It's a shame lots of the smaller places have no shops. I noticed that when Em and I were in Northern France in 2013. I suppose everyone drives to the hypermarche.

God can you imagine how filthy, cold and uncomfortable their lives would have been.

They’re just knee warmers- I call them knee tremblers. It’s been nippy in mornings. Yes corks are a pain. Keep Portuguese in business maybe.

Do you find it hot cycling in tights? Lucky with the screw top - nothing worse than European wine with corks. Such a faff

The countryside looks more interesting than all that flat land.

Looks just like a painted bird!!

Beautiful photo

Great writing. You just get better and better at this. I was amused at your recounting of Amanda's enthusiastic telling of the church history, with its almost subtle telling of her interest in your own story!😉

Hello Michael and Ann
I'm really enjoying reading your journal. And the last few days especially as we rode pretty much the same route on the Flow Vélo in 2019. Took a train from the start to Rochefort then rode via Saintes, Cognac, Thiviers to Perigueux. Those wonderful voies vertes!
Envious, of course...

Thanks Bill, I knew I could rely on you for ID.!

Really nice rock roses!

https://allworldplant.com/cistus-purpureus-plant-orchid-spot-rock-rose/

Yes, Waterland - very evocative of mystery and superstition .

You, too!

I had lunch sat outside that pub!

This is very Graham Swift-like