We had to walk for an hour to get to a restaurant for dinner. Turns out that staying at an out of the way chateau has its downsides, such as being far from any open restaurant. We started our walk by following the directions from the inn, along a highway with no shoulder (!) Thank God that Robin recommended that I bring the construction vest along. I donned it without prompting during the peak of highway peril. We eventually discovered a better route, confirm...

Robin looks into his wallet with horror! The taxi ride (5 min max) was 37 euros! The taxis had to come from the nearby larger city, Tours. The meter showed 30 euros when we left the restaurant. Still, it easily beat the alternative. Lesson learned -- we will call ahead regarding dinner for tomorrow night at Azay Le Rideau.

We visited Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci's Loire home. This is a very kid-friendly chateau. We learned that Leonardo was a vegetarian. There was models of his inventions. Had a nice lunch across from chateau before ride to Vouvray. Lots of hills and vineyards along the way.

The route from Blois to Amboise included some hills and squalls. The kids did great with the hills, riding up without much complaint. Dads also powered up -- Robin pulling BOB the luggage trailer, Brent riding a tandem (often with Val aboard,) and Eric pulling Maggie. The yellow jersey in the form of a construction vest was available but no one clamored for it. Pictured Robin and Kat reaching a crest.

Blois to Amboise was a 43 km day. The routes in France are very well-marked. We've hardly been lost on this trip. I rode ahead once we hit the outer edges of Amboise and lost the rest of the group. A French family noticed me looking around for the others and asked if I were lost. It turned out that they were the neighbors of our B and B, La Grange! They kindly offered to walk me there and invited me to tea the next day --all during another rain squall. Who n...