It is monday morning in Esquelbecq, France. Yesterday we crossed the broder from Belgium after another 80 km along the north sea cycle route, a 470k route that extends from Texel, Holland to Boulogne sur Mer, France. (We were finally stopped at the broder but only by this snail (pictured above) as he was crossing the path.) We picked up this endless cycle route up at texel at the north of holland and have been following it since. We have decided not to inform the french that we are following LF1 (the name of the route) for fears that they might confuse "LF un" with "elephant" and think that we've been following an elephant through 400km of dutch and belgian countryside. We must get off on the right foot.
So, alas, we are in the land of baguettes, red wine, and phallic monuments. (fun fact: did you know that just like the movies everyone here speaks english to eachother, but with a french accent?) we are staying at "camping du roses" a beautiful and friendly campsite tucked away at the end of 90km stretch from the next closest campsite. Recommended viewing re: cycling in france: "the triplets of belleville".
Though all has been smooth. The bikes have held up with daily tunings, our bones and muscles are standing their ground. (another fun fact: the sorest parts of our bodies? Often the upper back near the neck or right near the kidney. Legs have been feeling good!) the weather, too has been favorable with only bouts of rain and little wind. Yesterday we were coasting at 22-25 km/h (as opposed to the usual 15-17), only later to realize that it was partially because, at last, the wind was at our backs!
So we plan to arrive in paris one week from today to a lovely week at a small appartment in the marais district. (for those of you hooked on babelfish, it is no longer a marsh - its mostly cobblestone and building) We plan to get some R and R (reblachon and red wine) and take in some of the wonders that paris offers. If you have suggestions as to what to visit/see/eat/climb please do pass them along. How we will get to paris? Still a mystery. But get there, we will.
Yesterday we had a glorious find along the track; a patch of 8 or so "giant puffball" mushrooms (pictures to come). These mushrooms look like small white soccerballs (one was about 10" in diameter). We were going to grab one for dinner, but we decided that there was too much barbed wire and electric fence.
So on into country 4 of 7 we go. The elephant has awoken and is packing his things. We should probably get ready.
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wonderful Lucy..and nate! enjoy France! biking or a week till Paris?! enjoy the countryside!!!! maybe you'll see some of the old Senezaque countryside!!!!!!!! love you both.....enjoy,,,love Mama
ReplyDeleteHi guys Enjoy the Frenchness. Get a massage in Paris. that has to be different than anywhere else. I could not ride with that head up possition for one day! My neck woud be one solid cramp. I would have to put a big steering wheel on my bike and a nice cushy seat with a back and sit like a bus driver. (oh yeah, and have someone else peddle) Have fun with the elephant but don't follow too closely. Roll away Fronsay. (that's French for France)
ReplyDeletei want to visit/see/eat/climb with you guys!!!! follow the elephant cute!!!!!
ReplyDeletespeaking of giant puffballs, do you think you are going to be in truffle territory? that would be neat!