Each of us contributed to the pictures of flowers over the last 11 months. So many memories in Europe.
Red, Orange, and Yellow
Green, Blue, and Violet
Pink, Gold, Green and a Mix
White and mixed
European Flowers
France
Rest day and Stage 10
July 10
Today was an official Tour de France rest day. The guys found a disc golf course and played until their hearts were content. Disc golf and beautiful scenery was a double win for them. After18 holes they drove the next day’s bike tour stage route backwards, looking for a place to campout and see the race with Cody.
The next morning, July 11, was Stage 10 of Le Tour de France. Randy, Zach and Cody packed lunches and headed out to watch the tour. They had scouted a place where the riders would be coming through a forest area, which would provide spectators with plenty of shade.
As they waited for the riders, team sponsors came in advance throwing free merchandise, shirts, and hats for spectators. SCORE and SUPER FUN!
Here come the riders!!!
Just after the riders rode by, Randy, Zach, and Cody hopped in the car and drove to another spot to see the riders approach the finish line. Two sightings in one day! The boys were thrilled with their viewing spots.
Police, Fox, and Boars, oh no
July 9
Along with hiking Puy de Dôme, the guys saw trains clearly decorated for the bike tour.
The food looked amazing at Le Bistrot des Combes in Mazaye, France. Creme Brulee became the dessert of choice for Randy.
The next morning began a hike that would have the guys feeling as if they were part of the novel Danny Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, as well as the Von Trapp family hiding from the Nazi Regime. The guys had scouted out a trail that would allow them to hike a few hours to reach an area where cars were not permitted during the tour. Here they thought they would be able to have a private viewing location of the Tour de France. Leaving Cody at home, Randy and Zach enjoyed their hike through a variety of landscapes. The hike seemed beautiful through the pictures I saw from afar.
The adventure twisted and turned as they approached the viewing area. It seemed the French police were positioned along the roadside every 50 feet. Apparently spectators were not allowed anywhere near the route to the top of the finish line. The guys kept trying to find a covered place to hide and watch but no luck.
As they were quietly searching through the woods they spotted a fox. A few minutes later several huge wild boars showed their snouts. Both Randy and Zach knew the danger they could have been in from both the police and boars. They concluded it was time to leave. The adrenaline rush made the hike back down seem like a sprint. Good food and Cody awaited their return. Despite not seeing any of the bike race today the guys had an amazing day.
Génolhac, France
My last bucket list item for France came to me about 4 months ago as I was doing ancestry research on my Papa Dewey’s side of the family. The short version of history is that my great(x8) grandfather from the 1600’s lived and worked in Génolhac, France. I descend from his daughter.
photo of JPB
Génolhac is a very small village nestled in the Cevennes mountains of central eastern France, less than two hours from me. Jean Pierre Bondurant owned several inn’s for travelers. He and his family eventually fled France due to religious persecution. His family remained Christians, never converting to Catholicism, which was ordered by the King. His family made their way to Manakin, VA as French Huguenots.
Randy encouraged me to take a train to go see and experience the village. I caught the train early. The train schedule allowed me 4 hours to explore this village of 10 streets. When I arrived I was enthralled with the beauty of the hydrangea bushes lining the train station. I did not realize how hilly Génolhac was on a the map.
I found Jean Pierre’s house and apothecary, which still stands and is a home for a family, located at 42 Grand Rue, 30450 Génolhac, France
My plan for the next 3.5 hours came after visiting the village information center. I walked just about every street following historical signs in the village. I realized many of the signs described village history after the 1600’s, but it was something to do.
Eventually I made my way to a small grocery store and purchased a typical French picnic of baguette, meat, cheese and a red pepper. I was off to walk along the road that reminded me of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.
The young guy at the information office sent me on a hike to a secluded water area. This was perfect. I enjoyed the hike and the cool water. The babbling creek and quietness of the forest, minus a few birds, did not disappoint.
This actually exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Expectations I didn’t even know I had. I soaked in the sun on a rock, enjoyed my lunch, and imagined life during the 1600’s the best I could.
On the way home I changed trains in Nimes. Right outside the beautiful train station is a Roman coliseum.
These are a Few of Our Favorite Things…So Long Farewell
Exploring the village market, bike pump track, boulangerie and charming side streets.
Visiting Château Puech-Haut for wine tasting with Emma.
Experiencing La Guinguette du Massillan between Teyran and Jacou. and aqueduct climbing in Castries finished our grand tour of the area.
Regretfully they tell us (cuckoo)
But firmly they compel us (cuckoo)
To say goodbye (cuckoo)
To you
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu Uncle Greg and Aunt Sarah!
These are a Few of Our Favorite Things to do near Saint Drézéry
Hiking to the ruined castle rarely gets old for us. Today we watched glider planes being pulled to the sky and released. We heard real cuckoo cuckoo birds. Greg and Sarah described what they envisioned the castle looked like back in the 1100’s, including wooden floors, doors, gates, and more.
Visiting a winery, we chose La Roque today. The kids made paper airplanes. While the adults were tasting wine the kids were having flying competitions.
Walking through the vineyards beside our neighborhood.
Chilling on the covered back porch with the sun, a hammock, a pool, and a breeze made a great day!
