Dodging the downpour

Yesterday we just walked round Malaucène market and old town, showing Terry the scruffier side of Provence! And the typical (ha) grey drizzle! Then a walk round Sablet and the vines. We just got in before the heavens opened. Then decided a pizza was in order...togged up in full protective gear and ran through the rushing streams and under spouts of water from across the road’s gutters, only to find pizza closed! Luckily, I had bought lasagne from the market, and strawberries so we didn’t starve.

Today it looked slightly more promising and we went via Vaison to Puyméras coop for wine then over the hills to Buis. Detouring as we do via Jonchiers and Beauvoisin. But when we got out of the car it was freezing so all we did was walk to the church and back and head down into Buis for lunch. Still dry. The Ouvèze was very full though with milky pale brown water. During lunch it poured down then miraculously stopped as we left.

Returned down the old railway at Entrechaux and took a look at the Ouvèze again under the Roman bridge. Heck! Torrents. We usually walk along gravel banks up the river here - today it was roaring along most dramatically with deep water wall to wall. Or bank to bank. A heron stood statuesquely on a rock and a blackbird sang most sweetly above the thunderous flow.

Finally, Mr Smith jnr decided he could do with a glace, Mr Smith snr some nougat, and I desired a new pot. Only one place could provide all three -  Crestet! All purchased and brought safe back to Sablet. Still just about dry.