Hot with sights

Today dawned lovely with the sounds of "montgolfiers" according to our French neighbor. Some of us only think of the Montgolfier brothers for their washing habits, but apparently they are also known for their ballooning exploits, and so hot air balloons are actually named for them here. Very similar to the sound of orcas in puget sound, and the sound travels quite a distance. As it was to be over 90 American degrees today, and we had hoped to see Chartres cathedral, and we knew we would be starting to hurt from several days in the saddle, we opted for a short day.

A beautiful ride through the countryside with only one small diversion to a mill very reminiscent of our local Thompsons Mill, with water power perhaps no longer in use

It did have a truck scale,  though,  and the tandem does come in about 400# and Liv is around 180#. Reasonable I guess.

It would be interesting to know the history of this old rail trestle, presumably left for its photogenic nature. 

Before too long we found our way through town to the campground to get set up so that we could explore town unloaded. Lyle and I enjoyed a lovely crypt tour entirely in French, which continued to demonstrate my picayune knowledge of the tongue. 

Somebody from 1973 is asking to have their alter repatriated, very peculiar. 

But what about the bakeries? 

fret not, even on a Sunday we secured a fine second breakfast. We even followed it up with some wonderful ice cream. After a strong day of sightseeing, we headed back to camp for some essential tasks like laundry and rest through the heat of the day. 

Some local fare for supper, and we are ready to get cleaned up and call it a day. 

Tomorrow has several options. Either a short day, or if we hear back from a warm showers host, a regular day, or a challenge day of 45+ miles. The kids will decide as we go. Various parts of my anatomy have opinions, but we will see how the kids feel. 

Thanks for reading- Dave