Beaulon

We were pleased we moved to our peaceful overnight stop yesterday. Late evening, four men, in their thirties, arrived to play boules opposite. We were surprised to see them, as most boules players are older men. They played in the area lit by the street light, until eleven o' clock. This morning we chatted to the owner of the Swiss van next to us. He was on the return leg of his trip to Spain and Portugal, along with his dog. He had been away nine weeks so far.

Not long after leaving the aire, we were flung into the manic ring road around Lyon, the road slow and congested. We wonder what the roads must be like in August, when the French, and many other European countries, take their summer holidays.

The day has been long and hot. Last nights disturbed sleep, taking its toll. We stopped to do a little shopping at a couple of places, struggling with the heat, which we know is about to rise to around 40c soon, with the humidity making it feel around 47c.

After discounting three aires, we are now settled by the Canal Lateral a la Loire. It will probably be mosquito hell later, but we don't mind, it is shady under the trees, and there is a breeze drifting down the water. From the nearby, warmed roses, a pleasant scent fills the air, and the evening birdsong, alongside the musical trickle of the water through a gap in the lock gate, is soothing.

Tomorrow, we are planning a day of less driving, as we head to the Loire side, of Nevers. We are monitoring news from home, with regards to Angela's son, who is still in hospital.

A couple shots of the 'Spaceship' building spotted on the waterfront in Lyon

The cows in the field over the hedge behind us.