So glad to see you biking. As always, love the commentary and the photos. Take it a bit easy.

These photos reminded us how much we enjoyed this museum.

Thanks Scott - yes it is great to be back on the bike!
Also glad to hear you've had the shingles vaccine. It is indeed a scourge and one that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Great to see you on your bike again! I was so saddened to learn of your shingles situation, knowing something of what that must be like after talking with another sufferer of it at our bridge club years ago. I had no idea before that what a scourge it is, and it prompted me to get the vaccination.

And what a helpless feeling to be staring at your locked-up bike without being able to free it! We had the same experience 20 years ago on the coast in Spain, when I lost the key to our u-bolt lock. Fortunately (and admittedly stupidly), the bikes were just locked to a short post so we were able to lift them free and carry them to a garage the next morning to get our lock cut.

This tour can't go wrong. We did some touring in the Poitou region several years ago. Amazing little Romanesque churches and no crowds, and beautiful countryside and small roads. We did a lot of one-day out-and-back rides since there was often so much to see in a small area.
I might be looking here for inspiration for next summer.

Thanks Ria - Best to you and Eddie!

Thanks Jacquie - glad to hear of your decision to vaccinate. There is such a demand and consequent short supply in the States - thy were out every time I asked my doctor about it. Ironically, the day I was diagnosed I received notice that my shingles shot was now available!

Re touring without a set plan: as I told Steve, I'm intent to keep my agenda pretty open. It's hard to go too far astray while cycling in France. I've been re-reading Grampies and your recent journals for interesting places/routes I might want to explore. There is such an abundance of inspiration from fellow CycleBlazers.

Thanks Steve! I am intent on not planning too far ahead. I've been reading/re-reading Grampies journals of your travels in France and squirreling aways places/areas I might like to explore.
And a very belated congratulations to you and Dodie on your 50th (soon to be 52nd) wedding anniversary. It looks like you two had the Parisians eating out of your hands!

Hello Keith,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm starting in Angoulême and, after reading your latest journal, think I visit Oradour-sur-Glane. My thoughts were to head back west thru Cognac and maybe Saints before turning south. I'll definitely look into a detour to La Rochelle and Ile de Re - especially if the weather looks promising!
-Susan

Hi Susan,
Welcome to France! You don't say where in the Poitou/ Charentes you are starting, but it matters little, its all beautiful. La Rochelle is one of my favorite cities, and the adjacent Ile de Re is a cyclists paradise. Of course, who could miss Poitiers? Ah, well, you will have a splendid time, and no stress: finding lodging in September shouldn't be a problem.
Bonne Route!
Keith

Have a great time during your biking trip in France! We keep following you!
Ria & Eddy

Your story is yet another one that makes me glad I spent the money to get the new Shingrix vaccine (which wasn't covered by basic or my extended health plans here in BC).

Since you are travelling in the fall, it shouldn't be a problem to book as you go. I agree with Steve. Consider this an opportunity to try a different touring style!

Wishing you luck and fun on your new modified tour. Try to look on the change of plans as an experiment in a different touring style, rather than abandonning your original plans.