Journal Comments - Stress-free Cycling the French Countryside - CycleBlaze

Journal Comments (page 4)

From Stress-free Cycling the French Countryside by Susan Carpenter

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Keith Klein commented on a photo in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente

Hi Susan,
It’s a pump for the old water system. Before the advent of indoor plumbing, many villages (most?) had an underground water system connected to a spring. There were pipes or tunnels which connected a series of cisterns. Above each cistern or « puisard » was a pump for public use operated by turning a wheel. The water in the systems was not treated and so is not considered potable by modern standards and most of the pipes have fallen into disrepair. Where they still operated one can use the water for gardening or washing clothes in the lavoir.
Cheers,
Keith

5 years ago
Steve Miller/Grampies commented on a photo in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente

Glad our tip about cemetaries and water was helpful.

5 years ago
Jacquie Gaudet commented on a photo in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente

It also looks like it's not potable water, though the circle and slash on the sign are very faded. I suspect the wheel controls a stormwater valve down below.

5 years ago
Jacquie Gaudet commented on To Javerlhac for Lunch

Do go to La Rochelle if it fits your itinerary! It was one of the few cities I really enjoyed on my trip earlier this year (journaled here on Cycleblaze). I can recommend a B&B if you're interested...

5 years ago
Jacquie Gaudet commented on a photo in A quick trip to Amsterdam

So organized and tidy! So Dutch!

5 years ago
Suzanne Gibson commented on Oradour-Sur-Glane

Thanks for this post...

5 years ago
Jill Brinsley commented on Oradour-Sur-Glane

Wow. That was so interesting . The photos capture the eeriness so well. So fascinating to see a place where time really has stood still. It must have been very moving. Thank you Susan.

5 years ago
Kathleen Jones commented on Oradour-Sur-Glane

Thank you for this, Susan. Very moving photographs and very thoughtful commentary.

I first heard about this massacre just a few months ago when I read a fictional treatment of WWI spies called The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. The story of Oradour-Sur-Glane plays a role. Then there was Keith's post a few months later, and now you have been there. It's astounding what we humans are capable of. This site is a remarkable memorial.

5 years ago
Keith Klein commented on Oradour-Sur-Glane

Hi Susan,
Thanks for the shout out. I think your b and w pix capture the mood of the site very well. It still makes me weepy.

Keith

5 years ago
Scott Anderson commented on a photo in Charente Limousine

Oh, my gosh. That really is splendid. I’m glad to see there’s life outside of Portland.

5 years ago
Betsy West commented on Loop ride in Périgord Vert

I can imagine Bruno, Chief of Police, following a case here. Bon!!

5 years ago
Susan Carpenter replied to a comment by Kathleen Jones on Feuillade

Thanks Kathleen!

5 years ago
Kathleen Jones commented on Feuillade

Happy birthday! A grand depart.

5 years ago
Scott Anderson commented on a photo in A quick trip to Amsterdam

Beautiful. We haven’t been to Paris for over twenty years, but this makes me want to go back.

5 years ago
Betsy West commented on a photo in Three Days in Burgundy

WOW they held the train. Love it !!!!!!

5 years ago