Hot Pootle.

Monday 4th September 2023. La Roche-Posay.

I had another hot night and day. It has been up to 37 degrees.

I moved off the campsite fairly early, just after 9am. My primary aim was to travel south and find somewhere that had shade.

I did need a bit of shopping too. On my route I was distracted by a Decathlon store.

I parked in the shade of the store.

They didn’t have the particular item I wanted….a spare bike inner tube….I can’t believe they didn’t have the size I wanted. I did take a fancy to these outfits though….

I think Janice would have ‘hunted’ me down if I had bought something.

I did get a new cycling shirt. I always have to get something!

I did some normal supermarket shopping and abstained from the chicken roti this time.

I stopped for lunch in Montbazon, right next to the Fortresse but it on,y opens at the weekends.

I think that’s a large statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the keep at a jaunty angle!

I carried on further to the small village of Drache, whose car park had a promise of ‘shade’. I wasn’t disappointed. I tucked the van under a tree and set off, like an idiot, on my bike in the heat of the sun. I cycled for an hour and a half, through a circuit of four small towns. Not a single shop was open anywhere for a cold drink! I guess it’s pretty common in France on a Monday….it’s an extra Sunday! I’m not quite sure whether I felt queazy or not. Here are my symptoms, what do think it might be?

And

I returned to the van and had a little relax and felt better. I had a little snooze and woke to be surrounded by parents cars picking up school children. It wasn’t a problem but I thought I didn’t want to stay the night in this little place.

I cranked up the van and continued south. I had noticed a place called Descartes and wondered if it might have something to do with the famous French philosopher. It happened to be the place of his birth.

The town actually changed its name to his surname.

I always thought that Descartes and me had plenty in common or intellect and our logic. I always agreed not to put ‘Descartes before de horse’!

I finally stopped at a pretty town of La Roche-Posay on the river Creuse.

I had a paddle and later on a swim. I needed it. I might go in again after dark.
Here’s the Donjon.
Gatehouse to the centre of the old town.

It’s all very pretty and I have it all to myself tonight. It’s amazing that parts of France are so quiet. Most importantly…..it has shade!

I certainly have had a full Pootling day. It so enjoyable not having a plan for the day, then making a plan and then changing the plan and ending up somewhere you’ve never heard of but loving it. That is probably the best explanation of Pootling I have ever given.

PS. There’s nothing wrong with my health.

Ou, one more thing. If anyone wants to going a fantasy World Cup rugby league with me….it’s easy and free. Here is the link…

https://fantasy.rugbyworldcup.com/leagues/join/7RSCJUGN

Have a go and join me.

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