We visited another lake, further inland, colder and deeper and we all went swimming but much shorter dips! Eric rode there and we drove home together. Beautifully forested surroundings.
My mum and dad came to stay for a week and we sampled the local pineau (brandy/wine mixture), visited Blaye on the Gironde estuary and wandered around the citadel. We came across some Musketeer-era costumed actors, rehearsing something, complete with sword fights. That was fun!
We also visited the local town of Jonzac, with the longest meandering medieval alley I’ve ever walked down. It turns into tunnels under buildings several times. Interesting history – it was the only access to the town outside of the gate and all the curves made it easier to block in case of attack.
After the first couple of weeks of intense heat, it cooled down and we had some crazy rain. Before that hit, the farmers were all out harvesting their dead sunflowers. They looked quite sad before they were gone, but it’s just a season.
I’ve been out for a couple of runs (first time since January!) and finally got out for a bike ride too. The roads are tiny and beautiful and really quiet.
And apart from that, we’re doing schoolwork and working and planning our next stops! One night in Paris in a couple of weeks and two weeks in Portugal from mid October.