Normandy, France Day 3

Dec 30

Our night sleeping at the Manor House in Villers-Bocage was totally silent. We woke up at 7:30am and still had an hour of darkness. The late sunrise this far North really weirds me out. The inn keeper made a terrific breakfast. We sat with a group of Brits on the left and French people on the right. 3 conversations at the same time was very interesting. Anne and I had to run out in the car to get cash, since the innkeeper would not take credit cards. Anne let me drive the last few trips and I think I am really getting used to it. The countryside is easy, but I am sure that driving in Paris will be a bit different.

After loading up the car, we headed to Mont-Saint-Michel. The drive was nice. We saw hunters out on their Sunday walk, dogs on leashes ready to go. Also noticeable was the architecture change from the Normandy style to a type seen in Brittany. The change is visible in the different use of rock in the walls of homes and the pitch of the roofs. The countryside also slowly changed into a rolling hill terrain from the flatter farms of the Normandy coast.

Soon enough, we arrived at the parking area for Mont-Saint-Michel. In the distance, we could see the pyramid shaped pile of rocks with a town and Abby built on the top. At the very top is a steeple with a statue in gold of Saint Michel. You have to park far away and take a shuttle to the sight, but we decided to just walk and take our time. The wind was intense and the damp air biting, but the views were clear and there was no rain. We were walking on an elevated road keeping us out of the water. Surrounding the rock island is a tidal basin where, at high tide, it is filled with the ocean. We were walking at low tide, so we were able to see the sand surrounding the island.

Once on the island, we were greeted with a steep climb and entered through the fortified walls. There was even a large door held up by chains protecting the hill. We reached the top and had to pay to enter the Abbey which I thought was a little ridiculous. But, it ended up being worth the 9€ since the grounds were huge! We entered several large rooms including the main church. Everything was in quite good shape and at times you could peek out a window to get a view of the ocean or the mainland. The first structure on the island was from around the year 800, but it has been enhanced and is quiet elaborate today. As we were leaving, the crowds were getting bigger and bigger. Our timing was perfect!

When we got back to the parking lot it was just a short drive to the local Calvados stand. We sampled some of the local beverage and grabbed a few bottles for the New Years party and to bring home to Las Vegas. We also stopped at the cookie factory right next door. Upon entering, you could sample three types of cookies and buy large quantities of everything. Thomas couldn't handle the temptation, so we bought several bags of cookies.

This is what we got at the travel plaza on the way back to Paris; Camembert Cheese, Gourmet Sandwich, and Cheeseburger flavored chips. Yay!

When we got back to Paris, we just ate leftovers and I tried to repair Anne's bike tire. Anne's bike has been out of commission for a while with a rear tire issue. It turned out to be more than just a popped tube and ripped tire. This bike took a large hit at some point. There was a broken spoke, the rim was bent, and the spoke nipples were corroded in place. I think it needs some serious love. I thought I could help out. Oh well.

Tomorrow we head to the Cochet house in Grissy-Suisnes for a rockin' New Year's party.

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