After the initial quiet period visitors started arriving. First Dorien turned up, with four friends from her study. They did some low level activity for novices in the Alpes, and were basically all recovering from a busy year at university. After a week they were changed out for her boyfriend Lars, with two other friends from their Outdoor Survival Club Slopend. Also Paula turned up with her boyfriend Jasper, and all of them started the week full of enthusiasm and energy. After a few long and strenuous hikes it became clear that holiday is also meant fo taking some rest.
Highlight of the week was the arrival of the Tour de France at Alpe d'Huez. Dutch cyclist Steven Kruijswijk passed us with a significant advantage halfway up the climb, but unfortunately didn't manage to win the stage. It was an impressive first for all the visitors. The next day the start was in Bourg d'Oisans, and we managed to see the whole circus a second time.
The rest of the time was spend playing games, cooking, and looking after the horses in the garden, and after a week peace returned, and Mary was left with just Dorien and Lars. As Piet bought a new race bike his faithful old orange Bianchi could be used by Jasper and Lars. Lars, who never rode a racing bike, or used click pedals before, was very enthusiastic, and cycled up several classical cols, a few times joined by Mary (Alpe d'Huez!). In the end Dorien spend 4 weeks in France and they left to go back to take one more exam, and to prepare for the university introduction days. She has started as Chairlady for the Slopend board, which is not a full time role, but will certainly mean a very busy year for her.
Beau and his summer friend Curly, starting eating of the garden
Dorien and friends from her Civil Engineering study
Paula and Jasper at the start of a 2 day hike
On the way to Refuge des Sources
Beau and Jasper cooling down in the Sarenne
Dorien, Sam, Lars and Luuk ready to hike to Muzelle
Paula and Jasper cycled up with Piet
Lars on Beau and Dorien on Curly riding in Robert's garden
Dorien and friends from her Civil Engineering study
Paula and Jasper at the start of a 2 day hike
On the way to Refuge des Sources
Lars and Dorien riding in the valley
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