So today we (Le Tank) and I got down to the proper job of cycling. Plan was to, in the main, take the EV 6 all the way from Nevers to Paray LM. Set off at 8 and made good time Along the canal lateral a Loire.
Not long after we set off, I got talking to Janet and Stephan (picture below) – they are doing the same journey as I am, except all at once!! Chapeau to them. They set off from St Brevin 8 days ago – so are a making a good fist of it so far.
They were lovely, but slightly weird. This made me think that possibly I was the same, old, sort of lovely, but odd! Maybe I am. In any case we chatted and pedalled for a bit and then, as I am not old, I sped off. 5 mins later they overtook me!! Bloody French pensioners!
First stop today was in Decize – where, as was the formula the last time I did this, bought a baguette with frontage and jambon, and an eclair! That would be my fuel until lunch.
This one was flying the Stars and Stripes!
After Decize things got a bit tricky…the day became a day of learning. And as the day progressed I learned the following:
- French nature can kill you.
- I do not suffer hayfever at home – but here I am absolutely dying!! It’s the trees apparently! And it appears I am very allergic – pharmacy tomorrow.
- Ive seen more wild snakes here than I did the entire time I was travelling round India! Ok, so I’ve seen one, and it was dead on the road, clearly squashed by a car (good) but it was big and that is not good – I feel I am allergic to that also.
- Finally my theory that I am impervious to the sun is wrong – I am badly burned!! Idiot!! Pharmacy tomorrow.
Rising above all of his danger I pedalled on. And after 60 miles or so had made it to Digoin. A place of relative importance, for me anyway, as it is here we say 
goodbye to the Loire and hello to the Canal de Centre.
Tonights the first night under canvass – not something I love, but a financial necessity. Fingers crossed for a decent kip.
Here’s some other randomness of the day.
TZontour 