Day 3

Much simpler breakfast, second course was....er....another bagette. Set off at 8.40 feeling refreshed, no headwind, and athough dark clouds loomed overhead, they spared us from a drenching. Hills noticably steeper, longer and more numerous than before, but often beautifully undulating plateau at the top, helped to propel us at a consistent pace.Peter damaged an ankle yesterday, but with careful techique is keeping up with everyone else.We had a few breaks to wander around some Trogladitic dwellings, a Dolman (prehistoric shelter), and to photograph various orchids and other floral delights, as spotted by John le Twitcher!Had coffee break in Neuvy, where we also bought provisions for our picnic in the woods.

Something we haven't mentioned so far is the amazing creativity of the French plumbers. In the café on our first day there was a basin, with a spout, but no visible means of turning it on! Despite the best efforts of the Chief Architect, Chief Industrial Designer, FREE consultations with the Team Solicitor, and helpful murmurings from our top notch Water Consultant....we were baffled!An accidental prodding of the towel rail revealed it to be a level that benabled water to spout forth and fill the basin! The 2nd day gave us a similar problem, which was only solved when Simon put his knee on the front basin panel, and water started to flow! John, Jerry and Simon are sharing a room in Amboise on this 3rd day. The shower is arranged so that as the water pressure is either increased or decreased, the angle of the shower head rises or falls. We think they are out to confuse us, but so far good luck has been on our side! Simon

Afternoon tea in Amboise