Dangu

Today I have discovered that I find headwinds and clouds far preferable to heatwaves.  Rather than arriving on site a sweaty limp rag of a woman I arrived with energy to spare and have been knitting away merrily overlooking the lake. 

A family of swans obligingly swam past to give my photo a bit of extra focus. 

I set off at a reasonable time this morning and having read that there were no shops on route I made sure my picnic was well packed. The official route takes a somewhat meandering path to avoid main roads but I wasn’t really in the mood for diversions into fields and so stuck to the quiet D road. I tootled along making good time and stopped in Gourney-en-Bray for a cuppa. On my way in I met another cyclist called Sarah. We had a coffee together and chatted.  We were going on opposite directions so gave me route advice and I think I’m now camping in the spot she had last night. 

My next stop was the abbey at St Germain de Fly. I passed an open side door and so went inside. I was charmed by the shabby inerior and wandered around taking photos of crumbling statues and brickwork. I was totally alone. 

I think there has just been funding given for restoration  but I enjoyed the unkempt interior. 

I was surprised to find the building open and empty. 

Leaving the abbey I again abandoned the route and chose to cut across rather than go round a hill - not a challenging climb but for the wind which killed my down hill free wheeling. I stopped at the top and climbed a little more by foot to eat my picnic overlooking the Bray countryside. 

After that it was a straight forward ride to this campsite. I’ve got long trousers on for the first time in ages. Partially cause I can and partially because I’ve already got enough insect bites.   The tent peninsular is filled with cyclists many, I assume heading to Paris or London.  I’m delighted to say that it’s getting a bit chilly so I’m heading off to do my washing up before cosying up in my sleeping bag with a good book.