Sept 5th velonne to sisteron

Only 12km today as Dave appears to have done some damage to his right side batting flies and wasps.He wondered if he had broken a rib which I questioned but if you have ever seen him batting away flies could be done. But he doesn't have a problem with breathing in so think just muscular. Stayed in campsite with pool but as we made our way over it was closed!!! Irritating but it is obviously the end of the season as far as the French feel even though still like height of summer as far as us Brits go. Sisteron obviously very important town historically quite grand. Dave did a painting I just did my usual book reading.

September 4th Forcalquier to Velonne 46km

Easy cycle along the valley to Velonne where 4 star campsite only option. nervously we awaited the price 13 euro!!!!!! Loving this off season pricing. Amazing campsite with brilliant pools, slides and even toilet paper. Hard to equate with the price but really nice. Small domestic in the day (chickengate) warranted a few beers in the very nice bar to debrief (always a silver lining to everything).

felt like we were in Arizona, Les Mees on way to Velonne

September 3rd St Sat to Forcalquier via a big hill!!!! 55km

Late start but eventually got away about 11.30 from our little retreat. Initial thoughts when we first got the map of South East area was to head up the Rhine valley, less greenness to it therefore less hills. However as it would mean going back on ourselves have decided to head on through Vauclause, up to Gap then Grenoble. Sticking to valleys as much as possible though!

9km to Rustral, felt more! Stuff feeling heavy again. Stopped for coffee at a great little cafe, Cantona look alike proprietor dressed in blue and white football kit, on going to toilet realised everything was blue and white, should have got a picture, massive Marseille fan obviously. Then back on the road up and up and up to a gorgeous (thank god it was worth it) village called Viens. Then downhill and along the valley to Indigo campsite at Forcalquier. Lovely  place with chill out area with Scrabble (always a glutton for punishment, despite best score of 256 he still beat me with 276!!!!)

Leaving Don's

Off we go

Vauclouse valley

Viens

September 1st and 2nd

Feeling sluggish therefore off for a cycle!!!! Dave had gear malfunction so just off myself. 10km climb later wasn't sure it was best idea! Up onto Vauclouse plateau, took a while to plateau! Gorgeous upon the top though, so worth it. Unfortunately didn't have Dave's phone so no photos, but got good view off Mont Ventoux and the smell of lavender all over, though unfortunately we have got here after harvesting, so missing all the beautiful purples in the landscape. Different road back and really steep drops in place, felt quite vertiginous and pleased Dave wasn't with me to tell me to stay right, too scarey (don't think he would have stayed right either!!!)

More Scrabble in evening but still can't catch him! Current score 4 to Dave 2 to me (not happy :/)

2nd Sept

Cleaning house in readiness for setting off tomorrow then had a look at the town house with estate agent. Not bad little place, bright and cheerful right in centre. no outside space but potential to put terrace on the top. Good to have an idea to compare against. St Sat shut so little cycle to villars, tiny place but busy cafe scene and wifi so aiding present update. Email from company in Chamonix looking positive for work for the winter, love it when a plan comes together :-)

August 30th and 31st

Another lazy day for me. Dave went up to the top of the village and did a painting. I had two coffees  in village and messenger'd my mate Mal then headed back to read yet another book, another good one for bookclub, Breathing Lessons by the author of the Accidental Tourist. Posted cards and organised a house viewing, to suss things out for future really, contrast and compare. Later in day played return match of scrabble which turned into two as I lost again!!!!! Luckily won the next one so game on.

Into Apt on the Saturday. Not too sure that Dave would have done well in the Market. Massive, though mainly really good stalls, not much art around though. Smaller markets probably more suited if we do pursue the paperwork. Started 5th book!

August 28th and 29th

Wednesday cycled to Rousillon, known for the ochre colour of the rock. Very pretty little village. Dave painted while I read and wrote cards for home. Lovely cycling around. In the evening managed to get a very sceptical person to play scrabble, beaten!!!!! Brother John refereed from a distance!!!!

Thursday into Apt to suss out market. Obviously a bit naive of us to think we could just turn up, explained to us that 3 forms needed and 3 weeks to obtain them. Dave stayed to paint away the disappointment  while I did a shop. Noticed a property in Apt for sale for 98,000 euro, (might need to check that out further) then after little chat with my friend Helen went to supermarket where at the check out ended up chatting to a German cycling journalist called Klaus, with an artist for a wife, living close to St Sat who has interviewed Bradley and Chris Froome. He invited us for a brew at his house tomorrow and gave me the address and number. We shall see.