July 15, 1996
Monday
There is a minor revolt in the group: four people want to go to Aix-en-Provence instead of cycling. They miss one of the nicest days of cycling. Although there are tons of hills.
Roussillon is spectacular in ochres. We check out the "giants causeway" (isn't there one in Ireland too?) where ochres had been mined. It looks like a small Grand Canyon crazy with color. Lots of photo ops.
Down into the valley again. I decide to get in the van before the uphill stretch into Gordes. Lunch at an outdoor cafe in Gordes. Lots of bikers. And many Japanese tourists; I think it's the same 2 tour buses I saw yesterday pulling into Oppede-Le-Vieux.
Visited the Abby at Senanque where the Lavender is in bloom. Too bad I don't like lavender more. Meanwhile the clouds and the humidity were increasing. We went back to Gordes to pick up the bikes and rode on. About 45 minutes later we were caught in a raging thunderstorm (my first in 2 years). Got totally soaked but it was so hot that it felt great.
We all decided to get in the van and make for the local wine co-op. People come in here and fill their plastic gallon jugs and whatever else they've got with good wine. Some of us got looped tasting the local product. There should be a SF wine co-op. The rain was impressive, didn't let up for a couple of hours. So we kept drinking.
Dinner in Goult at a really nice restaurant. I'm preoccupied with packing up and getting in touch with Laura who doesn't seem to be in Paris yet. There are beetles in the bathroom.
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Copyright © 1996 by Lisa H. Weinberg
Revised 08/19/98