Day 32: Some days are diamonds and she me days are stones.

The day started with much promise.  We woke up to a brilliant blue sky in Briançon. We were to drive about 90km, or about an hour and a half to the final climb of today's stage at Pra Loup.  We left our apartment in the fortified part of the old city about 8:30am.  We drove for about 30 minutes to a town called Guillettes (or similar) were we got some great treats for morning tea.  

We then drove half way up Co du Vars were we had a scenic morning tea.  Then it started going astray.  

We got back in the car, crested Col Du Vars and went about 10km down the winding road towards Par Loup.  Then at about 30km to go a sign abruptly said "road closed" or something to that effect in French.  There was no other way around but to go back up the Co du Vars and most of the way back to Briançon to travel the long way round.  

We finally arrived and parked the car at about 1pm, some 4 1/2 hours after starting. 

Kate was still feeling unwell and was intent on letting us all know just how sick she was!! (A little) 

By the later time of our arrival most of the good spots to sit by the side of the road were taken.  We dared not walk too far up the hill with tired and hungry kids. We found a place to sit about 500 meters up the final climb amongst the trees in the shade about 15 metres off the road to have lunch.  

It was also a bull ant nest, but only Holly got bitten. 

We waited patiently in the beautiful 30 degree heat of the Alps.  While we waited we found that the surrounding trees to where we were sitting were to become the good spots for "natural breaks" for the other spectators. 

As the tour itself got closer, so did the storm!! 

Despite all this it was once again great to see the riders go past us.  Our high light was when Ed managed to get "Cav's" water bottle.  

Once the rider past us we walked back to the car to drive home, and that is when the storm, complete with hail, hit. We got in the car wet and drove the 2 hours home (via the long way) 

We were a bit desperate and stopped at Mac Donald's (yes heresy) for Holly and ed to eat something.  Kate by this stage was apparently very unwell again and letting us all know.  We made it home safely in the rain to put the kids to bed so that the adults could have dinner in the bistro downstairs.  As I wrote it is about 15 degrees and raining, but all in all we survived!! We will live to fight another day.