Day 16. Peronne to Villequier Aumont (near Tergnier on the VF). 56 km.
A strange hotel. As a note, France closes on Sundays, even many of the smaller hotels. This one is open 24/7, unusually. The restaurant wasn’t preparing meals (because it was Sunday) but you could order either lasagna carbonara or penne au saumon, which they microwaved for you. It was so good that it had to have been prepared in house. They also locked up our bikes in one side of the lounge. In the morning, though, breakfast was supposed to start at 630. We were packed and ready to eat and go by 800 am. But…the doors were locked…apparently the receptionist had “slept in” and we couldn’t get our breakfast or our bikes until after 9:15. Just weird.Convoy of 6 of these went by, and each driver gave us a honk and a wave. I am pretty sure it was to thank us for pulling over and not because of Ken’s shapely pale legs.Our Camino angel of the day…the Canal du Nord. Loved riding 30 km beside the canal…flat flat flat!We have rented self-drive canal boats before in France Italy and Belgium. On our first trip our old boat wouldn’t go more than 9 km / hour. There was a small boy on a tricycle who would peddle his little legs off riding on the tow path trying to beat Ken to the next bridge, which he usually managed to do.Today, Ken was that kid on his tricycle and this was his nemesis!Off-loading gravel from the boat. Had to wait a while before the operator noticed us.The ‘Snax canal-side.The ‘Snax waiting for the Ken’s nemesis to enter the ecluse (lock).Enters the lock at the lower level. A man with a delicate touch…never touched a wall going in. Boat had to be 200 feet long, one person in control.And departs once the water level has risen.Daily proof of life. Hmmm…I think I need to adjust my helmet.Shy goose. Obviously not Canadian.Two ships passing in the…Frick…we are not supposed to be here. Probably 10 km out of our way…but then it was all along the canal, so no complaints, especially since it put us on quiet roads instead of busy highway.A bug house for bees and butterflies.Bunger wants to move in! He is half burger, half dung beetle.Crucifixes everywhere.School zone. Another statue further on.Many hills after the canal. One super long 3 km uphill with no shade and very hot sun…it was a tough one, especially when I came around the corner thinking I was at the top and could see Ken over half a km ahead of me still pushing. Heavy sigh.
In one town when I was pushing the bike up the hill an old man came out to ask if I was okay. Gee, I didn’t think I looked that bad. And we have gotten our rhythm for when we ride and when we push to save our knees.
Endless hill through the town but Ken is home for the evening! I’ll wake him at 8 for breakfast.Restaurant is closed Mondays..no surprise. And the nearest is 4 km away. Ken had his can of sardines and I had roast chicken (pictured above) and a nectarine.
TerryandKenViaFrancigena2022 
Leave a comment