Doing My Part for the Economy

Busy and semi-expensive week.

Camera
I reported last Sunday the demise of my little Sony camera.  A replacement was in order, and quick at that; don't want to be unprepared if Betsy happens to show up and it's a warm weekend.  So I went downtown and bought a Panasonic Lumix TZ6, the brand recommended by my friend Claye, better known as rider extraordinaire, Fleeter,(Fleeter Blogs).  I managed to download an English manual for it and switch it to English so I could learn to use it.  I'm pretty happy with the capabilities, but, my luck seems to be holding up, it won't connect to my computer for some reason.  That problem was easily solved by buying a 12 € USB SD card connector.  I'll try to figure out the connectivity problem later (the camera firmware is the latest...but I'm running Windows 7).

Betsy's Home
Betsy has a home.  Thanks to great help from a couple of folks at our operation here, the banker managed to round up an insurance policy for the garage in Sainte-Luce.  A one-year policy for only 66 €.  Based on some of the fees I've been having to pay this was a bargain, and certainly a welcome change.  Thanks Marie Line and Yves.  Would still be wandering and wondering if not for you!!

But...Where Is Betsy?
Received an email Thursday morning reporting that Betsy was in Paris, and, upon receiving a check via courier in the amount of 396€ as a guarantee of re-export, the agent would submit it to French Customs for clearance.  His estimate for that task is three to four days.  I found this as curious as the one earlier from the freight forwarder in Le Havre.  Forwarding the email to the freight company with whom I contracted for the shipment, I received a reply (at the end of the day, of course) stating that I didn't owe the guy the money, that the $1905 I paid for re-export bond before leaving would be all I'd have to pay.  "All," huh?
I wrote back informing him that, at best, we've lost yet another day in receiving Betsy because of the time difference between the request for "immediate" courier.  This, after he told me his agents are
specifically instructed on how to proceed with this shipment.  I'm suspecting the instructions were in English...but, the essential point is Betsy's in Paris...close.  At least I think she's in Paris...I once thought she was in Le Havre, but there seems to be some debate on that matter.  In any event, I expect she'll be here next week, or the week after at the latest.   Gee...I should probably get some new clothes, huh?  Can't greet her in the same ol' garb, can I?

These Boots Are Made for Riding
Before moving I "retired" the old steel-toed, pull-on work boots I've worn for years while riding.  My thoughts were to get new ones here.  Anticipating Betsy's imminent arrival, that needed doing quickly, so this morning I went shopping.  On the way to the super-mall in Saint-Herblain I was passed by about a dozen bikers, all zipping neatly down the highway.  Having just scrapped ice from all the car windows I shivered just looking at them.  But, they all seemed to be doing fine at 3°C (~37°F).  That got me thinking about the times my toes were cold, and the likelihood that the opportunity would be greater over here to run into cold weather than in the states.  So, after checking a few standard discount chaussure (shoe) stores for bottes (boots), I determined I wanted some Gore-Tex-lined riding boots, plus some warmer gloves.  About 260€ later, I'm ready to ride.  Where's Betsy?  Do I have enough money left for l'essence (gasoline)?  At 1.26€ per liter, it's costly, but I'll spend it.  Come on Betsy!!

Trip Continued
Rao Addaganti, one of our team members  visiting from Houston, joined me this afternoon to attempt to continue the trip began last week when I dropped the camera.  We had a very nice ride in the country, however, our attempts to see the Chateau Clermont and Les Folies Siffait were disappointing.  Both, it appears, are privately owned and you can't get to them directly.  In any event, we managed a nice ride and some good scenery.

On leaving Nantes we rode down Boulevard des Poilus and took a long awaited photo of the trees lining this unique street.  I don't know what kind of trees they are, or who prunes them back, I suspect, every year, but it's a neat effect, isn't it?







A few kilometers from Nantes is the Chateau Clermont.  Built between 1643 and 1649, it is a magnificent structure.  We pulled up to a road which seemed promising until I saw the sign indicating a "20° slope."  I would eagerly take that in either direction on my old Can Am dirt bike.  But in a little Toyota, or, perhaps even Betsy, it's to be thought over carefully.  And not today.

We pulled up to the gate in the front, but the private property sign (I believe it's now owned by a famous French actor) pretty much put paid on this endeavor.  The picture from the website on last Sunday's blog shows it's grandeur.

They appear to have a pretty good view of the Loire river valley.

Things were equally restrictive at the turn off to Les Folies Siffait.  Adjacent to the hedgerow on the left is a long drive leading down to a large, impressive home.  Evidently, this, too, is privately owned, and entrance is by permission. 
This truly disappointing because the story behind it is such a mystery.  Perhaps, it'll be open to the public during the summer and I'll get to take a run down on Betsy.



Deciding hunger trumped castles Rao and I headed into Oudon for some lunch.  And, of course, what do we see?  Yep, a big, old castle.


 The Medieval Chateau d'Oudon

An 1863 shot of the Chateau.

View from the Chateau toward the Church in town.

 

  

  

 Oh yeah, whats-his-name was here.

 

Nice day, nice ride, good company.  Be better on Betsy, though.