We drove north east toward Rouen to the town of La Bouille which translates to "little face" - but the word Bouille translates to "mug" - French is sooo weird.
Upon reaching the river I knew the setting looked familiar. To jog my memory they had the plaque attributing the scene to a Sisley painting from 1894. How could I have forgotten such an important detail.
Why did the cyclist cross the river. To get to the other side where the ride began. Our ship (aka ferry) is arriving at the dock.
Off goes the incoming cars and bicycles.
Then on we go.
This was the limit of my boating for the entire trip since our day trip to Gurnsey was scratched due to transition to the winter ferry schedule.
Leaving the town behind but will return later to get the car.
Our capitaine de navire and his first mate.
This cargo ship had to pass before we could cross. Smart move since he was bigger.
The opposite shore.
As the town faded from view. Very picturesque.
We have arrived. The entire voyage from shore to shore was less than ten minutes. We waited for someone to collect the fare but were amazed that the crossing was free for us and all the cars. Guess it is less costly to run the ferry gratis than build a bridge.
Riding along the river was delightfully flat.
But climb number one is rapidly approaching. Long but a civilized grade of around 6%.
Still a bit more flat.
But here comes the climb. We are ready.
The summit. Now that wasn't so bad. Even Kim liked it.
Back down to the river. Limestone walls lined the roadway.
Which restricts the build-able land.
Hollyhocks along the way.
Great place for a reception or seminar. One way to pay the bills.
Must have been a nice single family house in its day.
Duclair - a perfect location for a coffee stop, and the Patisserie was just where Google said it would be.
Made our selection and time to pay. Kim just plops down a bunch of coins and the salesclerk takes the correct amount. We hope. Trust is an important attribute when traveling in a foreign land.
Next we find a cafe. Up the street, over two, follow the flags, and into the square. Perfect.
Kim got a boring pomme (apple) crumb cake but I went for maximum chocolate inside and out. Add two cafe grande, not those itsy bitsy cups.
Heading back to the starting point along the river.
Share the road. Does that mean the cars share with the cyclist or the other way around. Drivers here a very courteous if you stay to the right and give them room to pass. Cars and trucks are bigger so I guess size matters.
Just one more problem. We need to get to the other side of the river.
And another ferry crossing just appeared.
This sign says it all. No need for words when pictures get the point across.
Notice the boat icon in the upper left.
My biking computer was able to figure out that we needed to take the ferry.
Undressing on deck.
And heading across. Taking ferries on a bike ride is so cool.
Would not want to rely on a ferry crossing on a regular basis.
Toutes Directions - All Directions
Looks like it points both ways.
What does that mean?
Almost there - just one more climb ahead.
We have seen potato vending machines, pizza vending machines, but a bread machine beats the rest.
Awfully small for the bread maker to fit inside.
Straight ahead to the car. Some signs just make you smile.
But first over the hill and through the woods...
But first check out the road less traveled.
Left turn.
What's with the fruit sign?
Almost at the car but first...
Lunch along the water.
One burger and frites to share. We earned it.
To get home we need to climb about 400 feet.
In order to keep the grade reasonable they built the road with dizzying turns and twists. Glad we were in the car and not on the bikes.
At a refueling stop could not pass up a photo of a classic 1955 Cadillac. Can't image how he drives this mega car on many of the narrow roads.
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