Of course today didn’t turn out as planned! Up at 5 working, washing and packing up to be out for I didn’t know how long as dropping the car at mechanics at 8am! Then on foot…..

The blood red sun rising in the east! locked up at 7.45am and raced downstairs to take the car to the doctor! All I can say is the car won this one – 30 minutes later I was still sitting in the garage! She wasn’t going to start.

So back to work, sneaking down every half hour to see if I could get a different result, but no. I rang the mechanic and said I can’t come today….he asked when will I bring it? Say no more, Roland arrives tonight (taxi from the airport now) and a job for tomorrow!

So getting a little sick of my own company – I decided to leap on a bus to Valletta – I know those ones work as planned.

Airconditioned and stress free! First stop Malta transport to renew my travel pass. BLUE is the colour of old people in Malta – My last ID card and travel pass were green, the new 60+ ones are blue! I am now a fully fledged old person! In Malta an old person with benefits – cheaper buses, ferries (if not free) and entry to all the historical sights!

Then through the gates of Valletta to a very bustling city around noon (two cruise ships in port today).

Looking down on what was the moat outside the walls that enclose the city.

A bustling little market street as I entered full of bras and undies basking in the sun! 90% of the stall holders were selling smalls – nevertheless it was very colourful!

My mission now was to find an old persons fold out paper map of Malta and Gozo – I know you can get everything on your phone, but in Malta it is not wise to look at phone and drive! So I wandered down the Main Street…

This place, the high court – Kevin and I battled it out with local crooked property developers for a period of three years in this building (Kevin more than me – I only went once) That was an experience we don’t want to repeat – but we did win that one in the end.

And the boat people queuing up to take a tour of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta

The others all eating lunch in the big outdoor square (those that weren’t in the hundreds of crappy tourist shops) I found my map so Jill and I will have fun joining the dots (with roadworks diversions) when she arrives next week. Feeling in need of a sit down (a peaceful one) I wandered off the main drag…

And found the perfect cafe (only selling coffee cake and cold drinks) in a stairway to the sea…

Left and front – that was me with clouds minimalising the heat and a breeze (warm) blowing up the narrow street…

Enough of wandering aimlessly, I headed to take the ferry to the three old cities (on my side of town)

Birgu to the left, Senglea to the right and Bormla in the middle –

This one’s for you Trud – the crane giraffe still stretching its neck in the maintenance docks! Some things don’t change!

And now begins my next story – When Russ, Trudi and I stayed in Senglea four years ago, Trudi and I befriended an old lady (ok so now I’m old too) called Carmen and she had a cat called Duffy (we often talk about this as it was an amazing experience as she was a concert pianist in Italy for many years and she gave us a private concert at the time) . Twice, since I’ve been here, I have gone past her house and yelled (like an idiot) at her balcony “Carmen, Duffy” no response! But today, as I landed off the ferry quite near, I thought I’d give it one more go.., but first…

These! Quite hot and sweaty upon arriving outside her house, again I did my calls to the balcony, then thought I’d bang on the door! Only to be answered by a very protective and loud dog barking inside! Certainly not a cat called Duffy! There was a local lady walking (very slowly) up the street so I asked her if the lady still lived here! She said she stays sometimes across the road at a ground level maisonette!

I was nearly there! I knocked on this door – and there she was , I mentioned Sue and Trudi from New Zealand and I was swept in the door for a good old catch up! She had her wrist in plaster as she had sat on a chair (at the cafe/bar up the road that Russ used to frequent) and fell off about a month ago! We took a couple of selfies for Trudi – but not to be shared in public!

It appears Duffy (the cat) wandered off and joined the street cat gang and Carmen adopted a very protective(and loud) chihuahua dog! So I’m very happy she is alive and well!

The return trip down the stairs, cool beer at the Alice springs cafe, and bus home went well..clearly advising the driver I needed to get off at Paola! No extra leg work needed, apart from a side trip to the supermarket to stock up on essentials – beer and butter!!!

Malta has had two years without their traditional “Feasts” which are celebrated through the summer months, so this year when life is back to normal, it is with a vengence!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s people living life and to the fullest and it’s wonderful to be in the middle of it again after the kiwi aftermath of lockdowns!

