Being in separate hotels, we compared hosts and accommodations. Having made these reservations on-line, I put Robin and John in the one with the breakfast raves, as they are big breakfast eaters. Their host was a bit surly: He's English and focused on money.
Don, our host, turned out to be great. His story: Left the US at 19, lived initially in London, worked 2 years in Iceland, various other posts before purchasing this hotel in Souillac. When he retires next year, he plans to move further south in France. Our continental breakfast was ample: cereal, yogurt, coffee, croissants, toast, jam, orange juice.
Our room was spartan but clean. We each had a separate bedroom. Their's was huge, with a large common room with a couch and separate bedrooms.
While Don suggested we take the most direct main road, we rode a smaller, perhaps quieter "D" road through some smaller villages, probably about 10 miles longer. Our luck with weather continues, about 50F to start with mid-70s for the high.
John has been invaluable with his phone and mapping program. I continue to be frustrated with my Garmin, largely useless unless following a pre-planned route. The major issue with phone mapping programs is they rapidly deplete the battery. John has a solar panel that helps. I have a small back-up battery that we can use to recharge nearly everything.
Unfortunately, it looks like we might not be able to connect with Sandi's cousin in Toulouse. We arrive on the weekend and Davis and his partner have set plans until Sunday afternoon. Thus, we plan to ride similar "D" roads to Montech, where we can resume riding canal paths. Davis advised that we can cross Toulouse on the Midi Canal path, although it does cross some major streets. Then we will travel further east into France before following the Mediterranean south towards Gerona. We have had enough hills to convince us to avoid the Pyrenees on loaded touring bikes.
Don, Coeur de Souillac Host/Owner. Souillac lodging for Michael and I.
Chateaus like this seem to appear at the oddest places. This one was just outside Souillac.
Gordon Cathedral. We spied the cathedral on the hill and diverted into Gordon. Turns out we we at the center of a historic area. The clips from historic signs are inserted below.
Seems she took and arrow to the heart.
Perhaps the archer or perhaps he did not approve.
To the tune of: We are climbing Jacob's Ladder.
Gordon Cathedral. The following photos are inside this cathedral/church.
These magnificent wood panels were carved in the 1600's and moved to this church.
Dog of the Day. Visiting Gordon.
Adult Beverage.
My plat du jour entre
Including desert.
Our al fresco lunch spot.
Post lunch, before tackling many hills.
Probably a brick factory.
Famous Cahors Pont. Fortified bridge.
Cahors Market. What a country.
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