Flying bugs and stomach bugs

Apologies that this did not get posted yesterday, but if you read on you will discover why. On Wednesday night we had the worst meal of the trip with lukewarm, undercooked meat slammed on the table by the same woman who shouted at me to go and sit down when I tried to order a drink. When we got back to our room we discovered that, having left the window open, we had a vast selection of winged beasties in residence. Shutting the window The Mechanic then committed mass murder with an oily bike rag- so hopefully nobody will look at the ceiling for a few days until we have made good our escape! 

I woke up Thursday morning with a grumbling stomach and couldn't face much breakfast, which was probably as well since I lost that and dinner shortly afterwards. I just thought it was the food but it appears to be a virus sweeping through the group. About 5 of us including the leader felt bad that morning and one had to be transported in the van. Luckily it was only a short day of 35 miles with 4,200 ft of ascent and I thought I would be OK. It was steaming hot and I was slower than normal up the Pas de Solumbrie, but then half way up the Col de Marmare the Mechanic started to feel bad and was soon throwing up by the side of the road. We took it very slowly, but when we reached the rest of the group at the top of the final col one of the two drivers was also ill and it became obvious that it was a virus spreading through the group (according to our resident Doctor).

We made it down to the hotel by 2.00pm and the Mechanic spent the next 14 hours in bed apart from the occasional dash to the bathroom. We managed a cup of tea each, but I lost that in spectacular fashion shortly after. We both missed dinner and slept for another 10 hours, disturbed only by the sounds of people being ill.

By the time of the route briefing at 7.15 pm, which I nobly staggered down to for both of us, it was obvious that the problem was growing and plans were being made for what to do if people couldn't cycle in the morning.  Suddenly needing to ensure that absolutely nothing remained in my stomach to annoy me overnight I had to leave hurriedly.............

So nothing much to report and I simply didn't have the energy to post, and I also suspect there was no wi-fi!  Pictures include cols and scenery, although sadly not a photo of the biggest talcum powder mine and processing plant in the world ( handles 10% of worldwide production) so now you know where to go for Aunt Doris's Christmas present.  Finally a shot of a visitor at the cafe where we met the others at the top of the third col - trying to keep cool