The day started with breakfast and a map meeting with Neil. Tasty muesli, yogurt, fresh fruit and pastries!! And a review of the highlights of our upcoming ride.
Johnny is always ready to go with his tool!
This is the family kitchen at the B and B. We try to help out but sometimes maybe we are in the way! Neil and Nat are gracious and make us feel at home.
Here we are, in front of the fountain at the house, ready for our first riding adventure!
Our ride took us through the Luberon region which is filled with lovely villages and nature…
…and some homes literally built into caves in the hillside.
Funny…self-advertising as a charming hotel! Wonder if it lives up to its promise?
Mystical morning fog…scenic vineyards…and the ever-present graffiti!
Traditional architectural style is used even on new buildings today: thick stone walls, little wood used, small windows –or none—on the north side, to guard against the strong mistral winds of winter.
emJay finds her favorite lawn ornament!
Some grape harvesting is done by hand, and big machines like this one are also used.
Nice garden café in a front yard!
One couple traveled with their puppy. Nice!
Great viewing along the old railway grade trail we started on this morning.
Our Garmin GPS guides us precisely along the route, including under roads through tunnels.
Our first major stop was Apt on the big market day.
Wonderful soaps of Provence!
Bustling street scene. 9:00 to 1:00 then done!
Bobbie, Gary enjoy some vin et poulet!
Happy wife, happy life!
Flowers are everywhere . . . even lining the bridges!!!
Leaving Apt, we enjoy a long gradual climb up to Bonnieux. Beautiful views across the valley.
Bonnieux beckons. Neil says the Protestant churches are below like this, and the Catholic churches are on the highest perch of the town.
The pretty ride into town…
All stopped at the old Roman bridge
Pont Julien, a Roman bridge dating from 3 BC.
Some of us discovered the eco-toilet near the Roman bridge….
..complete with detailed educational charts on what happens you can read as you are seated! Good to know I guess?!!
L’Escargot de Provence. Wild snails adorn the plants along the bike trail.
For your security – the submarines are helping out too?!
A typical scene as you enter a village. Kodak moment around every corner!!!
The B and B kitty Rocket is not so sure about today’s activities….
At the end of the day, some of us dipped into the chilly pool. after 3 or 4 laps it felt fine, sure!
The yard has a pomegranate tree!
mmmmm juicy little seeds exposed….
The day ended with a lovely dinner under the pergola, prepared by chef Neil. Delicious regional wines, locally grown tomatoes, chorizo loaf, spaghetti and meat balls, molten chocolate cake. Perfect end to a great day.
Rick has been quite taken by the “man scarves” we see around Provence. So he tries one out and looks quite fetching….
Tomatoes, chorizo, sundried tomatoes and eggs baked together into a loaf….
Diana gets emotional when the electric bike Neil arranged for her is delivered….
And RIck and Neil are best buds by the time the evening is over! I guess Neil likes the man scarf look too?!