What a marvelous way to start the day. Our hostess made just about everything on the table. The bread, the apple juice, the 4 apple tarts including the crust, the raspberry rhubarb fig and plum jams, the yoghurt. The evening before the house smelled deliciously of the apples she was processing. Oh, and all the apples and fruit for the jams were from her own garden.
Getting Rawley ready for the day. He had to stay under the covered deck for the night. Our shoes were all pretty muddy so we left them out too.
We had basically only got as far as going out the gate when Ken decided to change jackets. Sheesh.
I am fascinated by the Chateau de Montmart-Lucy for some reason.
Ken spends time each day looking for the “optimal” bench. In the shade with a view and a beer. This apparently was a “sub-optimal” bench.
Pretty small calves for late September. I noticed on my last trip to the region that these white cows are the most common here.
Most of the day was on farm track or tiny road, with a little bit of “grinder” walking (Peter’s term for busy roads).
Yay! An optimal bench! No beer though.
DO NOT TOUCH! For my forestry friends, France and Spain have an issue with processional caterpillars, so called because they march in single file. They are quite dangerous because their hairs are exceedingly irritating and can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals. These are traps for the caterpillars.
We thought the upside down sign was pretty funny but found out later that hanging town signs upside down is a common anti-government austerity protest thing.
Towns with no shops will often have a baguette distributeur. Baguettes are replenished early every morning so the baguettes are fresh. About $2 each. Some of the older ones are coins only and some take cards.
We’ve noticed that England was very much a card society. Even if you were only buying something worth 2 pounds, they expected you to pay with a card. But France seems to still prefer cash, especially taxis.
Stuffing his face with baguette.
Ancient grape press for wine.
These shutter stoppers are little ladies. Look closely to see them on the house.
Eoropean hornet, size of a loonie. Scary.
Mistletoe balls, slowly killing the tree.
Massive apple orchards, fruit is already starting to fall. We’ve noticed here and in the UK fruit trees everywhere with rotting fruit on the ground, individual trees and sometimes the commercial orchards. Apples, pears, even peaches. Such a waste.
Over another hill crest and back into vineyards again. We can actually see in the very far distance the WW1 Monument we are walking towards.
Very large rosehip.
Ken was excited to see a bunch of guys out for a fun little ride on a bunch of fun little Honda type bikes. Brought a smile to Ken’s grouchy face. (Peter is way in the back)
We see these small poplar plantations everywhere.
Sad that this coat arms for the Chateau is barely legible anymore.
Our B&B for the night. Aupres de l’eglise in Oyes.
Rawley getting a much needed bath as his wheels were totally mucked up.
These birch trees were planted about 20 years ago. We were admiring how brightly white they were when we found its because the owner “washes” them. The birches were a brilliant idea for the courtyard. Hmmm. Giving me ideas. Ken hates when I get ideas!
Being inspected by the cat in the farmyard across the street. I think I was not passing muster 😜.
The rooster woke up at 300 am. Why????
Pieces of monuments in the graveyard whose origins are unknown.
Our dinner table. Chicken and couscous and salad and duck confit pie and plum cake. Mmmmm.
Feast in the morning and feast in the evening. It doesn’t get better than this!
VF Britannica Via Campaniensis Voie de Vezelay 2025 