Pont en Royans

September 15, 2024

A Hike in the Sunshine

What a wonderful day we had. We began with an even more leisurely breakfast than usual, secure in the knowledge that we were here for another day. Three cheers for rest days!

Over breakfast we discussed routing going forward and have made what we hope turn out to be good decisions. That was time well spent. One good laugh, Keith was astonished at how cheap hotels were in Valence. Fortunately he realized he was checking hotels in South America before he booked anything. Once happy with our routing we did a wander about town, which was remarkably lively. I had thought it would be as quiet as only French towns can be on a Sunday, but this is a popular spot.

Sunshine makes us happy and the motorcyclists too. So many ways to have fun.

Then more exploration in this stunning part of France. We decided to hike up to the Belévèdere des 3 Cháteaux. It was a great decision. The sun was out, the temperature was still cool, but we warmed up quickly as the 2.5 km up to the Belévèdere was steep. It started with what felt like hundreds of steps. Then on to a steep trail that was exposed in a few places. For one short stretch it was almost like climbing a ladder. There were so many butterflies which gives me some hope for the planet. When we got to the top it was magnificent. I love hiking.

I am heading down and around to the lookout. This was the only place on the hike with infrastructure. There was a railing for a short distance.

Look at that blue sky and a good looking guy.

The blue ones were so pretty. Actually, they all were.

After that initial ascent we continued to the next peak for more views. The scenery was just fantastic. We hiked for three hours but only managed 9 km. It was pretty slow going both up and down. We stopped at one point for a picnic lunch and it was an opportunity to reflect on our good fortune.

We were puzzled by this as we approached it.

It is a huge water vessel for fighting forest fires.

Keith thought he found a golf ball, unlikely as that would be. He is always looking.

Turned out to be a golf ball sized snail shell. We had a good laugh.

Then onto the valley floor where we paralleled the river and the road for a bit. The scenery was still terrific.

Charlotte and Thomas who were out for the weekend and on their way back to Marseilles today. There would be a train involved. Such a great young couple and a delight to meet.

We were back at the hotel about 4 PM, and we discussed hopping on the bikes and heading down the road for a hour or so, just to see more of this part of the world. Truth in reporting, we had a beer and a good nap instead. That was pretty magnificent too! Our excuse was the wind, which had piped right up, and the number of motorcycles out on a sunny Sunday.

A wonderful dinner and we are ready to ride tomorrow, which also promises to be a beautiful day. Windy though, just to keep things interesting.

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Steve Miller/GrampiesSounds like a great day off bike. It wouldn't work for us though, 'cause of Dodie's knees. Too bad the area is so hilly, otherwise we would love to bike there.
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1 month ago

Anne MathersWhat a fantastic hike you had. Wow! The scenery is stunning. Next time, we will have to check out those trails. I love that place, too. So much, I have made two quilts of it.
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1 month ago

Kathleen ClassenTo Anne MathersI want to see those quilts when we get home!
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4 weeks ago

Kathleen ClassenTo Steve Miller/GrampiesIt is an amazing part of the world. Keith and I were talking today about how grateful we are we don’t have knee problems.
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4 weeks ago

Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Kathleen ClassenBad knees really do suck a lot of the fun out of many places.
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4 weeks ago

Rachael AndersonWhat a fabulous day!
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3 weeks ago