Think this is a Persian Silk Tree, they seem very popular in this area & are all in flower right now. Very colourful.

As rock'n'roll as it gets in the French countryside: local singers at a campsite. At least there was free alcohol!

Wondered into the nearby village on a sticky hot afternoon. Ice cream reward for some, cool glass of beer for others.

Relaxing in shade of an old apple tree. It's laden with fruit, lucky not to be doing an Isaac Newton impression!

Watching sunset over a neighbouring cornfield. Air thick with pollen & insects. Lucky we don't suffer from hay fever!

Relaxing near Hourquette d'Ancizan. Joys of carrying everything everywhere: always have outdoor furniture to hand

I often ride this road but drove today. Traffic here can be tricky as you see. Imagine negotiating this on a bike!

Another hideous day up the Tourmalet Long way round is so much better when actually eating & drinking enough!

Awesome sunburst through the clouds out walking this evening.

European tick. Tiny little thing (my little finger for scale). Wouldn't last a minute in Australia!

Early(ish) morning walk at the Col des Palomieres. Looking down into those clouds, it's nice to be in the hills

Amazing long lunch with wonderful people (watching le Tour), home for shady woodland walk & now sipping Sangria in the garden #LaBelleVie

After a large lunch on a warm day nice to go for a walk in a wonderful, shady, cool forest. Lovely and quiet. Magic!

Another Indonesian gathering today. Loads of wonderful food. Thank you so much! Nom, nom, nom!

The infamous flamme rouge that would cause a little chaos later today. Luckily I made it under (& back) unscathed!

6s off a PR on the Aspin today. Think I could have taken those seconds with a sprint if it wasn't so busy up here!

Breakie by the pool - well, the first course at least Fresh eggs straight from the chicken coup. Yum!

Walking in tall grass didn't know a deer was hiding here. He jumped up & ran as I got too close (2m or so). Amazing!!

Today's ride: Something short & sweet. Saving myself for tomorrow

So years later Chilcot report finds what any sane person could see as obvious at the time: Blair & Bush are warmongering liars! #Disgraceful

Just back from cycling & served up this pre-lunch snack from my favourite warung kecil. Great recovery dish. Nom!

Bit of a traffic jam out riding today. Well, traffic of the bovine kind Glorious day up the Hourquette & Aspin!

Bit hungover so easy spin up the Tourmalet as a cure. Only 46s behind PR. Maybe drinks the eve. before not all bad

Folks here are so generous. Another invite for roast dinner with Yorkshire puds & a nice drop of red. Yum! Thx!