9th August Trebes to Salleles de 'Aude 55km

Slow start as bikes needed cleaning up and a look in the Office de Tourisme which had some great, reasonably priced paintings by a Mireille Rochefort. Quite Chegalesque, very bright and excellent depictions of France and French life. Dave was so taken he bought a book of her poetry in order to improve his French, so he will be talking in descriptive rhyme if nothing else :) A good shop needed at inter marche where dave got a roast chicken which was yummy!!! Yes have to come out of the meat-eating closet. I have partaken of this vital source of protein a few times, a woman cannot cycle 60-70km a day on a tin of chick peas, sorry to the cousins in Morecambe, Eve the honourary cousin and of course Natalie, who will be looking at me in a disapproving manner within a few days :/

Then on the road. decided to get off the Canal du Midi as the going was so rough yesterday, our bodies and bikes need a smoother ride. Fab days cycling. Great countryside, the Montagne Noir on one side of the valley and the lower Pyrenees on the other. Dave had missed the little villages and spotting the church spires, which in this area have become more tower like.

Afternoon tea break at Homps, pretty little place and then back on the little roads till we spotted a municipal campsite at Salleles. Popped into office de tourisme and the absolutely delightful lady there restored my faith in this service :) Left armed with lots of info about the Cathars, inquisitions and the crusades. Great little site, very peaceful and a nice Friday glass (well beaker) of wine to settle for the night.