To Noyers-sur-Surein

April 27, 2025

I was very excited about the upcoming week in Noyers - the weather forecast promised sunshine and temperatures warming to the low 70s°F, perfect conditions for cycling. Alex came by the apartment at 10 am and was a great help in hauling luggage down to the basement where it will remain until my return to Paris in a month. Things to take along to Noyers included Vivien George and a rather large duffle that contained my panniers, kit and gear for the road, as well as “Noyers clothes” that Alex/Carla would tote back to Paris sometime in the future.

The logistics of it all were pretty smooth, though we were a little worried if everything would fit in Alex’s small car for the trip to Noyers. Plan B was for me and VG to take the train to Vermenton and cycle the 21 miles to Noyers. However, with lots of care and a bit of juggling we were able to snuggle everything in the car. And I didn’t have to carry anything on my lap!

The 2+ hour trip to Noyers went mostly without a hitch. Traffic was fairly light getting out of Paris as most folks were returning to the city after their Easter vacation. We exited the autoroute at Auxerre for the traditional supermarket stop for provisions. Alex remarked at how few cars were in the lot, which we learned was due to the fact that the store was closing in five minutes. Alex promptly went to the meat counter while I went in search of muesli and fruit - the only real necessity not available was bread. When we arrived in Noyers, however, we found a small loaf of bread in the freezer that we thawed and ate with cheese we’d brought from Paris. I won’t say we enjoyed the bread, but it sufficed.

All snug and safe for the car trip to Noyers

We've arrived! Alex and Carla's house in Noyers

At mid-afternoon, Alex and I set out for a walk around the countryside, passing through town before crossing the Serein River and setting off down a small road along the outskirts of town. We ambled down country lanes and made our way through woodlands on a narrow path that opened onto a large field of barley. We skirted the edge of the field along the river and found our way back to the road near Cours. The stretch back to Noyers along D86 was a bit boring until we happened on a pair of donkeys, always a good excuse for a smile and photo. The day ended with a make-shift meal in front of the fire - a very satisfying end to a transition day.

Crossing the Serein River on the edge of Noyers

The path through the woods took us by an old homestead, which launched a lively discussion of entropy

Tractor tracks provided a nice pathway along the field of barley

Our walk through the field ended in a small hamlet four kilometers from Jouancy

Flotillas of River-Water Crowfoot on the Serein River near Cours

I think we were both excited to see each other

My father first taught me how to start a fire with rolled newspaper and dry kindling - a ritual that always brings me great joy.

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