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Published: September 22nd 2010
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Day 10
After the disappointment of Cap D’Agde the stay at Peret restored our vision of rural France. Having left Peret we quickly came across a local wine cooperative and bought boxes of red and rose wine without traditional tasting. Drove through Languedoc to Bedarieux for coffee, followed by lunch, three ‘platters’ of tomato, ravioli and cheese. Arrived at La Celeste, our accommodation for the next week, just after 4pm and later cooked our first meal for some time after a swim in the pool. Covering the pool at night will be a military operation!
Day 11
First none driving day so far after late breakfast and early morning swim. Weather rather cloudy at first but eventually the sun came out and allowed us all to swim and enjoy the sun. It’s exciting to watch the harvest in the vineyards that surround us and the aroma 0f freshly crushed grapes is intoxicating Dinner included our attempt at Lyonnaise potatoes but worth the wait.
Day 12
Lazy start to the day, swim and extended breakfast before departing to Carcassonne. Surprised by the ease of parking and entry to the ‘Cite’. After a confused start to the tour we purchased tickets for both
the castle and the ramparts. Tour full of photo opportunities and even found time for lunch overlooking the castle, hot goat cheese salad with honey for some, omelettes for others. Afternoon included the cathedral and an expensive drink stop in central square. Returned home for well-deserved swim and dinner of chicken and sauté potatoes. Alan again contributed to the shared effort by pouring the wine. As a result he is now our official Sommelier!!!.
Day 13
Wonderful market in Olonzac, where we bought our picnic and wonderful cheeses. Drove up the into the mountains via a zig zag road a child could have drawn. At the summit of Pic de Nore there were strong cold winds and magnificent panoramic views. We descended a couple of hundred feet and had a picnic and walk round a lake, then home via wonderful Van Gogh like scenery to our home from home and a swim.
Day 14
Today was a LANGUISHING day. Being Languid in the Languedoc! It was far too hot to do much so we read and swam most of the day. Two of us ventured out to
Super U to fetch provisions then resumed our languidness. The highlight was Monsieur Fosketts culinary delights at dinner time ……Mon Dieu ….c’est formidable.
Must just mention Tom’s legs because he is very excited. They are now officially OFF WHITE!
Day 15
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together!!! Lucy had the all clear and they fly out on Saturday. Furthermore, the owner says we can have the gaff ‘til Monday - good news all round.
Today we had a walk along a towpath of the canal du midi to a triple lock- what a fantastic piece of engineering. ……and marvellous entertainment watching the boats manoeuvring in and out. We had lunch in an old mill by the lock, then walked back to Trebes and took a boat. We went through a lock, which was exciting. A good day, despite the change in temperature. What a difference a day makes. Yesterday was in the thirties today is 21 degrees!
Day 16
After a lazy rainy morning we ventured off to Limoux . After nearly driving straight into the market stalls in the centre of the town we found a place to
park by the river. After a leisurely walk around a disappointing market, just cheap tack, that did nothing to enhance the ambience of the square. Unfortunately, Tom’s insides had not yet stabilised (the effects of steak tartare) and so it was only three for lunch, good value and thoroughly enjoyable.
We then, unfortunately, decided to proceed on the route back to the villa that Alan had suggested earlier in the day! Some describe his driving as inspired, others frightening, but surely roads should be wide enough for cars to pass safely! Then there was the log transporter, Tom had expressed confidently that his stomach problems were over until ‘that corner’. After that everyone expressed their delight in the views, the stop at Lagrasse and the scenery although some of the back seat drivers felt fewer turns of the steering wheel would have been appreciated. Upon reaching home the decision was taken not to uncover the pool for the second day running. Excitement increased as we discussed the arrival of the ‘missing two’ in the morning; so it was early to bed and early to rise for the Richardson taxi service.
Day 17
AND NOW WE ARE SIX!
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