This week was likely the last of the summer heat. You know, that true kind of heat that envelops you like a cozy blanket. The heat that keeps every muscle in your body relaxed. That heat. And I already miss it.
We started off the week with +30 temps and lovely sunshine. As usual this time of year, there are no guarantees, and for the last several Septembers, it seems summer has ended rather abruptly. I’ve been here many times where summer carried on well into October, but that hasn’t happened for a few years now. I was hopeful after such intense heat for months, but alas, I doubt I’ll see another day when the temperature starts with the number three.
I did have a few lovely rides in very warm weather and was trying to soak up the comfort of feeling warm on my bike. And I also made time to stop in some spots I always wanted to but never made the time for. I rode to Sault to buy some local lentils and petit épeautre and decided to have an ice cream while there. It must be warm to stop for ice cream, so I knew this would be my last chance. On the way back, along the Gorges de la Nesque there is a house that sells honey. I rarely see it open, but I decided if it was, I was finally going to check it out. There is literally nothing in the Gorges de la Nesque, so I figure honey from there is about as local and natural as it’s going to get. It was open, and the lovely women insisted I must have a honey tasting. She said the flavours were all so distinct that I must taste them all, and she was absolutely correct. It was amazing, from mild and elegant, to hearty and earthy. I bought a few jars and promptly forgot to take them with me. A couple kilometres downhill, I realized my mistake and had to turn around and ride back uphill. But it was warm and sunny, so I didn’t mind the extra time and distance.
Unfortunately, after those few warm days, the Mistral arrived. We’ve been very lucky with little Mistral this summer, so it was inevitable it would eventually return. And with it, rather chilly temperatures. While we will still have mid-twenty temperatures until the end of the month, it feels cold compared to the mid-thirties I have gotten used to. Life is so easy when it’s hot, you need little clothing, and I keep forgetting to bring a jacket or scarf.
Today the wind subsided, and my friends and I cycled around the base of the Mont Ventoux. This 100 + kilometre loop is just lovely, and while I wish it was warmer, it was still so beautiful and a perfect way to bid adieu to my favourite, ever-too-short, season.
