Category: Uncategorized
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Chateaux
I am home now, comfortably cozy and still in my PJs at this early hour. If you know me at all, you know that I am a completionist. I have so many photos of the three chateaux we managed to see in our two days in the Loire Valley, that I am compelled to share…
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Cognac
We said our farewells to Ken and Cathy at the Bordeaux airport. They were flying to Barcelona and we were picking up our rental car for a shortened run through the Loire valley (chateaux anyone?) and a stop at Martell’s distillery in Cognac, for… well… cognac. We loaded our possessions into a Mazda M2 –…
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Bordeaux and Beyond
We spent a relaxing day in Bordeaux, wandering through the old town which was literally right outside out hotel door. It was rainy for a good part of the morning though hotel umbrellas helped. Some light shopping along Rue St. Catherine, a brief stop in a covered outdoor cafe for perhaps the tastiest chicken wings…
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Into Bordeaux
It was a long, though relatively easy ride into Bordeaux. We began on country roads but travelled most of the 58 km on the Roger Lapebie Cycle Path, so named after the 1937 Tour de France winner. The path was once a train track. Even the stations have been converted to pretty little wine bars…
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St. Emilion Love
Saint-Emilion was founded in the 8th century, by a monk from Brittany who fled his hometown for reasons unknown. He sought refuge in one of the natural caves in the original village called Ascum bas. Unsurprisingly, his name was Emilion. He lived the life of a hermit, though accomplished a few miracles and rapidly became famous.…
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Bourg to St. Emilion – 50km
Riding out of Bourg was easy. Though our stay was at the first of 3 possible hotels and the furthest from our next destination – St. Emilion. This added about 10km to our journey. We rode out of town and along a path by the river in the chilly morning. I was wearing a long…
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Onward
Day 2: Margaux to Bourg – 36km Our departure from our hotel in Margaux was early. We had advance tickets for the ferry to cross the river from the west to the east side. We were riding to a schedule – my least favourite thing as it reduces the time to dawdle and take photos.…
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We Begin
Day 1: Pauillac to Margaux – 45km We have spent a good amount of time on our bikes in the last few days. Between cycling and wine, I have not found time for any updates so today I will endeavour to catch up a bit. The first day’s ride to Margaux was the most challenging…
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It Began In Pouillac
We arrived in Pauillac (pronounced poi-yak) 2 days ago. The cycle tour company sent a car to pick us up at the airport. He managed to cram 4 of us and all of our luggage into a mini station wagon for the one hour drive. I was pretty doubtful about the luggage but it fit…
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They Say It’s Your Birthday
Not mine to be clear. While most of you were busy at home roasting and eating a turkey, we had our own big night out to celebrate Cathy’s birthday. Dinner was planned for a respectable Spanish hour, 10:30 p.m. at Casa Botin. (I can hear you shuddering.) According to the Guinness Book of World Records,…
Adventures of a curious mind 