Welcome to Rob's World, the (cheesily titled) homepage of Robin Rainton.
Given I'm mainly too lazy/busy (take your pick) to write a full 'blog very often there's now a Microblog which you'll also find on Facebook and Twitter, and maybe a few other places too.
Microblog... everyday ramblings interspersed with posts from trips and other activities.
When your plan B looks like this! Col d'Aspin closed for logging so hit up Hourquette d'Ancizan instead. Perfect day!
Today's lunch from the road: Lebanese in Mauvezin. Nice enough, but suspect menu is watered down for French tastes.
Another boulangerie that's new to us, so obliged to try their cakes. Oh no! 
Pratiwi is clearly distraught too! 
Montpezat-de-Quercy. Another lovely little medieval village, with commanding views over the surrounding countryside.
Rolling hills & white stone villages. Was hoping to pass some autumnal vineyards but saw more fruit trees today. Doh!
Short walk in Bruniquel. Love off-season tourism, have this beautiful medieval village practically all to ourselves!
Sublime lunch at La Table de Michele, Campsas. Love random finds like this. Lucky we didn't fancy a bottle of wine
Post-ride refreshments 
Love this time of year when we can sit on terrace in warm sun & not get burnt to a crisp!
The below are collections of posts/images organised by trip or subject or other events. Click on the title or image to view each.
France, Italy, Switzerland & Germany - Summer '22
A fantastic trip across France to the Alps & back. After the last couple of seasons of rather restrictive movements was really good to stretch the legs and have some planned, and some more random adventures.
Starting off in the Haut-Savoie for a slightly delayed meeting with the olds & a bit of luxury - being given run of a room in a lovely alpine chalet they had arranged. The plan was to be in this region for another week to hit up some of the legendary cycling routes but sadly weather didn't agree - and that would be a slight theme of at least part of the trip.
So instead of taking on the likes of the Telegraphe, Galibier & Croix de Fer change of plan as we headed down to the Italian lakes in search of sunshine. A consolation week by lates Orta & Maggiore... such a beautiful area, and plenty of sublime roads, so yeah, that'll do!
Back into clouds & the mountains as we next took our chances in Switzerland, getting super lucky with a day of sun and the most amazing hike to Trift Bridge - highly recommended. A little cycling here too, but sadly cut short by, what do you know - a huge storm. Doh!
Looped back into France via the Black Forest as for us, no trip over here is complete without some German beer & schnitzel - yum! Couple more stops, including an evening of merriment with more family and... home!
After the last couple of trying years, can't help but think how amazingly lucky it is to do what used to feel 'normal'. More of the same in the years to come, please!
Lisbon city break - March '22
Originally planned in March 2020 (do you see the issue!) a long postponed trip finally arrives!
Plenty of walking to balance the mountains of delicious food we ate... and a few cultural venues too.
It was pretty grey and sometimes wet out but nothing us mountain folk can't handle
Lots left to see and do for the next time. Hopefully not another 20 years! Last time here was December 2002 for new years!
Lot, Tarn & around - June 2020
With 2020 being bit of a trying year decided to take things easy and have just a quick trip in June. Few nights away not far from home but even though, there was plenty to see and explore. Very warm period but we survived intact!
France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland - Autumn '19
Work in progress...
Paris long weekend - June '19
When you are asked to meet up in Paris with family flying in from Australia. Oh, OK then Not our favourite city but to be honest it grew on me a little this trip. No 'work' and mainly random tourist activities probably helped. As did warm summer days I guess. Although I'm sure plenty would say it was too warm in Paris at this time (it was quite toasty in parts!) - those people should live in Australia before making such complaints though
