It was shutter rattling windy all night and even cold! We awoke to a gale of icy Mistral so nothing for it but to head to the Rhône for a bracing walk. Sun dazzling and everything in silhouette.
We went a circuitous route between Violès and Jonquières somewhere round the back of the airbase. Interesting farmland with vines and cereals and sunflowers. And the cut-out shapes of the Dentelles and Ventoux.
We parked as usual under the Château d’Hers and braced ourselves. Blimey it was strong...but so are we! Off we strode north into the teeth of the gale. There were waves on the water, houseboat barges parked up on the opposite bank, almost chilly despite the sun.
We made it to the Halte Fluviale and down onto the landing stage where there was some shelter.
Up river by the quarry
Pégase was being filled with sand or rock powder that was gaily blowing away in the breeze.
I turned round only to see a battleship grey craft powering up at ramming speed.
At the same time
Pégase was manoeuvring out of the mooring and heading south. Back to the car. Saw no birds or butterflies - just armies of blundering grasshoppers.
And strange green weed clumping on the little river alongside the digue.
We returned more or less the same way with a detour to Travaillan for food. Chez Gégène bistot. Nothing remotely fancy and somewhere we would hesitate to take guests, but home cooked everyday
fare and friendly service. We also wanted to check the Tour route. I enquired and yes it goes right past their door. As yet absolutely no signs on the roadsides. The only clue is the vast beautification of the Camaret roundabout. New planting, rusted iron name in large letters. Looks really classy.
