La Rochelle

We had time off the saddle today and took the train to La Rochelle.

Despite my advancing years, I have to admit to never having been on a train in France; America yes , Holland yes and even Vietnam yes, but never in France.

It was therefore a bit of a nail biting time, not so much in getting to La Rochelle, but getting things like the tickets validated, the right voiture and place in a busyTGV going to Paris, and getting back to our belongings in Niort with his Lordship leaving it to me with the little knowledge of French that I have.

It was hot in La Rochelle: it was very hot, it was 32 degrees hot.
I was hot and his Lordship, who was a sweater short of his Orkney regalia, was beginning to suffer.
I think it's possible to detect the British, especially the Scots, on holiday who with their seeming inability to realise that sunshine and heat exist, dress for grey skies and rain.

Apparently it will be hot again tomorrow. Cycling to the big Semaine picnic might well be out of our comfort zone.The water bottles will have to be very full.