I grew up going on adventures. These adventures could be as simple as taking a longer, different route to a familiar place, often referred to as a strawberry shortcut route, thank you Sammy Saunders. Other adventures were to broaden our experiences, such as exploring the Strataca Salt Mine Museum, 650 feet below the surface in Hutchinson, Kansas.

During COVID, I persuaded friends to join us at the nearest fish hatchery. What a terrible adventure, it was blazing hot with the thickest summer air one could imagine in VA. The hatchery had about 4 out 20 areas actively in use. We tried to hike in the surrounding woods for relief from the heat and sun. This attempt lasted about 25 feet before bugs were attacking us. I deleted all my pictures from that miserable morning. Needless to say, most of our adventures this year will be unpredictable yet will make lasting memories for us.

As Saturday went on the kids started getting testy. We started our daily index cards some friends and family made for us. I actually wrote the first one with an adventure set for the day.

After researching what I deemed “possible” while we were still in the states, we decided it was unrealistic for today. We headed to Chateau de Montlaur, built in the 11th century, instead. The main entrance was decorated with private property and Do Not Enter signs on the closed gate. This adventure was going downhill fast! 

A small gravel road to the side beckoned us to explore.

To the right a small paddock housed 2 white horses. To the left a classic scene of French country stonework and shutters aligned the home.

The path continued winding up and to the left, to a look out overseeing the countryside behind a small rock wall.

We continued on until we reached the backside of the Chateau, without warning signs. Let the exploration begin! Mazie was not a fan of potentially trespassing so she stayed behind the sign.

We ended the night at a wonderful outdoor pizza establishment. Our first outing and adventure as a family was a success!