Day 9: Metz in Lorraine to Saverne in Alsace via a parched landscape

No respite from the sun's rays for most of today as the boys headed south-east in the Department Moselle.  Throughout this journey to date evidence of the economic downturn has been ever present, with closed shops in every city and town passed through.  However, what has also been witnessed is the number of agricultural vehicles on the roads, as farmers across western Europe take advantage of the current heat-wave to bring in the harvest.

From the city of Metz, Bob and Mark passed through a litany of small villages along the D999, stopping for a breather in Morhange before continuing on the D27 and D38 to Fenetrange - sunflowers beginning to ripen in many of the fields along the route.  Once on the outskirts of Phalsbourg the change in architecture was discernible, with the chocolate box styles of the Rhineland becoming dominant.

With a repeat of last night's performance, a storm was now brewing and dust-clouds erupting.  In a final 6 mile dash the boys raced to Saverne, passing into Alsace and enjoying the four mile descent from the Col de Saverne.  They only just made it before the heavens opened once again.