Pictures are ALWAYS a good excuse to take a breather! :-)

I'm sure that was a hardship for you, poor thing.

Tough day of climbing, but you seem satisfied after getting through it. Good luck tomorrow with the rain!

Indeed!! Definitely unique.

You probably misunderstood. We really avoid unpaved surfaces, especially when Rachael's along. I'd have stayed on the paved road the whole way.

We love these little roads, except for those close encounters with automobiles! We think they drive way too fast for the size of the road.

Your tolerance for dirt is much higher than mine. I’m amazed at your good attitude when you have a surprise road surface. I’m not near as sanguine.

You're doing it! And you're right about tomorrow - just stick with the D road the whole way. It will be fine once you get past that first climb. And when you're in Millau don't fail to get a good look at the viaduct - it's pretty are to believe: https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/autumn2022/to-limoux/#43496_xthl1oujecr4fr2por057kbnvwr.

And then look forward to the day after, which could end up being your favorite day of the tour. The Tarn gorge is one of the wonders of France. Have your lights handy though - tunnel after tunnel after tunnel.

Singha?

These roads are really the best - it's a great thing about France. You just have to plan head for the blind curves and slow down for them.

Smoke bush... Interesting how it resembles smoke trees of southwest US.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/133366-Cotinus-coggygria

Again brown lipped snails... Yum? :-)

John

Thanks for finding us here. That day will remain in my memory for a long time because of the hail storm at the top! I had welts on my legs for days.

Kelly

I recall one of your rides Kelly up the canyon out of Cedar City in Utah. I tend to drive down that hill, not up that hill . I am to this day, I am still amazed that you rode that hill up to 10,400 feet altitude, on your way to Brian Head Utah.

If the wind is too strong they feather them into the wind and they don't spin to avoid damage

Beautiful shot!