However being somewhat apprehensive about driving a car that may decide to stop on me at any time, I decided Sunday was a good day to get on top of my end of month work, so spend most of the day hunkered in front of my computer under the air conditioning! Accompanied to the music of fireworks from 8am all day – the last round jolting me out of a deep sleep at 10.30pm and thundering overhead(it seemed in my head) until 11pm. Yes we have double glazing thank goodness! I am thinking the animals around here must be nervous wrecks after the last four days.

So this morning I was up and at it (work) at 5.30am until around lunchtime, having booked the car in tomorrow at an auto electricians to check the starter thing, not too far away, as I have to be there by 8 o’clock.

Feeling like I needed to get out of the house, I checked the car and she started but left her safely in her garage and set off on foot to ensure I know where I am going tomorrow. Through my town of Paola….

Past the local primary school, from one end to the other of Fgura (the next town) and down the hill towards the three old cities and the Grand Harbour! Found the street of the mechanics, and it is a street with several mechanics, number 17 is what I was looking for (and yes there is a garage there) but google maps actually brings up the one I rang at number 45 – I will need to allow myself extra time in the morning in case I need to visit a few before I find the one I rang!

I continued on down the hill…

Through St Helens gate to the first old City of Cospicua(Bormla) – the old stomping ground where I stayed with mum about 9 years ago (where we also had toilet and water issues). It was fairly warm and sweaty by this time – having marched 3-4 kms – so I sat under the trees at the end of the docks with a few old men to cool off!

The American university on the old WWII dock site to the left and Birgu and Senglea(the other old cities of this trio) in the distance.

The Rouge Cafe was calling with its two for one cocktails as all I could think of was a cool long Pina Colada! However at 2pm in the afternoon, in the shade of umbrellas and breeze from the fan, I sensibility opted for a cappuccino while I waited for the next bus through to complete my outing! Didn’t fancy another 4ks uphill on foot!

Confidently leaping on the bus, which said Valletta via Paola (my town) I settled into the airconditioned bus (well actually was under the air conditioning as I had water dripping on me)

Nearing my destination I pressed the button and got ready to stand up and get off a mere 500 meters from home. Much to my surprise the bus roared past the stop and down the hill… oh no I was going to end up in Valletta! I jumped up and swung (off the rails) to the front and yelled through the glass…can you stop please I want to get out at Paola! About a kilometre down the hill he swung to a stop, in the middle of the road and let me out! It could have been worse, only a kilometre uphill climb!

Lesson learned, don’t believe anything you read! We’ll, I guess it was correct we did go via Paola – just didn’t stop! Maybe the buzzers are malfunctioning in the heat as well as cars and water pumps!

Since the water maintenance day, running against the clock, we have had action packed days and nights!

Thursday saw the start of the Paola(fiesta) activities….church bells ringing from daylight well into the night accompanied by the loud thunder of fireworks, randomly any time of the day – 8am and 11pm! (And more)

As they say if you can’t beat them, join them! So we did 9pm Thursday night we ventured out into the streets of action….

The roads all closed and tables, people, music, lights and bunting everywhere!

The church decorated with Christmas lights and colour

Bands marching up the street – blasting out music!

And George marching with them – actually by this stage we were just walking home to be serenaded to sleep with the next hour or two of fireworks!

Friday morning, I was working and George had one more mission to the roof (to CRC the water pump motor) we are not talking about water at this stage as the problem is currently averted and we don’t want to jinx it! My appointment to collect my Maltese passport passed without any major event, George finalised some more travel bookings for his next two months and in the (hot) afternoon we went to the beach for some rock swimming (George) and floating (Sue).

Georges last night here in Malta was celebrated in Valletta with his chauffeur and travel guide (Rebecca)

and his Maltese Mama (Anna) at a nice restaurant for dinner and drinks!

And of course his own Mama! The Taproom – still the best mussels in Malta – we dined here three years ago on our last visit and it’s still just as good!

Valletta was buzzing and after dinner we had drinks at a nearby bar, very friendly characters and unusual dress sense – the tall boy in a flowing dress took rather a shine to George!! Who was well protected by his family of course!

Midnight looming – and as George and I had bussed in, Rebecca very kindly dropped us home. Great sleep had by all after lots of laughs and good food!

This morning rose with the pink heat haze promising to be another very warm day! Packing for George and sheet washing for me! Then off to Marsacala for a big English breakfast/lunch! Only to find that town also has a weekend fiesta and all streets near the waterfront closed for parking…was a bit of a challenge and walk (in the heat) to our favourite spot! Coffee and breakfast for lunch was just what we needed – the sweat running into our eyes and soaking our shirts! By the time I parked at the airport it was very warm, went in to farewell (5 minutes) and returned to a car that decided not to start! Alone! In the heat – panic call to Roland who gave me his roadside assistance contact details! They will be sorry that they accommodated their annoying sister in law!

