhere. So many beautiful stone walls and flowers.
And everytime we left one little town, we could see the next town's steeple in the distance. Gotta love these towns.
And more walls. And more flowers. ❤️
We arrived in Saumur with time to explore, and enjoy some local wine.
Very fun, easy day.
We are camping at a Flower Campground. Once again, velo-friendly. We have our own little site, but side by side with the other cyclists, and then a little shared open kitchen with a gas stove, microwave, small fridge, plugs for charging and a couple of picnic tables. Makes the experience quite comfortable. This is our neighbor Domenico, an Italian who lives in Stuttgart, travelling alone,talking to his family. He was very chatty with us. He couldn't find any stores open today 😳
Stats.
Thanks for following along, and for your comments.
Carolyn & Marc, Now that is an adventurous day on the bike. If we hear you have extended the sojourn by turning round and heading east back to the Med…we will know that you will have caught the zest for the French lifestyle…that joie de vivre….good travels you two!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite posts and days so far. Bruce
ReplyDeleteOmg what a beautiful part of the trip, love the ferry that is incredible and the horn playing , oh my, can't wait to hear that !!!
ReplyDeleteN.
Now that is yet another new adventure. Not just a unique mode of transportation across the river but also a spontaneous rescue of a cyclist with a hunting horn carrying local :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Bruce, definitely a fun day/post. Love the river crossing - that is a unique experience for sure. Especially with such a unique sound track. You'll never forget that. Seems like your route is more alive with holidaying locals and cyclists now. More tents in the campgrounds etc. Is that because it's later in the season or because you're now transiting a more popular area, or a bit of both? It's nice to see you have some company on your travels.
ReplyDeleteOoops, meant to sign off my comment above. That was me,
ReplyDeleteDuff
xoxo