Crossing From Loire to Saonne

12th May
Spent the night at excellent Chambre d'hote in Diou.

13th May
Got up reasonably early only to find puncture in front wheel! but eventually made steady progress to Chauffailles, pitched tent in excellent camp site where Dutch were having a caravan rally - all were very kind, gave me beer salad etc, as all Dutch people are except "Baby" who makes disparaging remarks about me feeling at home in Moronville! Storm Clouds were brewing, and there was almighty Thunder Storm in the night.

14th May
Still raining but packed up and set off. 7 miles up hill and then almost all downhill to Villefranche. Still pouring and although only 35 miles called it a day and found good inexpensive hotel.

15th May
Off before 9, after petit dejeuner in great hotel bar. Made 74 miles today with wind behind me alongside Soanne and Rhone though Lyon, brilliant city to cycle though with cycle paths all alongside river passing markets etc. 744 miles total so far. Pitched tent in St Vallier alongside Rhone.

16th May
On my way towards Alps. Thanks Magoo for "confortable words" - "The lord Alps those that Alps themselves!"