Notre Tour de France #19 (85 mi)

It looks like we weren't finished with the nasty weather after all as we had to try and sleep through another brutal storm. The rain didn't leak through the top of the tent and drip on my face this time, though the floor of the tent was a little wet this morning, despite being sat on a groundsheet.

The storm seemed to have left behind a residual atmosphere, or perhaps it was down to the grim weather, fatigue and / or lack of caffeine. In any case, there wasn't much conversation between us this morning and I used this opportunity to stew in my own thoughts - something I like to do on occasion and especially when cycling.

The majority of the villages we have been passing through today have definitely been something to marvel at. We've had spectacular views across valleys, rivers, churches and castles. Normally we pass through villages that are pleasant enough, but lay dormant with not much more to offer but a few village flowers. Still better than many of the villages of Britain.

At around lunch time we arrived in Montorillon, which seemed popular with tourists - especially the English.  Here we browsed the local market and grabbed something to eat before our onward journey toward Limoges. Before I forget, the names of the other nice villages are Saint-Savin and Angles-sur-l'Anglin, both south of our previous home for two nights in "Thorn in Saint Martin's Butt".

Between such villages the journey has been fairly tough, returning to the rollercoaster style roads we came across when heading in west from the coast. There was a quote I remember coming across, though I can't remember who said it: "Hills don't get any easier; you just go faster". From having spent the last few days staring at Jwan's backside (I cycle behind him), he's definitely toned up, and when we reach the trough of a hill and start an ascent, I can see his pistons pumping away like there's no tomorrow.

Around an hour or so before reaching our destination, the rain God treat us to a downpour. A horrible, relentless, cold downpour complete with thunder and lightening. We both got absolutely drenched and it was a horrible way to end a journey that was tough enough already. After asking at a supermarket where I got something to eat for tea, we were directed 5km or so towards a campsite, where we have now pitched the tent. In the rain. It's still raining. I don't like rain. Hopefully though, and I'm getting a bit of déjà vu here, this should be the last of the rubbish weather. He says.