final days of the tour

The final days of the trip have suddenly arrived. Everyone has the feeling that it's a long time since they were home with family, yet the time here has flown by and we are suddenly preparing to pack and move on, home for some (ie me) or onto Paris for the Tour finish and a brief extension of their holiday.
Yesterday was the final day in the Alps and an opportunity to have a look at Le Tour's stage start in Boug d Oisans. Most were content to have an easy ride into town and take in the atmosphere of a Tour sign on and rollout- team buses, riders, parade, sign on etc. Town was absolutely packed. To the extent that Adam and I opted for a brief ride up to Villard Notre Dam, a spectacular climb  over 9 km on a narrow road cut into the cliff side, including a few unlit tunnels (more like caves), forest and ultimately Villard Notre Dam overlooking the valley some 800 metres below.
The tour rolled out at 11:00 after which we battled through the mayhem back to Venosc for a final lunch and then bike packing.
The evening meal became a bit of a final celebration including a few extra wines and some exhibition of Michael Jacksons better steps.

The road from Villard Notre Dame

Woke next morning to the above view from the lounge for departure at 8:00.

Farewells, photos and it's all but over.

The final should be from home in Aus.

BB