Chalk and Cheese

The site at Huriel was Sue's favourite so far. It was divided by the river into two sections. When we arrived the only people on our side were a group of travellers with huge caravans who seemed to be having a dispute with the management.
They left on Thurday afternoon leaving half of the site and the newly cleaned loo block to our exclusive use. All for 5€ a night.

Our day off was dull weather again but still good.
Fridays don't like us. I knew it was likely to be a tough day with lots of climbing but wow. 62kms and 760m of climbing. It rained, not biblical like the previous week but still wet.

The route I'd plotted seemed to include some bramble and nettle infested off road. It would have been ok on the mountain bikes but not with panniers and I was worried about breaking another spoke.
Pulled into St Eloy les Mines at about half four. Sue gave the warden a laugh when he saw how utterly knackered she looked.
Bizarrely went to watch a display of Puerto Rican dancing in the town recreation area.We were tempted to stay especially as another country's dance team was on but the weather forecast and our desire for a couple of days off led us to up pegs.


 
Another 64kms and more climbing but lovely weather and fabulous scenery. Glimpsed the Puy de Dome but our path doesn't take us there.
The route took us through part of the Gorge de Sioule which was unexpected and very attractive.

Found a site at Vichy with a view across the river to the town.
Completely different sort of site with pool and slide but ideal to rest for a couple of days.

Explored the town and drank the waters on Sunday. Taste disgusting but they're supposed to be good for you.