Avignon to Die

lunch under the red awning in Serres

We actually got underway before our usual 10 o’clock departure time, and stopped for gas and a tire pressure check.  And then the bike wouldn’t restart—dead battery again.  There was no gradient high enough to jump start her, but we found an electrical outlet in the gas station and used our charging kit for 25 minutes.  Success, and we were off east and north to Die, a possible destination for tonight.

The first hour of the ride was quite windy, like yesterday.  That eventually subsided and the weather was perfect for riding through this lovely countryside which became more rocky and mountainous as the day progressed.  We passed through Nyons which had been a destination on the day rain sent us to Aix.  This area is full of olive trees and a few vineyards.  Lunch time found us in Serres.  As we eat out more often we realize that we are missing our usual vegetable-laden lunch and are eating more meat.  We do share a large salad and try for pasta or fish when available.

heading for Die

Another short stop for coffee and ice cream and on to Die, and assistance from the Tourist Office in securing our hotel.  A weekend festival starts here tomorrow but we will be gone by then.  Tonight’s decision—will it be the Rhone Valley of the Ardeche Valley tomorrow?

Later: The festival of Transhumance is widely celebrated in Provence, the largest being in St-Remy.  It marks the transfer of sheep to higher summer pastures, by walking in earlier days, and by truck now.  Often sheep are herded through the town streets during the festival.