Recently in Travels Category

Just finished one deadline and I'm on to another!

And good things are coming tomorrow! At least I hope so!

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This was taken aaages ago in 2007. I overnighted in Perpignan having driven through the Pyrenées (scary bendy roads, scary bent drivers) from Siurana, Spain. It was late October and the sun just barely rose that morning, so all my pictures that day took on a somber quality. From Perpignan I drove toward Montpelier, up the A7 to Lyon, then right from Besançon and Mulhouse to (deep and low German accent) zuh Fazuhlahnd. Little did I know, this would be my standard route for the next few years as I went back-and-forth between the countries for climbing trips. (I did take Alpine roads too, and those tunnels are crazy long. 30km+ tunnels, anyone?) The scenery never ceases to amaze me, even driving on the highways.

If you're ever brave enough to try, I highly recommend renting a car when you're on vacation because you get to see so much more in the countryside. For the love of God, don't take my advice if you're staying only in the city, but if you want to take more time and enjoy yourself, definitely rent a car.

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Vive la France!

I read ahead on the Tour de France website about the upcoming stages and discovered that it will indeed be passing through our ole neck of the woods! Just by a hair, really, in the 16th stage! St-Paul-Trois-Chateaux, Tulette, Nyons (pictures featured here), Condorcet (allo, Veryan!), Rémuzat, Serres, Rosans, Gap.... all places I've passed through or visited. (Gap especially, as it's close to Céüse, a major sport climbing destination and home to a few good runouts!) *Le sigh!* The road from Nyons to Condorcet to Buis is hilly, not mountainous, but it's rather twisty and bendy, and most times I've driven on it, everyone passes little old me, even the little old ladies! (But they've never tackled the LA freeways, yo.) It's quite an adventure, especially on snowy or wet days!

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High above Nyons is this 13th century tower, once known as La Tour Randonne, erected by the lords of Montauban. Later on, the tower was converted into a tiny chapel and a 3-level arcade and virgin were added. Today it's known as the Notre Dame de bon secours.

I've been *quite* busy with work, it seems I lost a vital part of my anatomy.

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Luckily, I found it! Apparently it's half a kilometer.... that way.

(Taken April 2008; passing by Brain en route from Fontainebleau [bouldering!] to St-Léger-du-Ventoux [sport climbing!], France.

And speaking of St Léger.......... watch this space!