Greetings Possums,

We write to you from what feels like our Embassy in Prades.  We're staying in a beautiful 1870s mansion 5 minutes walk from the centre of Prades, which comes complete with colonnade, swimming pool, verandah, an acre of luscious grounds, a shower which actually works and English hosts.

Our breakfast this morning was a similar experience to our dinner last night - a couple of toasted slices of stale baguette each, washed down with an apathetic cup of tea.  And no chance of extra.  Despite being inadequately fueled, we conquered Col de Puymorens (1490m) and Col de la Perche (1500m).  After lunch we enjoyed the pay-off for yesterday, which was 25miles of constant downhill - nothing but applying the brakes occasionally for well over an hour.  And to top it all, we ended up somewhere where the English language is spoken by choice.

Despite being saddle sore, we are both sad that there are only 60 miles to go.  At the same time, we are both looking forward to not having to strap ourselves into lycra early in the morning, instead we shall luxuriate on the beach with only carafes of wine and slabs of brie to get us through the last couple of days.

More pictures to come.

L+M