Monday. No hint of rain. Wind gone. Just heat with little breeze.

A lovely start. Cool, good road, beautiful morning light. The coolness did not last all that long.

In a châteaux town I stopped for water and coffee. Outside tables all empty. As I rested my bike against a wall the proprietor asked me to move my bike as it might interfere with (my addition) the many dozens who will show up during my coffee.

I left.

Regularly seeing electric bikes on the route. Some are carrying a second battery in their luggage.

What is missing? In the small towns, children. Everyone seems much older than I am. No children or young adults. Several on the bike path but the towns appear devoid.

Just paid three euros for water. Would have paid more.

The hotel is a real find. Two star that is better than the previous two four star ones. No elevator.

The couple running the place belong in the hospitality business. Friendly, maps without asking, directions to the sites, a/c that works, free Wi-Fi etc. And then the bonus!!

I explained that my cloths are sweaty and dirty. Before I could ask the question Madame said to just leave them with her tonight. No charge. Every question and request answered with a yes and help.

A scandale. A scandal francais. Heard on TV today that restaurants are serving frozen prepared foods and canned goods. Apparently this was a well known discrete secret in the trade but now a restauranteur has revealed all. Quelle Scandals!

Last night my excellent salad had canned white asparagus, tasted fine.

I take back every thing I have said bad about the French on the Loire valley. They have my favorite drink. Maybe George and Mitchell's too. See on flickr.

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