Back into work mode now – but with great memories of France still in our minds.  I finally got around to posting some of the 400+ pics we shot – click here for the slideshow, mouse under the pictures, and click "slow" and "full screen".

It’s been quite a trip – it’s hard to believe it’s almost over.  We’re now in Angers and Barb’s at the conference.  We arrived Wednesday after having a really nice five days in the Loire – we visited a number of chateaux, some of which were just stunning with amazing gardens, and we racked up almost 1,000 kilometers on our little rental car.  The countryside was beautiful – I have never seen such massive fields of sunflowers – and the little towns and villages were quaint and interesting.  Driving has been a bit of a challenge, and it took some time to understand some of their road signs, but it has been really fun.  I wish we had sprung the big bucks for the Mini convertible – now THAT would have been fun!  The roads are in excellent condition, traffic is pretty much non-existant outside of the cities, and the twists and curves would keep any motorcyclist happy for years.

We’re staying in a very nice chateau with wonderful hosts.  Adrian and Joke (pronounced Yoke-a) were very intesting people, perfect hosts, and great cooks.  We got very good advice on the chateaux to visit, roads to drive, and places to eat.  That part of the trip was the highlight of the vacation.  Here’s a picture of the chateau:

(click to enlarge the image)

So this is our last full day.  Barb has been feeling better, and even though this mysterious afflication never completely went away it never slowed her down.  She’ll probably get over it after we get home – that’s how these things tend to work.  I’ll be knocking around Anger while she’s at the conference, and tonight we’ll pack up and pray our flight doesn’t getted buggered up tomorrow.  And yes, I will post pictures once we get back.