What a Day!

September 27, 2014
In the woods near Lyon, France



Breakfast!

I decided to go the longer, quieter route today and what a difference it made. I was pedaling up the road and saw a woman watching me out the window, so I did my usual wave. I'm a friendly gal:). By the time I was in front of the house she, her husband, and daughter were by the gate to see me go by. So I stopped to chat. And got invited in to lunch. I hesitated because I have this date with Lyon for repairs, but decided quickly that I had time. So we rolled Blaze into the courtyard. I spent a delightful couple of hours with John Luc, Marie Christine (I think), Sandra, and Luc...their kids.


You know I love to talk but my lips move faster than my mind and I jumble all the tenses up. But they seem to understand. We had lettuce and vegetables from a garden, her father's I think. And roasted duck, which I've never had before but was delicious. And green beans from a garden. Dessert was fromage blanc, white cheese, which is freshly made cheese not yet aged or hardened. It was delicious! I also got some help on a route into Lyon which Luc printed out for me. So off I went papers in hand, worried that he was sending into the mountains and the roads would be steep. I was right! They were! Thanks Luc:). Some were so steep that I would set my eyes on a point 50 ft ahead and push to get there before I could stop. Up and up these quiet, beautiful single lane paved roads. Up into farmland and views.



And then a big road and a several mile downhill to end the day! Yippee!

Found a woods with tables and a bathroom for the night. And as this family was leaving they were admiring Blaze so I went over to talk. Everyone wanted a ride and of course I said Yes. The kids too! Such fun. They even invited me to come and stay at their house for the night, but alas it was getting late and I was mentally and physically done for the day...but the offer warmed my heart, and I told them. Didn't get names. Oops! But they're going to make a BagLady banner tomorrow for me to see if I ride by:)). I hope I do. This is when I don't like deadlines. Have to push on to Lyon.



Livin' the life,

BagLady

Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman

Fun Kids!

September 26, 2014
St Symphorien de Lay, France



Been finding some great camping spots: outside the walls of a medieval town last night and in a town park with bathrooms (water, power, cold showers) tonight. Both times led here by locals. It pays to talk to people.

I got some "fromage de chèvre" (goat cheese) the other day and made my version of Mac and cheese last night: macaroni, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and goat cheese...yum!



Today while I was hanging out in a small town eating flan from the patisserie for breakfast a group of people stopped to chat. Oh, my French is so broken but I do try and tell what I'm doing. It was 2 social workers with kids from a special school in that town. Mostly early teens. They were such fun! The kids were shy but I was able to get a couple of them to try and ride Blaze. Oh the smiles! And they all had a bit of English that they spoke to me. We shook hands and shared names (but you know my memory:))...Marion was one of the adults. I have a picture I'll share if they're able to get the parents permission. But at least I have that photo for my memories even if I can't post it. That's why I travel!! To see those smiles and the joy I'm able to bring for just a moment. Thank you for stopping to chat with me...it made my day!!!!!


Then on to the laundromat! Oh happy day! Found it okay. And a smartly dressed woman was there doing some washing and showed me how it worked. But she misunderstood the soap bins and I only had soap in the prewash (I found out later reading the wall sign). And then I put my 2 sleeping bags (a 50* and a 30*...gotta control my temps) in their own dryer. I had scrubbed my Chaco hiking sandals to use as tennis balls. Too bad I didn't worry enough about making sure they were thoroughly dry. They aren't. So here I lay tonight in two damp down bags hoping my body heat helps finish the job. I tried to use the sun this afternoon, but no luck. But at least the bites seem to have eased up.

Livin' the life,

BagLady

Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman