26 April 2015 - Quiet country day

Karl and I went out for a walk to explore a little bit more of our local environment.  Behind the local Mairie (Town council, Mayoral office) we saw a track which we walked down, unsure whether it was actually someone's driveway.  Eventually we came out on a road which we also followed, down the hill, past the cows, around the corner and up the hill.  Karl was sure that our lake was just over the hill but I was sure we were heading in the opposite direction.  At this stage we were joined by a friendly sheep dog who lead us down the road until the next corner.

Our bedroom French windows!

Another well

The brown cow of the herd.

Ripe for renovation!

Most of the houses we passed were deserted and in poor states of repair.  Some had been restored and look loved.  The fields looked lush and green and in need of a mow!  In Australia the fields would never be this lush and green.  We saw a field with last season's dried corn stalks all in rows which looked like a graveyard.

Graveyard for corn

And so we walked on, with no sight of the lake.  The drizzle turned to heavy rain and we were soaked again! We were welcomed by some more dogs but no people were seen at all.  Finally we came to St Gervais which was at least familiar and 3 kms from our place.  We walked down the otherwise deserted main road two cars from opposite directions decided to pass us at the same time!  It was a most enjoyable walk and after the brisk 10 kms we were ready for breakfast.  The hosts' homemade bread with raspberry jam tasted like you would never believe! Delicious!

Lego moments!

The children were catching up with school work after three days off but managed outdoor time in between.  Luke is particularly enjoying being here  with the other children.  They played and explored for hours.

Where there's a trampoline, there's joy!

Our hosts invited us for "sundowners", a concept foreign to us, which means drinks and snacks and chatting!  They are new to Airbnb but have been in the hospitality business for years running a camp in Zambia which was most interesting to hear about.  They have recently bought this place, the gite and bed and breakfast facilities and land.  Their two kids at home are just starting school locally and their  oldest son goes to boarding school in England.

Firm friends!

Luke was reluctant to let his friend go home.  They had pretty much tucked in for the night!  He was wound up like a spring as you might imagine!  The kids were very sweet exploring the garden together checking out all the plants and flowers for Luke's next school module.