Thursday 16 June - Geneva

M2 home today courtesy of Mr Easyjet for some R&R, the Avro 748 annual dinner and perhaps a simulator ride to maintain his currency. M1 looking forward to a week's holiday in Brian Gourley's apartment in Megeve which we have used before in winter and summer. Annie and Joanne fly in on saturday morning.

We spent the morning preparing. Packing, cleaning and attempting to fixe some of EMU's little failings. The sun was very warm and it cooked up nicely so that we were pleased to get the cooling air in the van as we set off for Geneva airport. Daniel (Garmin) said it was only 17km away but it was a 52km drive round the Jura mountain to get there although this was inspiring with a view of the whole of Lake Geneva when descending into Gex. It was useful to check the access and parking arrangements at the airport and after a few nervous fumbles about height and not paying before reaching the exit barrier this was achieved. M2 delivered into Easyjet's hands; M2 back to Chezery via the southern route. Same distance but quicker.

Domestic afternoon then a good bike ride up the valley once the temperature had dropped to 30C at about 5.00pm. The ride was a steady up for 13.5 miles then an exhilarating whizz down.

Back to Chez Blanc for another fine 14 euro meal. The pichets of wine were absolutely acceptable - perhaps a lesson for the next phase?

A mightily disturbed night though as although there had been no evidence of a build up of thunderstorms, the night sky became alive about midnight. The frequent flashes were initially behind the mountains which were silhouetted brilliantly and there was no alternative but to abandon sleep and watch. Pretty soon, the storms arrived in the confines of the valley accompanied by pretty instant thunder and tumultuous rain. Never mind - the bikes and table etc were protected by being under the awning. An attempt at sleep never worked as then came the mighty wind. The awning was well anchored but was severely tested as it flapped at the mercy of nature. Fearful of a tear or worse, I was also worried that by dismantling the stays and pegs the wind would get it before it could be stowed. Fortunately, a lull allowed me to cut the stays and quickly house the awning but this then exposed the bikes etc to another wetting in the torrential rain. Sleep didn't or couldn't come so the books and computer came out until morning - and still it rained!