The Bike Tour is Over. Ten Days in a Hammock with Chaco Sandals and an Umbrella

It was nearly all sun and blue skies as I tried to hike from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland. I made it 10 days before calling it quits. Three days short of Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Oh well.

The sandals were fine to hike in. The umbrella shaded me from the sun everyday. The hammock, slightly better than sleeping on loose gravel.

As usual, when going at it alone great people were met along the way. Never lonely, always in company. As I slept outside at 8,000 feet in an eletrical storm my new friends were nice and snugg inside their warm Swiss mountain hut. They all thought of me that night and the following day bought me dinner.

Mom insisted that I show more pictures of her visit in Paris

Karen Adams Everyone

As good fortune would have it, a friend asked if I would house sit his apartment in downtown historic Paris. Rough trade, hardship!

It's true really, good things happen to those who ride bicycles.

While Bernard was off hiking and being chased by wild boars in the mountains of Corsica, Mom and I had the place to ourselves.

Jim Morrison Everybody!

Silent City Happy City

Amsterdam and the Netherlands: Hope for the Future

In Amsterdam bike lanes connect every point from A to B. Silent trams carry everyone else. Few cars, so it's quiet and nearly exhaust free. Bike lanes connect every small town and every city to one another. Biking is safe here and everyone rides a bike. Suits on bikes, heels on bikes, toddlers on the back, groceries on the wheel. Conclusion: People are fit and happy here, and their sex life is better. I can only hope to marry a rich Dutch woman and secure access into this promise land.

Belgium Brugge Ghent Beer. "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy"-Ben Franklin

For the practical bum, the only dilemma this morning is in choosing which side to eat first.


Sometimes I lay awake at night and think about that pastry on the right.

Back at Fran and Henry's in the Normandy countryside

Summer

The meals that come out of Fran's kitchen would wow an Iron Chef.

The party takes a break and goes for a swim. Everyone is letting loose including little Sam who whips it out and takes a pee from the bridge.

Dear French cheese, you are my favorite thing in the world, will never forget you.



People have been coming and going throughout the past two weeks. It's a lively place during the summer with Fran's art students. I'm the gardener a few hours each day.