Monthly Newsletter
http://www.theloongwayhome.com/#!monthly-newsletter/cof4
Statistics Update
http://www.theloongwayhome.com/#!statistics/c1g09
August Monthly Newsletter
Kilometers: 908 Riding Days: 9 Countries: Spain, France
Route Overview & Highlights
We departed Barcelona and followed the coast up to Palamos, then went to the interior and crossed the border at Vajols, coming down to Ceret and went parallel to the coast along the interior roads hitting Ceret, Narbonne, Montpellier, and Arles. Then we explored villages in the Cote d'Azur region including: Charleval, Cadanet, La Tour d'Aigues, and Greoux-les-Bains. We followed the Durance river along the Gorges du Verdon, for spectacular scenery to Castellane, then made out way down to Nice, France, following the bike path along the coast.
Featured Site
The Gorges du Verdon, France. The scenery was amazing starting from the Lac de Ste. Croix all the way through the gorge up to Castellane. To go down to Nice, we went through the small Gorge du Loup. The road winds through the gorge and you have a lot of overhanging rocks and waterfalls along the way.
School Visits
The school year has yet to begin!
Bike Mechanics
I've been fidgeting with the bike a lot, adjusting the saddle, handle bars, and brake cables to get it fine-tuned. I braked too much descending a 16% slope for 2 km. and got my first flat tire from an overheated back rim. For the record I've had one flat tire and only a few minor cable adjustments.
Support & Thanks
A special thanks to all the people who came to the Jardinets to see me off on the 23rd of August! It was great to have so much support! The CC Gracia members have been wonderful with all the animos they've given me and for accompanying me the first day. Camping International Calonge took good care of us all the first night and it was fun to have a final celebration with the gang at the camping.
Vicens was incredibly supportive the first week of the trip. He's had a lot of patience as we have tried to find our groove with the long distance tour cycling. We've persevered through navigating challenges, camping experiences, and the inconveniences that come about with the daily routine on the bike.
We also tried out first warm shower experience and had a great time with Claude, aka "Pere Noel" in Castellane, France. Wow, what a hospitable man!
August Expenses/Daily Average Expense:
255 Euros / 28,33 Euros
This Month's "Best of" Awards
Best Campsite: Camping International Calonge, Spain
Most Picturesque Scenery: The Gorges du Verdon, France
Most Difficult Climb: Col d'Ayen, Gorges du Verdon
Most Hospitable People: "Pere Noel" Claude at Camping Les Lavandes, Castellane
Most Delicious Treat: Anything from a French boulangerie, you can't go wrong!
Best Never to Return: Border crossing, La Vajol
Scrumptious Dinners: Pizza and Salad from Camping Greoux-les-Bains (restaurant)
Favorite Vocabulary: Vichenze (Vicens new nickname thanks to Laia and Thais)
Most Interesting Fact(s): We are mysteriously wondering why the French white snail seeks out plant stems and cover the tops of road signs in great masses. It is a curious site!
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