Catching Up!

Wifi interruptions have made updating not an option for a little bit - apologies back home! But, here we gooooo! A couple days ago was the Cirque de Navacelles. Leaving our village and riding in and out of the Cévennes national park, the temperature was perfect, air was clear and sun was shining.

Climbing to the top of a plateau, the scenery turned into what looked almost like rolling grass lands, including buffalo ranches.

(The first of many climbs in the day)

The rolling fields quickly gave was to thick forested gorges.

After a nice little descent, we came to our first coffee stop of the day. While I can't remember the name of the town, one of the buildings on this square was for sale - and my guess it was going for a song.

(while my bike was still working . . . )

Back on the road, and a climb out of the village back to the top of the plateau.

(our next little col)

(B and Susan leading the group)

Lunch under the shade of some old trees, and a little creek to provide a little cool.

And another little col after lunch. Which is when my day got a little frustrating . . .

(I like the bike and fountain pic better)

(A reminder of the impact of WW 1 on these little villages. The Bourrie family lost three people in 1915 another in 1916, still another in 1917. The Barral family lost three in 1916 and another two in 1918. Entire families lost).

And then we move on to the highlight of the day, the Cirque de Navacelles. I wish the beauty of it came through the photos. It is completely breathtaking. The ride took us all the way down to the village, and then right back up the other side.

(B headed down)

(The top of climb was painfully steep - maybe some of the steepest we have seen on our tours)

(looking back from the top)

Team Barron feeling a little worn out by that climb

We stopped to regroup, and looked across the road to see this artist studio. Your guess is as good as ours as to what this.

And on to home for the night.

The hotel was an old wine making estate, which sounds a little nicer than it actually was. But, the grounds were beautiful and the old buildings were classic to the French countryside.

Dinner was completely different. A large BBQ set up in the middle of the courtyard, with all kinds of things from meat to veggies laid on. We just grabbed what we wanted through the evening - and topped it off with marshmallows.

(a lot of sheep in the area)

(owner, chef, resident funky lady commanding the grill)