To Susten: A much easier day

August 4, 2016

Today was a very much easier day with none of the steep uphill struggle of yesterday. Infact we had to dawdle along so we didn't get to our accommodation embarrassingly early. Again the weather was glorious with a cloudless sky and no wind at all, it did get rather hot after midday but then we were nearly at the end of the day's ride.

Breakfast was at 7.30 so we were able to get on the busy road before the traffic built up too much. We seemed to fly along and it seemed no time until we were in Brig and onto fantastic cycle tracks. These lasted for nearly all of the rest of the day and what is more the signage and most of the route was largely gently down hill we certainly could have gone a lot further but I had made a booking last night.

It is fascinating how quickly the countryside changes. The real alpine landscape has gone , no longer are all to buildings built of wood and looking just as I have imagined buildings in the high alps should look. The agriculture has increased although farms are still tiny but now the pasture is much better and there is lush lucerne. As we move down the valley vineyards are beginning to appear on the lower slopes. Caring for the vines must be so difficult as the ground is very steep. In the valley bottom industry is increasing. I love watching the Rhone growing. Last night it was wild and noisy and with our window open it sounded as if trains were going by. Today its exuberance has calmed down and now it is wider and quieter, it's colour has changed from the glorious milky blue of a new glacier fed river to a greyer colour

Our accommodation tonight in Susten, a small village just before Sierre is in a BandB. We have a kitchen we can use and English language TV. Tomorrow we really should go a a bit further but this gentle pace is very pleasant and really what we need at the start of a trip.

Pokemon is not just in Brisbane here he is in the High Apls

This lovely French family have been touring for five months. Now they are on their way home to Lyon - they invited us to stay with them if we get there after them.

The first tractor of the tour, Ken hasn't seen one before. Three cylindar, water cooled for those interested!

Today's ride: 45 km (28 miles)
Total: 85 km (53 miles)

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