The key was just clicking but car not firing – at first I thought flat battery but the dash lights came on – so key in – key out – rest – hold my mouth in a different way – for half an hour (ok by now I was as wet as if I had just got out of the sea) and just when Vivienne (the car) thought she had won the battle I got a fire up! Foot down rev up, out of the car park and strait home to her garage! One little wrong turn but circled a roundabout and back en route!

So here I am in the air conditioned cool of the apartment – no TV coz the cable box also decided to turn its toes up (this one will be sorted when Rols returns next week) Iced lemonade devoured and washing dry! There are beds to make and books to read – but right now it’s feet up and not touching anything I can break! While George will be just landing in Sicily on the start of his month long adventure in the Balkins!

George is getting the real Maltese experience! Home and car maintenance abounds!

Vivienne (the car) has developed a vibration on the bumpy roads and her remote decided it would no longer work! This was yesterday!

We walked to Paola shops around midday and sorted the remote issue – new batteries! And realised we are in for a noisy weekend – it seems the local fiesta is on!

Bunting abounds!

Everywhere is gold and streamers and flags – and of course deep into the night “the fireworks”

Back to the maintenance – the noise – we took the car to a garage and a very kind man checked the tyres and gave it a good pull around and advised if it continues see a mechanic! Needed Kevin’s help here – he rang their mechanic and we were booked in for a check at 1pm today…in the meantime

After a swim yesterday afternoon I put thru a load of washing – then the pump decided to have a sleep, on the roof 5th level – ladder and George climbing. So we had cold mains water in the kitchen sink, but the rest of the house, showers, toilets washing etc only had a trickle – and no hot water! By this time it was dark and I wasn’t sending George on the roof!

I rang our neighbour below and he suggested that we wait for a couple of hours to see if the tank was empty and might restart. 10 hours later, and no flushing, still no water!

I rang the emergency plumber who talked George through resetting the pump (on the roof) – just to mention earlier I had had an excursion up there too…but the vertical climb made me dizzy! Good view from up there, I did take a moment! And we had water again! So off george went to the gym and I worked until around midday when George managed a shower before the pump went off again!

Another call to the plumber (still no shower for me) and he said to restart again and get some CRC and spray around the pump in case dust is jamming it! Water back on for now! No time for shower off to mechanic in 1pm traffic – google maps took us to a very industrial area – north – wrong place! But the man there showed George on map where his namesake was! Who would have thought there were two “Emy’s Garages” we had actually driven right past the correct one!

We left the car with our Emy and went and found a cafe – had the worst latte ever – two shots of black coffee and milk poured out of the carton – kind of tasted like dishwater!

No problem found – all wheels off – brakes checked, oil and engine fluid topped up and at least an hour of his time for €20 ($35NZ) what a deal! And the vibration we can still hear – but we don’t need to worry!

Close to my Cousins – we went there and George caught the bus into Valletta to meet his friend! I caught up with Anna, Sam and Rebecca and the drive home around 4.30pm via the supermarket!

Only to find, nope my dramas weren’t over! My NZ phone was missing! Retraced my steps….car,cousins, cafe, mechanics and was about to go to supermarket when I decided to check that I could remember my Apple login if I needed to buy a new phone and set it up! In the login in process – joy I heard a ping! And there it was on Kevin’s desk – I must have left it behind in our rush to get to mechanics!

Still no shower – but beer open – and water not guaranteed – Georges job in the morning is to (once again) get on the roof and CRC the pump! Actually not my happiest day on tour!

Left Fumel at 11.30 to grab lunch before I boarded my first Train at 1.20pm…three course lunch (as my only meal of the day) last course, a French tart!

The Boys took me to the nearest train station as I farewelled the now familiar landmarks.

First train a one carriage affair, not very full and very comfortable (thank you very much) Yours truly waving goodbye – the boys probably sighing with relief as they now have a few days where they don’t have to translate for and entertain for the old rellie! Had a great time tho!

