Sep 21, 2011 - The End of the Myth

Ok, the myth is gone.  Whatever misconceptions I had about the "hills"  of Provence has disappeared and been replaced by huffing, puffing and the granniest of granny gears! Today will be two days combined into one.  I was so tired last night when we got to Gordes, that I could barely make it through dinner!  It was a hilly day and it was also quite warm, so the combination made for some weary folk at the end of the day. We left Pernes to head for Gordes, having picked our poison, so to speak.  There were two routes to choose from:  the...

Sep 19, 2011 - Blown Away

The mistral is a strong, cold, usually dry regional wind in France, coming from the north or northwest which accelerates when it passes through the valley of the Rhone River and affects Provence where it is usually felt as a strong west wind. The mistral is usually accompanied by clear and fresh weather, and it plays an important role in creating the climate of Provence. That is what we experienced today! We were able to ride a short while with the mistral at our backs, but more often it was a headwind or a crosswind, requiring low gears or...

Sep 18, 2011 - A Wet Day

Be careful, because you might get what you ask for! Saturday was hot and muggy. Sunday was cold and rainy. We awoke to a downpour that did not look fun to ride through. But today was a transfer day, so we needed to get from Vaison la Romaine to Pernes les Fontaines - a 60 km journey. We met up with the other couple that is doing a part of our tour with us, Geoff and Sue from Vancouver, B.C. and decided to ride together. The rain let up a bit, so we decided to go for it. The camera stayed in the luggage, the rain pants went into the...

Nov 13, 2007 - Pernes les Fontaines

Arrived at sarah and peter's after lunch. seems very strange to be taking clothes and stuff out of the camper but it will be very nice to be inside a solid building. The Mistral has been blowing for the past few days so sleeping in the camper has been a bit like being in a gently rocking boat due to the strong North wind that has been blowing. It seems the road up Mont Ventoux has been closed as a motorhome was blown over by a 100mph gust of wind yesterday!