Day 46 - Reflections on the way to Trevoux

Today I really thought about all the.things I will miss about France. 

Our day started at the market in Macon. Beautiful stalls filled with fruits and vegetables, cheeses and meats, bread and pastries. Ok, I will miss all of that. 

And then we took the bike path south crossing the Saone, and along east side of the river, and diverted through some fields and small villages. I will miss the rivers, and the swans and herons. The birds are so plentiful here. I will also miss the bike paths and the patient friendly drivers on the roads. 

I will miss the tree lined streets. The trees here are abundant and magnificent. So many old towering, healthy trees and so many varieties. I am quite sure they each have an amazing story to tell. 

And I will miss our post ride beer.

And our camp dinner salad. 

I will miss the focus of task, and the specific objective of each day.  The hours spent riding, taking in all the scenery and having so much time to think. The joy of a new village, a stone wall, a rose bush, a warm shower, and sometimes even a rain shower. 

Tonight on our walk along the river we found the old castle, built at the end of the 13th century 😳 to watch over the river, and take tolls from the traders. As well as a view of the eclectic church, and a beautiful pedestrian bridge. There was a festival going on with lots of kids and dogs, and a petit train made of wooden cars for kids to sit in, and pulled by a ride-on lawnmower. So much fun 

We are actually quite busy when we tour, packing up or unpacking, making a route or changing it, buying a meal, making a meal, eating a meal,  wearing the clothes or washing them, or following the sun to dry them.  Seldom a down moment.

Tomorrow gives us another day to focus on the joys of our Tour de France. 

The stats 

We did some hills today. Short but steep in the heat.  I must say, the legs are pretty good at climbing now. 

With today's kilometers, and adding in the cafe and grocery runs along the way, we have cycled just over 2,400 kms. 

Thanks for following along.