After a less than smooth day yesterday we decide to take it fairly easy and not rush off. The road from Boussac is hilly and twisty through lots of woodland with views of streams and little rivers.
We pass through small, quiet towns built of darker stone than in the Corez and Creuse regions. It's a pretty and relaxing ride, spring green in the woods, lambs and calves in the fields.
At one point we pass a platoon of soldiers on a route march. They're well hidden in their camouflage battle dress except for the front and back markers clad in hi-vis vests.
Our destination was to have been a France Passion but with 20-odd miles to go we pull into the aire at St-Eloy-les-Mines intending only to stop for a cup of coffee. The sun is warm and with views over the lake and hills all around it is pleasant and peaceful. After checking the distance for tomorrow's stop we find it's not much difference from going off track up to the Passion so we decide to stay.
Ali walks back to the boulangerie for bread then we have a warm late afternoon watching the birds on the lake.
Between 21:30 and 22:30 there is a lot of aircraft activity overhead, taking off and circling one after the other. Maybe from Clermont Ferrand a few miles south but it sounds more like another military execise or mission.

CD of the day: more from the 100 Hits of the 70's
Dinner: Salad Nicoise and bread