Hi Everyone

It's a while since I posted here, so I hope you're all well. I hope
also you're all enjoying the tour so far.

We went to Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, on Sunday and saw the Tour pass
through. We left home at 7.30, and got there quite quickly - in just
over an hour. Because we were early, on our approach to Tunbridge
Wells, we were able to drive down a few miles of the actual Tour de
France route before the roads were closed.

When we got there, we found somewhere to park really easily, and then
went and had a look around, including a stop off at Costa's to have a
coffee and something to eat. We then found somewhere to base
ourselves, which ended up with us having a really good view. The
crowds around were amazing. There was a Jazz band playing on the
steps of the Town Hall, which we were near, and there was a real
carnival atmosphere with everyone having a good time. When the
Cavalcade arrived, it was great fun and everyone cheered. Even the
Gendarmere got a cheer as they passed through. - Yes, Gendarmere in
Kent. When the Tour is outside France, they work in conjunction
with the local Police.

The biggest cheer of the day was of course reserved for the riders.
Firstly, came the leading bunch, which included Britain's David
Millar. The main pelaton came about five minutes later.

The Tour de France stage was eventually won in Canterbury of course
by Australia's Robbie McEwen, with the Maillot Jaune remaining with
Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara, which he got from the previous day's
Prologue in London 0 and still has this evening after a great stage
win today.

Before we left on Sunday morning, I set the video to record the
coverage off Eurosport. When the Tour past through where we were, it
was an aerial shot, so we could see everything from high up.

We watched "BBC South East Today" yesterday evening (which we can do
thanks to Sky Digital)- to see what it said about about Sunday. On
it, a French TV presenter said that it was the best starts he had
known in 25 years of reporting on it. "Everything had been perfect"
he said. It said that throughout Kent, 2 million people (including us
of course - and half a million more than actually live in Kent
itself), lined the route, and it was watched by 1 billion people
worldwide.

For us, it was a really enjoyable day and one we will certainly
remember. I have now added my photos to my on-line album,
http://sports.webshots.com/album/559800311HmKnzz
I will also be able to to download some photos direct off my
Camcorder shots, but it will probably be the weekend before I can do
that.

Anyway, I'll finish there. Please take care and look after
yourselves.

Best wishes for now
Dave