We rose at 0400h to drive to Barcelona Airport to pick up the band, and were farewelled at the door of Peter and Kaye’s house by Haystacks Calhoun and his wife Kaylene!

We met the band just after 0900h, and did a headcount to make sure they were all there. We met Joe for the first time! We assumed that the FRAGILE stickers on their baggage referred to the pans inside, rather than to their mental or physical condition! We then all headed downstairs to meet the coach driver.

Luckily, the coach was identified by a special sign, and even more luckily all the passengers and luggage fitted inside.

We headed north on our way to Auberge du Cucugnan for lunch. As we arrived in Cucugnan, the Sims family arrived in their 9-seater van to join us for the rest of the tour.

After lunch we had a walk around Cucugnan and went up to the windmill which makes the flour for the local bakery, then we drove up the hill to visit Chateau Queribus, one of the famous Cathar Castles in the region. As always for first-time visitors, the age of the structure takes their breath away (as much as the climb up the hill).

Then we headed across to Rennes les Bains, where we had dinner and stayed for the night. Being a Monday, the crowds were not as great as they had been the day before. Like Rita the day before, Isaac couldn’t resist a quick swim in the stream. Many band members were left with open mouths, at the beauty of their first night in France.