Episode two of Dads Army completed and in the can. The scene where the troops fraternise with the enemy over mid morning coffee, tick. The scene where the men reconnoitre the chateau and ensure they gain enemy intelligence, tick. The scene where the home guard interrogate foreign locals to make sure their provisions are replenished, tick. The Loire region is today alive with manoeuvres.

I have to admit to pressing the delete key last night, instead of the publish key. It was of course Alan's fault as he made me drink that bottle of wine. AB

60 miles of manoeuvres complete. Andy had a 50/50 chance of publishing or deleting the blog. The wine tipped the balance 80/20 in favour of a cock-up.
On to more serious matters.....we all decided on a refreshing swim following our cycling endeavours. Jon emerged from the bedroom with what can only described as "Budgie Smugglers a la thong". In the interests of human safety and under the regulations of the European code of decency, no photos will be included in this blog. If however you wish to purchase full colour photos of this phenomena then please visit our members only website on " www.mytrunksarewaytoosmall.com" All major credit cards accepted. APL

Today the hills started to show the men from the boys although Jon tried his best to keep up at the front but his training was not as comprehensive as Andy and Alan these past 6 months. I am starting to feel my legs tonight but still found energy this evening for a good swim. Jon cooking tonight as I blog and it smells great. Beautiful villages and towns passed through today. Lots of poppies in the fields and great smells coming from the hedgerow. Past through lots of vineyards but grapes are still very small. DH

I want to make it quite clear that there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG with my swimming trunks ... In fact I was informed by a certain Mr Lomax that swimming trunks and NOT swimming shorts are the regulation attire for French camp sites! Hey ho, he's only jealous that my perfect physique is able to carry such a garment with style and panache! Anyway enough of that ... the 'oldies' now have another 57 miles in their legs, and another baguette sandwich, two cream cakes, and an ice cream in their bellies! The scenery has been stunning today - thousands and thousands of acres of cornfields, quaint villages, and some amazing chateaux. A fabulously sunny day, and guess what, ... D and I still haven't seen a single drop of rain!! (Ho ho!) JS