A little shut eye in the very quiet electric train – and passed some lovely countryside, rivers lakes and through tunnels and forests! By the time we reached Agen, I had 10 minutes to get to the next platform (carriage 15 – very large train arriving from Paris en route to Toulouse)

An Englishman jumped off the little train before me and heard me asking which platform – he said follow me – lugging bags I did. Out of 20 odd carriages – each seating about 80(or more) people, he and I were in the same one. Not only that he actually had the seat next to me (an English speaking human) Actually a lawyer from UK born in Crete, who travels all over the world – off to Seattle next week! Need I say more – he talked the full trip (over an hour)

Then we said goodbye – he in a rush to get to the Airport – me to catch my breath! Again, young and old in Toulouse could not speak English – but in wandering around (in circles) I found a coffee and the shuttle bus stop! Actually trucking around with a heavy Rolly bag was not much fun, so I leapt on the next bus that said airport!

And here I am – two hours later – through customs and sitting quietly waiting for the gate to come up on the departure board – on the final leg to Malta!

George picking me up – he better have a cold beer in the fridge! She’s been a long day!

I did leave a little kiwi in Fumel – tea towel from countdown in Orewa – that the boys in there artistic talent have framed and it now holds pride of place in the loo!

On that note – let the final journey begin!

Left Fumel at 11.30 to grab lunch before I boarded my first Train at 1.20pm…three course lunch (as my only meal of the day) last course, a French tart!

The Boys took me to the nearest train station as I farewelled the now familiar landmarks.

First train a one carriage affair, not very full and very comfortable (thank you very much) Yours truly waving goodbye – the boys probably sighing with relief as they now have a few days where they don’t have to translate for and entertain for the old rellie! Had a great time tho!

A little shut eye in the very quiet electric train – and passed some lovely countryside, rivers lakes and through tunnels and forests! By the time we reached Agen, I had 10 minutes to get to the next platform (carriage 15 – very large train arriving from Paris en route to Toulouse)

An Englishman jumped off the little train before me and heard me asking which platform – he said follow me – lugging bags I did. Out of 20 odd carriages – each seating about 80(or more) people, he and I were in the same one. Not only that he actually had the seat next to me (an English speaking human) Actually a lawyer from UK born in Crete, who travels all over the world – off to Seattle next week! Need I say more – he talked the full trip (over an hour)

Then we said goodbye – he in a rush to get to the Airport – me to catch my breath! Again, young and old in Toulouse could not speak English – but in wandering around (in circles) I found a coffee and the shuttle bus stop! Actually trucking around with a heavy Rolly bag was not much fun, so I leapt on the next bus that said airport!

And here I am – two hours later – through customs and sitting quietly waiting for the gate to come up on the departure board – on the final leg to Malta!

George picking me up – he better have a cold beer in the fridge! She’s been a long day!

I did leave a little kiwi in Fumel – tea towel from countdown in Orewa – that the boys in there artistic talent have framed and it now holds pride of place in the loo!

On that note – let the final journey begin!

Last night we went for a walk around 7pm to try and find some air! Still 38degress in the shade – town empty but up by the castle, in the shade…..Petangue!

A village gathering – this was the place to be! Trudi you would have got excited!!!! Not my thing but great to see humans had ventured outside in the heat! Strolling around (in the shade) we found the music amphitheatre of Fumel….

And ducking between trees these ancient specimens

Having stretched the legs it was back to sleep to awaken to a cooler morning….work done and, as it is my last day in France, the boys had a plan..

First stop, buy paint for shutters, and then a picnic lunch to take to the cathedral on the top of a hill in Penne-d’Agenais….

As with all villages in this area – park at the bottom and walk up….

An ancient village on a steep hillside. At the top of the hill above the village is the substantial basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude, surrounded by plenty of open areas suitable for our picnic. The basilica is a 20th century construction (built between 1897 and 1948) that attempts to combine elements from roman architecture with elements from the byzantine style: not necessarily in fitting with the French Gothic with its silver dome – but amazing views of the surrounding countryside!

Not quite at the top….but she was a fairly vertical climb so needed a photo break!

And the cemetery on the top of the shill shaped like the front of a ship!

The Basilica through the trees – front side so can’t see the silver dome.

Picnic time – lighten our loads – drinks in my pack and Rols carrying the food!

The view from the basilica to the lower town of Penne-d’Agenais with our LOT river running through.

Inside the church – I had no shoulder covering so just a quick peek of the stained glass windows!

Around the back of the church and we can catch a glimpse of the silent dome!

