Joyeux Anniversaire

Day 22 – Moulins to Digoin, France — 38 miles  

I’m trying—but not doing a very good job—of learning a word or phrase of French each day. Today’s most important phrase is “Joyeux Anniversaire”—Happy Anniversary.  

Today is our 20th anniversary, and we were rewarded with an easy, secluded, picturesque ride through the French countryside to the river town of Digoin, which sits on the Loire River in the Loire Valley.  

I spent most of the ride thinking about—and appreciating—the time we’ve had together and the many amazing experiences we’ve shared, from blending our families and traveling, to charting a shared, adventurous, collaborative career path, and finally to these unique bicycle journeys we take in different places around the world. The synergy with which we’ve approached life together as a couple is special, and it’s something I will always appreciate and be grateful for.  

We had dinner together in a small, alcove-style French restaurant on a rainy evening. We ate an authentic, full-course French meal, sipped white wine, and had a synchronized conversation about the crazy and special life we’ve been so fortunate to live together.  

Joyeux Anniversaire, Molly!