We returned to Chinon on the route we cycled two days earlier, then continued along the Vienne towards its confluence with the Loire.

As we were cycling happily along past fields and villages, Danielle suddenly fell off of her bike! This can happen more easily than you might think. One minute you're riding along looking at a sunflower or thinking about what you'd like for lunch, the next you have allowed your bike to stray onto the shoulder and over you go!

Luckily, the edge of the road was grass and she did a perfect somersault landing!! By the time the rest of us got stopped, Danielle was sitting in the grass laughing.

As we approached Montsoreau, where the Vienne joins the Loire, it started to rain. This was the first time we had to break out the rain gear. We cycled into the village and waited out the heavy rain in the shelter of a conveniently placed church.

Most of the rest of the ride into Saumur was along a fairly busy road with alternate periods of rain and about-to-rain. Not the best cycling, but every trip has at least a bit of this. It builds character!

Just before Saumur, we turned off of the main highway and followed back roads to Chateau de Beaulieu. This pleasant bit of riding was a great way to finish the day. As we pedaled up to the chateau, it started to pour!

That evening we took a 2 kilometer walk along the riverside into Saumur for dinner. We arrived a bit damp, but were rewarded with another fine meal. By the time we finished, the sun was just going down and the rain had stopped.

We strolled home admiring the boats on the river. And hoping that the rain was gone for good...

	Waiting out the rain in the shelter of the church in Montsoreau. Those bikes are not ours. For the first time, we started to see other cyclists. Sadly, this attractive cafe had already stopped serving lunch by the time we got here!
	Just behind the church was a path to a viewpoint behind the village. We followed a steep, slippery cobbled path and came upon an open hilltop. I took a quick photo of Andy and Danielle before running for cover from the rain.
	We passed this winery as we pedaled along the main highway from Montsoreau to Saumur. Notice how ancient caves have been reused for modern purposes by putting walls and windows across their entrances.
	The others rode ahead while I stopped to take this picture because I love these teeny village roads. When I rounded the corner, I was confronted with several different ways to go, and no idea where the rest of our merry band was!
	The Chateau de Saumur. The hills behind were once covered with windmills. This is as close as we got during our hectic stay in Saumur (see tomorrow for the whole story).
	Our home for the evening, the 18th century Chateau de Beaulieu. That's Mary Anne in her rain jacket in front.
	The service stairs to the upper floors.
	Walking along the corridor to our room. Andy and Danielle were on the floor above.
	Cats can spot a sucker instantly! We were both ready for a little nap in our room.
	With one eye on the weather, we prepare to leave Chateau de Beaulieu.

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