THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 3

8 May
Ben and Paul were only too aware, when they commenced cycling this morning, that the 7km ascent was imminent and it was an arduous 55 minute climb before they reached the summit at 1340 metres. The descent, however, was swift but very cold and marred by rain.
They indulged their stomachs with lunch in the very lovely town of Estaing and then cycled through the gorge of the River Lot. They both agreed that the scenery on this particular route and along the river Lot was more beautiful than that of the Loire - bearing in mind that they were cycling alongside the river and the direction of the wind gave them the perfect opportunity to take in the scenery at a much more leisurely pace.
BUT, THEN A BLIP - THEY LOST THEIR BEARINGS, admitted to bad map reading and finally had to cycle up "a bloody great and steep hill" (Quote - Paul. Alas, Ben's renowned misuse of the English language has finally rubbed off on his cycling buddy). It was the first time that they had both dismounted simultaneously and walked 2 - 3 km up the ....hill. When they reached the summit, they could see the correct route to take them onwards to tonight's 'pit stop' - the village of Senergues (10km from Congues), where they are staying in a very acceptable gite d'etape (hostel).
Two extremely tired pedallers tonight who couldn't wait to get some sleep and rest their weary bodies in preparation for the ...... hills that await them tomorrow.

Jenny