21 July
We had to do it! It is just so hot that the only course of action was Ventoux, early morning. Turns out that it was not early enough! We were on the summit before 9, passing on the way up numerous keen types on bikes toiling up the road from Malaucène. Even a tandem. We stepped out into what we hoped would be coolth- I have on previous such trips taken a cardie just in case. But no. Today the air was sticky and warm. Undeterred we headed out onto the outcrop below the summit down slithery limestone scree paths to take in the views and get some fresh air.
On a clear day you can see the Alps. Today all was obscured by a pall of particulate pollution sitting below the deep blue sky.
However, we did see an amazing sight down the slope. Chamois! Genuine Babychams, grazing between some clumps of trees.
I take no credit- it was eagle-eyed Smith who first got the sighting. My camera isn't up to the job so I include two from his superior zoom instead.
By the time we'd walked back to the summit for a drink, it was
heaving. The vast stalls of sweets, biscuits and charcuterie were set up. Hundreds of cyclists, cars, bus with school trip, motorbikes - you name it- were milling about causing traffic mayhem. Mostly Belgian/Dutch with the occasional German or Italian.
A quick visit to Bench and then we were off down the Bédoin side weaving in and out of yet more cycles and cars - and a quad bike.
Lunch in St Didier at the nice Franco-Japanese bistro we went to in the pouring rain in April. Then back home to sit out the afternoon furnace before apéritifs this evening at our lovely generous N. Irish friends. It is currently 37 degrees on the terrace IN THE SHADE.
