As our departure from Vail approached we watched the local weather. It was hot, how hot, to quote Robin Williams in Good Morning Viet Nam crotch pot cooking. It has been a long dry summer everywhere in Europe and the Dordogne was no exception. The river is as low as any locals can recall with daytime temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (triple digits on our side of the pond). Global warming is no hoax with an expectation that temps in Paris could exceed 50 degrees in a few years. In a world without air conditioning life can be miserable in this excessive heat. Fortunately the heat has broken with a wet cooling trend upon our arrival. We don't ride if it is too hot or too wet so we are hoping for the best.
A closer shot of our house. We are on the upper level with the east facing terrace which is ideal for watching the river activity below.
Our goal besides eating, drinking, and riding is making new friends along the way. We connect with Ed and Mel through a Facebook group of English speakers in the Dordogne. One thing we have learned over the years is that everyone has a story and they were no exception. Originally from Kansas City (Kansas, not Missouri) but have been hopscotching around the globe for decades. Our plan was to meet along our ride but when the weather did not cooperate they agreed to come to our place for coffee and pastry, and several hours of conversation.
After Ed and Mel left and the rain passed we decided that a ride (even a short one) was calling. Kim made a quick stop to shed her jacket as the day warmed and pavement dried.
Heading south on the D57 from Castelnaud took us along a very familiar route. Daglan is one of our favorite villages, of which there are many, and perfect for a photo op.
This out and back took us to one of our favorite coffee stops and perfect place to turn around for our short 20 mile ride. Was great getting back in the saddle after almost a week off.
The rest of the day was dedicated to snacking, intoxication, and meager dinner before taking to our beds for the night. Drinks on the terrace watching the river and endless parade of canoes paddling down was the ideal drink spot.
No day is complete without a selection of pastries.
The rain returned today, Friday, with a vengeance although we made it to La Roque for our lunch appoint dry but chilled.
This entrance to the municipal building is a recent addition this year. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Ali and Rob, two Brits we met at the same location last year who have a house in Domme and farm in Bristol. We may see them again if they are back in France in mid-September.
