We started the morning with a lovely breakfast in the friendly dining room of our b and b, before packing and hitting the road again. We did have a little bit of trouble getting out of La Bourobule, Stella was having trouble connecting with the satellites, but all good and we were winding our way down the mountain, ready to climb a volcano.
We filled the car with fuel for only the third time . The cost was ¢61, the guy wanted the correct money, we only had a ¢2 coin, but he said that was perfect and pocketed the extra.
The drive to Puy de Dome wasn't too long, and it was very pretty.We did get stuck in the next town after taking a wrong turn and having to navigate through very narrow streets for a while.
The air in the mountains was sweet and pine scented, interspersed with the scent of farm and animals!
Puy de Dome was really busy. We bought our ticket and joined the crowd for the train to the top.
This climb has previously been used for the Tour de France, but can no longer be ridden up since they have put the train in. As I have no interest in either riding or walking up, the train is a good idea.The boys would have like to have done some riding here, but not to be.
The trip up was good, giving views of the countryside around. But nothing compared to the views on the summit. We walked around the top, with views over the land below - forests, farming, scrub, the city of Clemant Ferrand, little villages and other volcanic Puys. They are no longer active, but are quite a sight. The aroma up here is of goats. They are nowhere to be seen, but there is evidence of their existence. Mountain Mike is quite excited to be on the top of the world again.
There were a lot of para gliders taking off from the top. We sat and watched as they flew right over us. We could sit right where they were running off the mountain and landing again.There was one guy who was quite the show off, flying close to everyone .
Lots of people had taken picnics up here. It was a pretty spot for a break, with the views and the colourful para gliders.We only had a large red apple to share between us, so Mike took out his new Laguoile knife and carved for us.
As we were heading back up we stopped to watch a para glider, who was apart from the others, take off. He had trouble leaving the ground and when he did, his canopy was tangled.There was a gasp from the crowd and everyone walked to the edge to see what would happen. He kept going lower and lower with a crumpled canopy. It looked like he would land in the trees, but he finally made it to a car park space and landed safely.
We had a quick ham baguette in the cafe before hitting the road and driving in the direction of the Loire Valley where we are to spend the next couple of days. We took a while to get the the highway, where Jude and I took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep while the boys nattered in the front.
A stop for a break - a change of driver and a change of navigator. Jude was trying her luck again, though I do remember Mike banishing her to the back seat!
A bit more driving and we came into Chinon where we had booked two nights. The town looks really nice, we are in a Best Western right in the centre of town, overlooking restaurants and the town square.
A quick shower and we were out. It was already late so we stopped for a drink before finding a restaurant for dinner. We found another good one, had a lovely meal. Mine was fried sturgeon with creamy rice and a tarragon sauce, followed by an apricot cake. All too much, but Ken stepped in and finished my dessert.

Steps 7,079
Kms walked 4.7
Fuel ¢61/62
Tolls ¢28,50 Jude guessed 29