We're back to travelling without Cris' so called "Flexibility". No more delays, no more old things we can't find because of construction. We're in Annecy for three nights and it's wonderful!
Bike ride around lake Annecy
But first a quick note on driving over here (overall it's fun):
Things I like: 1. There are bike lanes full of fit old people. 2. We have a totally new Yaris Hybrid to drive. 3. The roads and signage are great. 4. The views are spectacular (so far). 5. ROUNDABOUTS! I love a good roundabout. 6. The drivers here are excellent and even use blinkers on roundabouts (my big pet peeve in the US). It's an intersection! Use your blinkers, people.
Things I dislike: 1. There are bike lanes full of fit old people. 2. The Yaris is small, I am big. 3. The speed limit changes at least once a mile, lot's of accelerate then brake 100m later.
The above means go 50kph, then 80, then 30. Then watch out when the road narrows ahead for no reason, the oncoming traffic will not stop for you.
We stopped for groceries before getting to our airbnb just outside Annecy, so much cheese and delicious looking sausage! I'm proud of how far I've come with my photography skills.
Yum!
The next morning we went to Annecy which is a pretty big city. We didn't realize that due to the heatwave this week the schools were all cancelled so it was pretty insane at the lake. We lucked out finding a person leaving a packed parking lot and went to rent ebikes. The 26 mile bike ride around the lake was awesome.
We stopped twice to swim and relax so it took most of the day. The lake is cool and clear which is just what was needed when you're biking in 96 degree sun.
The next day we got up a bit earlier to beat the heat and went for a hike. Cris still has stinky feet...I mean a hurt ankle so she didn't make it past the cows.
The cows in the forest had huge bells that made deep clanging noises that reverberated from all directions so it was pretty scary to hear that and then come around a corner face-to-face with a horny cow. I'm bigger than them though (and really brave) so they moved (and mostly ignored me because grass exists). The rest of the hike was steep but spectacular.
No more cows
After that we went to Gorges du Fier which is pretty much what the name says: It was hot, there was a gorge, both of these things make Cris uncomfortable.
And since you can't go a day in France without seeing a castle we stopped by Chateau de Montrottier which was a nice, smaller shack.
Somehow, at this point the day was just getting started. We stopped for some raw beef (which was amazing) and then went back to rest at the airbnb for a bit.
Cris can't fly so I left her behind for the next bit. I drove up some pretty sketchy roads to get most of the way up the mountain, then some dudes put me in a van and drove higher, then I jumped off...
This was my second time paragliding and it definitely one of my favorite things (sorry sauerkraut, you're bumped out of the top 10). The miniature man on my back let me fly for a while so I could do some turns and a spin, then he took the controls back and did some insane twists and a flip. I can't recommend it more. This area is so gorgeous, pictures don't do it justice.
After that insane day it was time for some rest. We had planned another hike, but it's hot and we're tired so we just went swimming/reading/sleeping at lake Annecy. Lunch was one of the best meals I've ever had.
So, our trip is back to normal and we're happy and relaxed. What a great time in Annecy! Tomorrow we head down to the Avignon area where it might be even hotter so wish us luck.
Oh, almost forgot. It's France, we also saw a castle today :)
The inner courtyard of Chateau Menthon
No comments:
Post a Comment