Following last night’s storm, (Yes it did eventually happen.) we ignored the grey clouds and set out for Bédoin and Ventoux. Determined to make it to the top this time. And also because I needed to change some shoes I’d bought on Saturday in Ste C. Man had given me pink ones instead of grey and I hadn’t noticed! But I remembered he was also on Bédoin market, etc etc. You get the idea.
As we neared the town we could see Ventoux had a vast grey fug on top. No summit visible. Ah well, thought us, it will clear by the time we leave the market. So, shoes were exchanged
sans problème, we battled through Benelux crowds, bought nems and noodles for supper, had a coffee, even purchased another pair of stripey trousers. All was good.
But on our way up the lower slopes we could see no improvement up top. The road was awash with cyclists in both directions, laybys filled with B and NL reg vehicles their passengers armed with cameras to snap papa/husband/significant other on his/her triumphal progress. And as we neared the limit of our walk the other week at the Simpson memorial, the cloud settled over us and visibility was zero. It started to rain frozen stuff. Ghostly cyclists appeared ahead puffing up and zooming down.
And as we rounded the last bend we were stuck behind the road clearing trucks. Bit scary.
Anyway we managd to go over the top and into the restaurant car park where we reckoned we’d be safe from collision. It was icy and cold out there. I had hoped for a plate of chips but nothing doing - resto closed.
Nevertheless we got out and braved the traffic as far as beloved bench. Still there and picturesquely iced up.
Not a place to linger long and we rapidly got back to the car and slalomed down the mountain again round intrepid cyclists, crazy motorcycles and boy racers.
Stopped in Malaucène for pizza then back to he warmth of home. Off to see
Death of Stalin at 5.
