Gorging

The photos took a long time to upload last night, so this is a quick pre-ride post the following day. It was by almost everyone's account the most beautiful ride they had ever been on. We did a loop following two different gorges, the Gorge de Jonte and the Gorges du Tarn. The rock formations were absolutely incredible, crystal clear rivers flowing gently, and towns perched on steep hills and cliffs. Pictures and words can't do it justice, unfortunately. But, I've posted a bunch to try to give the flavor.

(war memorial outside of our hotel)

(welcome kitty)

(view from the coffee stop)

After coffee, we made the turn from the Gorge de Jonte to the Gorges du Tarn.

(Can't really see them in the photo, but the river is packed full of trout)

(honestly don't know what this is about!)

(Died with honor as a member of the French Resistance)

(Died while a prisoner while fighting for the French Resistance)

Lunch!

(a "Shortcut" if we wanted. No thanks)

We did one big-ish climb today. Lunch was waaaaay down there along the river on the left. You can get a sense of scale from this photo. We are around 1,000 feet up at this point.

Drinks were well earned today and enjoyed.