Underground caves that, from what I could decipher, are ancient burial grounds…we could then climb up further onto the highest rocky point…

Facing the sun and looking down on the Basilica

A little obscured by trees

Here is a panoramic view from the lookout looking up the Lot et Garonne (valley) to Fumel in the distance.

It was then down on hot slippery cobblestones – baby steps so as not to end up in the sitting position!

Gardens and flowers abound this town are just gorgeous with ….

Greenery and colour!

This one we didn’t go up – but again “the plants” the cutest village!

It was then off to the next town to look for more paint (undercoat seems to be in short supply in this part of the world) Villeneuve-sur-Lot – a larger town. The equivalent of Bunnings —— but look

A toilet seat for every occasion! And other bathroom supplies I dare not bore you with!

High on my mind, as we parked and began our stroll around the old town was a coffee – a big one! Any coffees I have managed to find in this area have been Small cups, half full and barely a mouthful!

The town square – and finally a water feature that is flowing – I have seen a lot here but most not active! We sat at the far side under the arches (in the shade) and finally a flat white (large) and full to the brim! The Boys had a panache (shandy)

Walking the block down the old town streets, before the siesta time was over – not many people and lots of abandoned shops – COVID has done it’s damage in this part of the world too!

We returned around 4pm, Kev got on with prep work on his shutters, I attempted to pack a 10kg bag for tomorrows journey – gave up and had a beer, dinner (and desert)! My first train is not until 1pm tomorrow- so have time to work, zip it up, lunch and leave this magical place!

The Lot river begins in the Cévennes mountains, flowing west through Quercy, and our little town of Fumel, and joins the Garonne River near Aiguillon, a total distance of 485 kilometres.

Today we took a 14km cruise on a bateaux from Fumel, gaining a whole new perspective of the French countryside. Luckily Roland booked as full tour (44 people). The Sun on our side as we left Fumel – sun blocked on our right sides! I think I was the only non French speaking Patron and the guide(woman) gave a rolling commentary for the two hours.. useful information translated to me by Roland and Kev. The rest of my story will be the sights from this trip with the odd snippet of info!

We motored out of Fumel – with a 50 horse power Motor? Captain protected from the sun by a turquoise umbrella!

Riverside mansion privately owned – this one we can see from our side of the river.

Under a bridge (newish) build to divert trucks and large vehicles from having to pass through the narrow streets of Fumel – kayaks for hire at rivers edge, a number of which we passed further up on our journey.

This tower is a Gite or holiday home for rent rising out of the rivers edge.

My right side view on the way up was mainly bush as forests, wildlife and the odd kayak…until we arrived at the loch…

Here you can see the dam that holds the water in the higher regions of the river.

About to enter the loch – our end opened and water empties to our level, we enter, this is closed and the other end opens (slowly) and the loch fills up until are at the higher level of the upper side ( this is repeated in reverse on the way back)

It was very hot and airless when closed inside the loch.

It was a happy day for the Tournesols (sunflowers) all turned towards the sky!

A man fishing on the side, actually snagged a small one – big net tiny fish!

Back into the loch on return

Gates closing behind as water let out the other end and lowers us to the river level.

This castle – privately owned, was huge and the information I gathered is that the owner also purchased the land on the other side of the river (to the top of large hill) that is all in forest so that now one could destroy his view!

A perfect Mirror day if you look closely you can see the ducks and geese sheltering in the shade at the waters edge.

A small village out of Fumel (that we rode our bikes through last week)

And near Fumel – which main industry was a steel mill, now closed, this building on the hill and at riverside harboured a cable car which transferred a special mineral (they used in the steel) to boats to be transported to the mill on the other side of Fumel town.

And two hours later – our village on the hill – we are back, Sue needing a bathroom and tummies needing some food! The temperature now showing 38 degrees. The plan this afternoon was to spend it at the local pool, however after a great lunch prepared by Rols, we all decided a lie down in the cool was more favoured!

Today was walk day(mostly). They say you always see more on foot and get the feel of your neighbourhood. This morning I took myself off uphill (rather than down) while it was still coolish.

Narrow little streets – very quiet on a Saturday morning and still plenty of shade to walk in.

Memorial to the soldiers in WW1, over a century ago

In this park at the top of the hill, attempting to keep my bearings turned left to attempt a loop walk!

Side trip through the old cemetery – these are all family graves (like small houses) most adorned with ceramic poppies.

