Girl talk

The boys are doing a great job recording our tour - but trying to use a piece of technology while their around is like trying to get blood out of a stone.
Anyway, there is no doubt Tuscany is everything it's supposed to be - stunning and tough riding. We thought we would avoid the hills coming up the coast, but the mountains meet the sea so you can't avoid them all. They are pushing me along pretty well, but I've drawn the line a few times - removing panniers & shoes to ford streams seemed a bit extreme to me on a touring bike!!
And yep (John) I do seem to be having a few senior moments - but someone is looking after me. It was truly unbelievable to find my helmet -with gloves just sitting calmly inside- on my back rack, unrestrained in any way. And this was after riding down a slope that was at our estimation, seriously, about 25%. It was so steep it was one way downhill - I dont think even the cars could get up. I hope we don't run into one of those going up. I would love to be doing a few of these hills with ace bunch - there would be some serious cheering & hugging at the top.
The countryside here reminds Rod & I of a spring from our childhood in Collingullie - when drought was a far away event - the air redolent with blossom scents, the grass 3 feet high, wildflowers of many colours, green as far as you can see, the sun shining, birds chirping, little lizards scampering about and even eagles soaring lazily above. Really!
Hi, Pam, have instituted yellow ribbon on right side of handlebars - so far so good, but a few hairy & confused moments with traffic - I think we're getting better (touch wood). The Italians are for the most part very good with cyclists & we have seen stacks of local cycling groups out training. So far we are the only cycle tourists. Boys are waiting (as always) keep well everyone.