Elodie Day 6 Noyon to Peronne

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Today reminds me of that Beatle's song "Long and Winding Road". 55km of long slow inclines and short whizzes down hill, all into a 20km/h head wind. Those with battery power were certainly at an advantage today.

Not a great deal to see today other than the gothic cathedral at Noyon. Built in 1140 to 13th Century with various additions over the centuries including France's oldest religious library built in the 1400's. Noyon had its first Bishop in the mid 6th Century and a Pope came from Noyon in the 14th Century.

The other significant feature of the ride today was our first Commonwealth War Cemetery near Brie. A small but very moving tribute to those that gave their lives for our French colleagues in the Great War. When you read the ages on the tomb stones and look at the map which shows the few miles gained and lost by each side over the four years between 1914 and 1918 it makes you realize the futility of war. I'm sure in the next few days as we transit this area we are going to be confronted time and time again with the sickening loss the world suffered during this period.

The rest of the day was undulating farm lands and small villages.

It was a great relief to arrive in Peronne but, horror of horrors, Elodie was nowhere to be seen!! We beat her and, therefore, had to do the only logical thing in this situation - we found a pub and had a drink!!

We made our displeasure to Giel, the Captain, obvious by standing on the wharf tapping our watches as he berthed Elodie.

A quick shower and change and then another tasty dinner - soup, stew and poached pears for dessert. Mirjam arrived shortly after dinner and it was great to welcome her onboard. Of course, it was necessary to update her on the performance of her crew, especially Henry's complete misunderstanding about what defines a 'hill'.

The 55km has collectively drained us today and so it is early to bed for all. A rest day tomorrow when we will explore Peronne and surrounds with the invaluable assistance, support and guidance of Pru and her friend Caroline Gibet.

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Photos

Elodie shortly after dawn with mist on the river
Pont L'eveque

First coffee of the day
Tim, Vicki, Ingrid, Kathy and Kerrie

It looks a very tight squeeze from the Wheelhouse, as we approach a lock
Canal du Nord

The Pipe organ in the Noyon Cathedral
(and Jenny)

Long and winding road Noyon to Peronne
past wind turbines

Lunch stop
Nesle town square

Commonwealth War Graves
outside Brie

End of a long ride
Where's Elodie?.... who cares!?!

Mike's first champagne in over a week
Doesn't he look happy

Finally, Elodie arrives
Peronne