Vaux-sous-Abigny to Athee

I woke early at about 0600 and started my daily internet search for tomorrow's accommodation. But soon I was distracted by the revellers from last night's wedding, who were passing by the hotel with horns and fireworks - yes, all at 0630 am.  These French weddings are a sobering business - according to a woman I spoke with in the breakfast room of the hotel, one must stay up all night partying - sounds like a serious commitment to me and I'm glad that I'm not likely to attend a French wedding at any time in the near or distant future.

End of the Marne Canal

Given my early start, I was on the road by 0845 and made excellent time on the canal, but by about mid-day both the tow path and the Canal Marne came to a grinding halt and it was onto the River Saone.  Now it's some sort of green cycling route called the Voie Bleue which runs, at times close the Saone and at other times, disappears without warning leaving one to scratch their helmet and then circle around for a while looking for the illusive path.  I think I liked the tow path better - I'm sure you can understand - it was simply there.

A Delicious Salad for Lunch

Swanning on the Marne Canal

So, where in the heck am I now?  Good question!  Somewhere on the Saone called Athee (yeth, thay it with a lisp), about 175km from Lyon, I think.  It's just two more days on the bike, if I don't get washed or blown away tomorrow.  We're getting the tail end of Le Storm Henri right now and I can safely say that I'm ever-so-glad, no make that absolutely ecstatic, to be inside at my truly delightful Chambre d'hote - Les Laurentides (they even loaned me their daughter's car so I could go out to a restaurant if you can believe it - many wouldn't).  Tomorrow might even be a find-the-train-station kind of day.  Only time and Meteo France will tell.

The weather outside right now

Well now, in the time it took to write that the thunder, lightning, hail and wind seem to have passed over and the sky is brightening.  I might even be able to turn the light off now.  You know the old saying... if you don't like the weather, wait a minute.