Wind, Rain, Cold and Caves

Our departure from Frigeac comprised of a 100 meter ride to a wonderful bakery to purchase breakfast to consume in the bar across the road where coffee (and tea) was enjoyed by all. All the time, storm clouds were gathering and when lightning and thunder struck to accompanying torrential rain, we simply ordered more coffee (and tea) and waited for conditions to improve.

And improve they did to allow us to roll out of Frigeac in a light shower and some 18 degrees, all wearing our very best wet weather jackets.

We exited the city and linked up with some very quiet meandering (and sometimes undulating) roads and largely tracked the river on our way to our lunch destination of Cirq la Popie as the weather was closing in.

We had a look around the village and had coffee (and tea) at a delightful little place. We again attracted much attention including from an American group who were desperate to know the results from the Men's World Road Racing Championships.

Unfortunately, the member of our group who they first approached not only did not know who won, but did not even know the Championships had just been conducted in Australia - guess who it was. They finally asked Peter who was able to provide all the details.

From there, we commandeered a vacant area of a restaurant and enjoyed a lunch provided by Phil S catering services. It was a sight to behold.

Craig also ran into a guy he regularly plays golf with in Brisbane - small world indeed.

From there, we made our way to Grotte du Pech-Merle where we enjoyed an educational tour of the ancient caves dating back 30,000 years. Incredible, even if the tour was narrated in French.

Our target then was our overnight destination of Cahors. As the rain and wind increased and the chill factor climbed, Peter was keen to ensure we had accommodation near the train station.

Taking Colin for assistance, they took to the van and headed for Cahors to ensure the rooms were booked and bags were in rooms when the drenched and cold cyclist arrived. Colin was quick to volunteer for the job. He thinks his body fat percentage has dropped so low that any rain and wind chills him to the bone and he was not looking forward to the final 20 k's. But his discomfort was nothing compared to Craig, Mick, Ern and Damian who fought
extraordinarily wet, windy and cold conditions over the final 25 kilometres into Cahors. A brave and courageous effort indeed and one that could hardly be described as pleasant.

Yet again, the roads and sights of France have thrown us another completely different experience today.

On arrival in Cahors, a laundromat was found and our lunch left overs were consumed along with a dozen or so beers. Some locals using the laundromat were a little amused at the party taking place by these strange Aussies. The beer we were enjoying was the local brew called Ratz and Mick added musical accompaniment of Frank Zappa'a Hot Ratz album to complete the laundering occasion - surreal.

From there we moved to the local pub (and just about the only place open on a Monday evening) for the most standard meal we have had so far - except for Ern who decided tonight was the night to try Cheval (horse). Others had burgers while one of us had salmon. Fine wine was also enjoyed in what was yet another Rose and anchovy free evening (Peter is coming good - unlike in 2006 when he apparently converted many to the "joys" of Rose).

A question was asked following last nights post about the number of people Craig has said hello too. Craig has been at his sociable and communicative best and as also mentioned previously, his means of supplementing verbal communication with non verbal communication techniques is a sight to see and cannot be described here. But it basically works. Unfortunately, perhaps the number of responses he receives is far less than the approaches he makes.

We have a train transfer tomorrow and a hope for less challenging weather.

There is an update to the Food 0n Tour and Gallery pages.

Thanks again for reading and your feedback and comments are much valued.

We will be in Paris on Friday however have much to experience in the meantime.