Old Man River

 

aka Le Rhône…

We haven’t been for a while and as the weather is still so amazing thought we’d better not tempt Providence by waiting too long. Rain is a constant worry at this time of year despite the clear blue skies. And well, why not burn some fuel!The strike is bound to end soon. Yesterday we stayed close to home, only venturing to Roaix then a walk above Villedieu so we needed a change.

On the way to Caderousse we have oft spotted a sign by a gate saying Cidre, Jus de Pommes and not stopped. Well Cider isn’t exactly what you expect in Provence! Though why not? They grow zillions of apples down here by the river. So today we drove in down the earth track lined with netted trees and came to a somewhat battered yet distinguished dwelling with a painted sign saying Klaxonnez! 

Which we did, and by and by, a small tractor pulling trailers of apples chugged into view. A man of few words confirmed there was cider and juice for sale and how much did we want. 

A box of six bottles of cider and a 3 litre box of juice was thus obtained and he went on his way back to his orchards where he’d obviously been busy harvesting until these blessed foreigners interrupted!

Onward to the destination…the bridges of - not Madison County - but the Rhône. Always a good spot for interesting sights. We ducked off the road across the smartened up cycle track and onto the gravel tracks beside the river. Abandoned Skoda to his fate and walked along the water’s edge. 

There were Herons, loads of them, swans, cormorant, butterflies and aromatic wild herbs. And the water was like a millpond with wonderful reflections. Do check out the Google album my dears… I am quite proud of some of today’s snaps.

At midday the TGV’s came thick and fast. A sinister black delta wing roared overhead, a kite disappeared up a thermal, swans and herons played chicken with the motorway traffic, flying low between the lorries.

Home for lunch on the terrace, entertained by rooftop-skimming Helicopter training and Patrouille newbies on Air Display 101 - learning to fly in formation.