As Merv is in training for next month's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge in NZ (160kms), he decided to cycle one of Mountains and Maps challenging routes on Tuesday. He left from just outside Carcassonne in a grey, drizzling rain which fortunately quickly became fine and sunny but not too hot. A barely noticeable uphill to Caunes-Minervois, then a long steady 16kms climb to the Col de Salette (913m) then down to Courniou onto St Pons and back home via Vallee d'Orb. Total distance of 115kms.
Jane provided able back-up (in the car!) with water, food, extra clothing for the down hill etc. So had plenty of time to watch the ceps hunters. It is the peak season for mushroom gathering and the forest had many people jealously protecting their special spots for gathering. When we stopped in St Pons there were some magnificent ceps on sale from the more prolific mushroom hunters.
Fantastic time of year to be out on a bike - mild but sunny and very little wind. Plus the autumn colours are really coming into their own now.
Swimming in the pool for this year is definitely over. It really has come time to put the winter pool cover on. Although, yesterday was a hot and sunny at 25C so quite conceivable to go for a swim. However, we now have followed the example of our neighbours and put the winter cover on.
The cats are most confused about their big water bowl now being inaccessible. As it is a salt-based pool - no chlorine - they think the water is lovely and just for them.
Henry has his own particular style of sleeping ...
Have moved on from painting walls to furniture. Picked up some bedside tables at a brocante, to go in the gite. First they need a bit of a make-over so am making the most of the autumn sunshine to clean, sand and paint outdoors.
Our new olive tree has produced ONE lovely, lonely olive this year. It does generally take around 4 to 5 years to get a decent olive crop. It's a start!
Jane's recent French lessons have included conversations about oliviers: growth, pruning, pests and diseases, plus how to treat them once picked. Eventually we'll be able to put this knowledge to use.
We had much better produce from one of the pear trees this year (having dealt with the 'puces'). However, we ended up with huge pears (Williams) and more than we could possibly eat before they went too soft.
So they went into a Pear and Cranberry relish. And here's the result. A friend from London stayed recently - also bringing the cranberries which I couldn't seem to find in the supermarket. But then we went to the market and found lots of them! We taste-tested the relish and can confirm it is delicious.
Conkers galore! It seems to be a great year for the chestnut tree fruit. Also quite dangerous when walking near these heavily laden trees ...
The weather has cooled now (although still in the 20sC) and the garden has started to grow again. It's a lovely time of year, still sunny and warm, but coolish at night - so able to sleep!
These are among the last of this year's roses. What a treat to have their perfume in the house in October.
With a friend from London staying last week, we went to lunch - in what is rapidly becoming a ritual - at Fleur d'Olargues. Most of our friends visiting over summer have somehow found their way there for the superb food plus stunning location. Sitting outdoors under a cooling canopy of vines; fantastic view towards Olargues, the river and the hills beyond; plus the restaurants' own vegetable and herb garden below, all make it a special place.
We asked for a vegetarian dish (not an easy thing to find in France) and were presented with this wonderful variety of vegetables from the garden.
Jane had salmon which was superb. In the background you can see a bit of the 13th century bridge leading to the village. We chatted to a lovely Australian couple next to us, travelling for five weeks in Europe with their three children, aged from about 8 to 14. They cycled to lunch so, quite rightly, felt they could indulge in the best of the menu.
