Tears and Tour de France

We awoke relatively early this morning to get sorted and drive mum to the airport.  There was no traffic and so it was an easy and quick 20 minute trip.  The boys did their goodbye hugs and kisses and Mum and I went in and got her all checked in and boarding passes all the way to Auckland where Dean and Emma will be there to "accept hand-over" of precious cargo...........It was then time for me to say goodbye - this is always the hard part................there were tears from both of us, and from Connor as we drove off too - we are so appreciative that mum could join us on this journey abroad and make amazing memories with us that will last a life time.

We then headed off to a wee village called Salon de Provence for an explore and for petite dejeuner or breakfast as we call it -  and of course we found some cool buildings

And wierd we add ons to buildings -

Cool tree water fountain

Another cool entrance to the square

and some art -

We thought this was pretty cool - they are power boxes kept underground.........

We then headed off toward Caviallon and came across a wee village who was having a medieval fete and so we stopped for a look -

And a play...............

We then made it to Cavaillon - a few hours before the riders were due - so the boys headed up the hill to explore - there were great views of the surrounding valleys and villages such as Gordes.  They also had great views of Mt Vermoux where today's Tour de France would finish.  This is often one of the more recognized stages and a rider died here some years ago, the only rider to die during the race.

We grabbed some lunch and then headed down to the race route for the caravan.  Now, prior to today we had no idea what "caravan" was or meant and so when we were checking the websites and it said caravan start, we assumed it was the riders......we were very wrong.  The caravan is the huge procession of advertising vehicles that cruise past, many giving away freebies..............wahoo - it was liked a Christmas parade - only different!!!!

The loot the boys got today -


We then found a nice spot on the hill where the boys could play with the soccer ball and we were close to the road for the action - we could also see the riders coming across the bridge.  It was a bit sunny and very windy so here is some cute guy with his pink brolly.........

The crowds lining the streets awaiting the action. ........

There were loads of vehicles for all the teams - I liked the Skoda cars as they had LeTour de France on them -

Here are the first riders through - man they were flying...........

This is the second group through - they were quite some time after the first group - we figured that the flat fast riders were through first as they were trying to get a lead before the hills came and the hill specialists come gobble them up................this is a novice account!

They have loads of spare bikes - it is a shame when needed they can't always get through -

More riders - the kids were very excited -

Check out Loki''s face

What a great sight - so please they came near Marseille which gave us the opportunity to go and check it out.

We then headed out of Cavaillon and to a cool little village called Fontaine de Vaucluse - the source of the water - it was freezing and was just off the mountains - this did not deter the Fraser children however, only the adults................but first we headed to check out the village and the shops

An aquaduct that graces the town -

Connor also swam, but as I had stayed in the village to do a bit more shopping, he was already out by the time I arrived with the camera.  Connor is always first in, first out - Lachlan takes a wee while to get in..............but then will happily stay a while.