I then wandered past the big more modern high school devoid of life as closed now for the summer two months. With a little help from google maps took another left to head back into the town

Past a sports complex – gates open so took a wander around looking for the rugby ground – none in sight! So not sure what Rugby means on this sign.

Downhill from here – past the cute little houses into the Main Street. Then to the bottom of town to the only Tabac store for supplies – twice the price of Malta! Unfortunately it was then uphill all the way to Kevin and Rols house to meet up for the planned excursion to Bonaguil Medieval Castle set on a hill in forests about 20 minute drive away.

We park at the bottom and I could see there was some serious uphill ahead of me!

Built in the 13th century then modified and extended in the late 15th and early 16th centuries by Baron Bérenger de Roquefeuil, this fortress was never once the target of a military attack, thanks to its impressive defence system. At least an arduous climb only to be confronted with moats and drawbridges…

But first lunch at the cafe, a hamburger on the menu for me – as this midday meal has quickly become my main meal of the day.,.then it was up….

Cobbled streets (through the village) where people live and actually take up cars (small ones)

Quaint homes and hillside gardens!

Roland the photographer as we got to the fortress walls!

More up – water supply (a little green)

The church outside the fort

Accompanying cemetery – I’m getting the feeling cemeteries are all on top of hills in this area!

The fortress walls and where the moat used to be! Highly impassable! Having done our own foot tour we didn’t take the guided one and it was back down (cautiously as the cobbles now heating become very slippery for my Birks)

The view out over the forests and down the valley (from whence we had come) old rusted iron crucifix outside the most wall – without a story for what it was used for!

Back to the car park and these guys…

Goats cheese a very popular product in this region. Kevin then drove us on some more (narrow) country roads. The overcast morning had now broken out into full afternoon sunshine and the Tournesols (fields of sunflowers)now all smiling to the sky. On our way out they had their sad faces on (no sunshine) and all had their heads bowed down. I really understand the meaning of their French name – “turns towards the sun” as when there are full fields you can really appreciate their yellow flowers when the sun is beaming down and the are beaming up!

One thing Russ and I always wanted to do was watch the Tour de France when in this country- today I ticked the box! Kev put on his sports hat and took me to view this phenomenon!

This morning we went grocery shopping at Le Clerc (major sponsor of the race) and they were giving away the red polka dot (king of the mountain) backpacks!

We went back to house, unloaded groceries, had a nice lunch and Kev and I set off for Luzech , 19 kms from the finish of todays (stage 19) race, in Cahors. In good Bonnici fashion – there is always a park at the front – and sure enough we secured a park 500m from the top of a hill climb ….

Right here, well prepared with, chilly bin (water, snacks, aoeta (bitey bugs) and chairs! We were really grateful for the chairs!

Kev holding the fort waiting for the action to begin!

We didn’t have to wait long … Vehicles started rolling through as the “Caravan” of sponsors then raced through the chicane, throwing promotional material to the crowds!

Sue the tourist snapping photos until realising that we were missing out on all the promo items being chucked at us from the vehicles

There was this frantic French woman next to Kevin who was snatching everything that bounced off him – obviously this is a thing and the regulars are well prepared to snatch and grab!

There she is with her backpack full of stuff – ours and hers! Kev and I were very happy with the multi coloured pen, shopping bag, crackers, lollies and washing liquid that landed at our feet and she couldn’t steal!

We then Witnessed a brown eye from a drunk French man and a young lady dressed in nude…. Cycling gear…

Was rather disconcerting in the summer afternoon sports atmosphere! You can all draw your own conclusions here!

Then the action began ! Police, motorbikes with media, race support cars and finally the Athletes…

The leading three followed by the Paleton ….only a few seconds behind

Team Bike Exchange was our chosen one, as sporting two kiwis and three Australians – George Bauer (NZ) the one who had had the altercation with a motorbike and car yesterday.

Not sure if any of these are the Kiwi but this is the team… however it was all over in 20 minutes and none of the leading crew took out the race, after they topped the hill – it was a sprint to the finish line and the Frenchman Christophe Laporte took out todays race!

There he is (at our point) sitting about 12th in the chasing Paleton in the black jersey next to the overall race leader (in yellow) Jonas Vinegrad from Denmark!

With only two more days of racing the word is out that the danish rider has secured the yellow jersey and the victory for 2022!

Not sure why we have a black background, but after an exciting afternoon, laden with our treasures and memories of finally witnessing these amazing athletes, a few nice cool beers to top off a Friday night in provincial Southern France……anything is possible!