O'Canada

 The other day as we were trudging up the hill to our house we came upon four cyclists planning to push their bikes up to the castle. We suggested that they take the old gravel road rather than the cobblestone path. 

It was obvious from their shirts with a giant maple leaf that they were not Ukrainian, nor other eastern European heritage. After several minutes of conversation we exchanged contact information and they continued up hill for lunch. 

We did suggest that they should do "Kim's Happy Ride" up and around Domme past the military base, et. al. I was happy to share my Strava and RideWithGPS accounts so they could access the route. 

A byproduct of our interactions was an invitation to join us for Wine & Cheese the following day. They arrived at 5 and after more than few bottles of wine and several G&T's the gathering broke up after 8PM. After half a bottle of gin and three bottles of wine we are now the best of friends.

To our surprise they took our recommendation by starting and ending in Castelnaud with a coffee stop in the center of Domme. Not part of our traditional route they appreciated the deviation and enjoyed seeing the ancient walled fortress town.

Greeting our guests from afar and assuring them they were in the right location. 

Our guests arriving. Although on our first meeting there was only four, number five and six joined the party. 

Clockwise around the table is Alan (Me), Kim, Alan (One L), Don, Lisette, Scott, and Margot with Dawn taking the photo. 

This time Margot took the photo with Dawn in her seat. 

Turns out they all live in a golf retirement community in British Columbia, Canada although several grew up in other Canadian locations (Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver). Traveling as a group is nothing new to them and all share the passion for cycling. They are renting a house in Belves, a short drive from our place. With a van and car they can drive to the start of their rides which provides far more flexibility and variety. 

We can understand that benefit but we start and end at the house. Having used that option over the years we agreed that variety does not trump convenience. With the exception of Don who is turning 80 in October they are younger and more adventuresome than we are. 

All are retired from their professions which include Petroleum Engineer, Doctor, Nurse, Physical Therapist, Ultra Sound Technician, and Cabinet Maker. 

Over our three hour visit we exchanged life stories, family histories, and likes and dislikes. Interesting how a group of people who share the same language can form a social bond in a foreign country - even if they are Canadian and we are American. My family roots go back to Montreal on my father's side so I am not a stranger in that land. 

Apres visit dessert is essential ending to every day. These were outstanding so a return visit to Cenac is on the menu.