Too bad that we didn't see this sign earlier: washing and drying 2 euros. Saved money by washing 3 pairs socks, 4 shirts, 3 pairs underwear, 1 bra, 1 pair biking gloves in sink. And drying with blow dryer. Penance for leaving credit card in Gare Austerlitz. Note to self: read fine print upon arrival.

At the bike rental shop. Last year in Germany, Mattias the bike shop owner personally did all the adjustments. Different story in France -- this was strictly a DIY operation and some fairly crappy bikes. Mattias definitely not on duty. (For example, Amy's bike had its front wheel on backwards and was unclipped she discovered within the first 3 min if riding.) Robin, Eric, and Brent are three hardworking McGiver guys. We had a momentary crisis when we realize...

Our B and B La Flanerie is pictured. Getting here was harrowing for me. We arrived in town around 930, daylight rapidly fading. So I set off to find hotel while Robin and kids went with others to find their hotel and a quick bite for kids. Little did I realize that I was following the directions for a car, not a cyclist. I rode out onto the highway where cars and trucks flew around me (2 lanes, no shoulder, at dusk.). All that I could think was thank God Ro...

Soupe des chiens at Chateau Cheverny. The Huralt family still keeps 70 hounds for la chasse. A daily attraction at the chateau is the feeding of the hounds. It is described as the hounds hungrily waiting after the raw meat is placed before them until the trainer signals them to eat. All 70 hounds run into a publicly viewed feeding pen together with raw meat awaiting them. We expected to see extreme dog self restraint, but actually the trainer provides the re...

Enjoying the jardin in the evening at our lovely B and B. La Flanerie is adorable, and owners so gracious. All at only 100 euros per night, petit dejeuner compris.