Monday, September 12th Week 2

The last night was very modest. We didn't sleep much - some intestinal problem kept us busy. So we are really happy that today's destination is only 50 kilometers away.

On the way we stop at a large SuperU. From the parking lot we go up two floors. We only realise that we should have taken a shopping cart downstairs when we get to the store, so we make do with a large basket with wheels. Heavy things end up in the basket - water, mineral water, cola, wine and a lot more. We quickly get through the checkout and march towards the elevator with our rolling basket.

Oops, we are stopped resolutely by a strict lady. We are not allowed to leave the building with this rolling basket. Everything has to be loaded into the cardboard boxes provided. Our solemn promise to return the basket, as our purchases don't fit in the cardboard boxes, is of absolutely no use. We simply run away and the lady pulls out her phone and calls security for help. He comes promptly, but we are already in the elevator, so he hurries down the stairs outside.

Oh dear, are we going to be arrested now? We explain the situation to this actually nice-looking young man and walk over to our Pfüdi. And lo and behold - he smiles friendly, says the ladies must have had a bad day on Monday and he would be happy to wait until we have put our shopping away and then take the basket back with him. We are relieved, especially as the nice man even speaks English, our French is just not that good. We thank him very much. But of course we would have taken the basket back ourselves.

Shortly before midday we drive to the parking space in La Canourgue and the most beautiful spot is waiting for us - and in the shade too, as it is hot today.

After a long siesta, we stroll into this medieval village. It is also called "Little Venice".

Small streams flow through the village and sometimes even under the houses. Every second person here has rheumatism. The ravages of time are everywhere. And today, Monday, there is nothing going on here. The shops and restaurants are closed, so everything seems really sleepy.

Back we enjoy our corner which offers perfect shade all day long.

Wednesday, 07 September

It rains a little during the night, but nature desperately needs it. Everything is bone dry and it already looks like autumn.

We enjoy the morning at the top of the pass. The sun comes out by the time we finally leave.

Shortly after the Furka Pass summit, we stop to take photos. We also reminisce. When we were younger, we rode our bikes over the Furka and Oberalp passes on our bike tour through Switzerland - without an electric motor, of course.

We drive to Brig. The parking space near the hospital doesn't appeal to us. The Geschina campsite isn't bad at all - we stay. It's just after 1 p.m. and our stomachs are telling us we're hungry. So we head into town. We stroll through the alleys and to Stockalper Castle. It's hot - we're really exhausted by the time we get back to our Pfüdi. So that's enough "sport" for today. The rest of the day is for rest and relaxation.

Tuesday, September 13

At the moment we simply need more sleep than usual. It's almost 11 o'clock before we leave the campsite. But what the heck, we don't have any appointments.

Our first destination today - Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt - one of the 10 most beautiful villages in France. We are thrilled and just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Wednesday, September 14

The Bozouls Canyon - impressive. We received this tip yesterday from the very nice campsite operator. Without him we would have missed this attraction. Thank you.

Conques was also highly recommended to us - it is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.

So we want to make our first stop there today. There is supposed to be a parking lot next to the campsite. But it is already full of motorhomes and cars. The huge parking lot (215 of them!) has recently been closed to motorhomes. We don't feel like checking. There is also a parking lot quite far out. From there there is a shuttle bus to the village. At least we can turn around there. There is no sign of a shuttle bus anywhere. Well, we won't visit this village - the world won't end because of it.

We continue driving west along the Lot. The route is really beautiful and there is surprisingly little traffic. Since the road is quite narrow in places, we are not at all sad about it.

We head for our next destination - a parking space in Capdenac-Gare. Now, just after 1 p.m., we have plenty of space to choose from and we park right at the front, right by the river. After a quick lunch, we ride our e-bikes up to Capdenac le Haut. This little village is also touted as one of the most beautiful.

Each of these villages has its own highlights and charm but also many similarities.

We are real sleepyheads - without an alarm clock it will be at least 7.30 a.m. before we finally wake up.

Today it's even a little later. We're having a hard time planning the rest of our trip. We don't want to drive any further along the Lot, that's about the only thing we know for sure. So the time passes, then we do some shopping in the Intermarché opposite and it's already after 11 a.m. before we finally set off.

At least we have already decided on a direction - south, with the day's destination still completely unknown. We actually want to go to the sea, we agree on that. But we probably won't make it today. So we spontaneously stop in Mazamet. There is also a camper van parking space here.

From this point, the hike leads steadily uphill to Hautpoul, a tiny medieval village. The highlight, however, is not necessarily the village but the suspension bridge that you have to cross. This takes you from one side of the gorge to the other. Then another short climb and you are at the top of Hautpoul.

The best thing about this hike - we're not in great shape yet, but we can breathe again. We're getting enough breath again. Our heads and hearts are no longer pounding and don't feel like they're about to explode. It's just wonderful - we can breathe freely. Corona has been defeated for good!

The location of the pitch is not great, but we are happy with it. We are also not unhappy that it is in the shade early on. The temperature is simply wonderful.