Waterland

2 August

Down to the Aygues by Cairanne for an explore. First revelation is that the bottled water Cristaline is from Ste Cécile and bottled right here! We stumbled upon it by simply turning left at the bridge. Busy busy even on a Sunday with lorries parkd up and fork lifts scuttling about.

On the other side of the bridge we found a track that let onto the riverbed. Almost entirely dry at this time of the year with occasional pools and streams that come and go . It is odd to think this vast expanse can, in winter, be a raging torrent. Cairanne sits well atop the banks out of danger.







The beeeaters were softly gurgling in the dead branches, a couple of kites floated over., Adrian spotted a kingfisher. And all underfoot are clumps of  plants thriving on the damp gravel. Too many to even try to identify. I can just about recognise evening primrose and willow and possibly loosestrife. Then on the verges creeping tiny convulvulus, yellow daisy like things, possible chicory, and something that looks like a mini pinky mauve scabious. We had our first blackberries the other day but wild figs are unripe still.

Back home the terrace is still inviting. Our builders are exemplary and clean up when they leave. Mme Vrastor expressed amazement that they had come to work on a Saturday morning! Even by French standards of hard work this is unusual. We suspect it is the awful deadline of the annual fête next weekend that is spurring them on to finish!

Tonight- The Woman in Gold at Florian cinema with German friends.