The Sound of Music verse 1
Mer de Glace
My day in the hills has come to an end,
I know.
The stars have come out
To tell me it’s time to go.
Our last day in the French Alps was upon us, we knew. This particular day consisted of sun, hail, rain, steep hikes down, a billion metal stairs to descend, a billion metal stairs to ascend, along with rides in both cable cars and trains. This time Cody came with us!
Our destination was Mer de Glace, an ice cave formed inside a glacier. Reading signs along the hike informed us of previous glacier levels. Sarah and I were absolutely amazed at how quickly the glacier was indeed melting. Due to the metal grate stairs we put Cody’s hiking boots on him to prevent torn toenails!
Once inside the air was cold. The lighting was blue due to the ice reflecting light. Cody started licking the walls of ice. This cracked us all up. We did normal poses with ice creations. As we read the information signs we realized the dirt being exposed on the walls was pretty old.
We made our way through the cave and geared up for the ascent of metal stairs! We all climbed these at different rates. At the top of the stairs we chose to continue the ascent via cable car. We were all glad for the smooth quick ride up, even Cody.
We found Sarah safe and sound, saving us a lunch table. During lunch the weather changed drastically to HAIL. We waited the hail storm out in the gift shop, where we also came home with 2 pocket knives! This weather forced us to change our travel plans from hiking down the beautiful, smooth, forest lined paths to riding a packed train back to the village. BTW if you ever go to Mer de Glace and see a US dime posted behind the cash register, know I donated it. I could not believe I found American money in my bag, after 11 months of living overseas.
Spaghetti and games ended our stay in Chamonix. Tomorrow will be a travel day back to Montpellier, this time with Greg and Sarah!
Sixteen Going on Seventeen & Bright Copper Kettles
There is not much to say about this song in relation to our adventures, however, the song came to mind as I recounted the day.
At the midway point coming down Aiguille Du Midi, everyone has to change gondolas. We decided to get off and explore.
First stop was grabbing the last sandwiches at the little café. As we found a picnic table we heard, “Go HOKIES!” Yes indeed, our clan of VA Tech clothing advertisements was spotted and greeted warmly on the side of the French Alps by fellow Hokies. College memories from different years were shared and smiled upon. “18 going on 50+,” should have been the caption for this moment in time snapshot.
The mountain snow was thawing, patches of dirt and rocks were seen peeping through the snow. Several of us went out for a hike. Sarah and Zach scouted out the trail ahead.
Eventually 4 out of 6 of us ventured on toward the hidden alpine lake, Lac Bleu. I, personally, did not need someone older and wiser telling me what to do. I knew hiking uphill in snow and ice was not for me.
Mazie and I took the gondola to the bottom and enjoyed a 4-D movie. Once home we saw evidence that Cody missed us by moving our socks near his best friend, Pooh Bear. We ended the night at a fun restaurant that had bright copper kettles and pans hanging for decoration. Our last dinner out and Raclette was on the menu, on the table, and in our mouths.
The Sound of Music Goes to Italy
June 2023
A lot of this year has been about experiencing new places, adventures, and culture. With each new adventure I find myself researching the history of the experience. Sound of Music became the theme of this vacation with Greg and Sarah, after our joint Google photo album was named, “Sound of Music.” While this is one of my top 5 favorite movies I did not title the photo album. My research began on the VonTrapp Family and the movie. “The von Trapp’s real-life departure from Austria was less dramatic,…In daylight, the family exited the gate at the rear of their villa and crossed the railroad tracks that ran behind it to board a train to Italy…” Italy…yes the tie in to this post about traveling to Italy over the Alps.
25 years ago my sister and a friend tried to cross the Alps via a cable car ride from France to Italy. Needless to say we were not able to because the cable car transportation was still closed for the winter season. Just a reminder 25 years ago there were no cell phones or handy internet services to check schedules prior to arriving.
Back to 2023, I was excited to have the chance to cross the alps via cable cars. The kids were excited to visit a new country. One traveler was not thrilled about going in a cable car but conquered the fear and later reported it was worth it.
At the Italy station we explored the restrooms and café,
observation tower,
and stairs leading down to the snow before heading back to France.
Riding above glaciers, mountain peaks, and step walls of snow and rock was breathtaking. The great outdoor adventurers looked like baby ants in this vast mountain range. Rock climbers became camouflaged against their rock face. Ravines of snow reminded me of biscuit dough after being stamped by the cutter.
We had a great morning on top of the Alps. The weather was incredibly cooperative. The clouds quickly rolled in while we were in Italy. Half way down the mountain into France we decided to stop at the changing station for more exploration and lunch.
My (Our) Favorite Things
Chamonix, France
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens will have to wait a day for us…
Big Mountain Brewery: Local craft beer, pizza and Nachos with guacamole to go
Dinner and a Movie at home: Top Gun:Maverick
Slow morning
Artwork around town
Alpine Coasters and old school potato sack style slides
Meandering flat hike through nature on the outskirts of town
Alpine architecture among old and new construction
Capturing funny things in a picture: Why does the chicken cross the road?
Hiking in the French alps to a restaurant chalet
Resting sore body parts by taking a bus home
Hiking with playful Cody
Flowers at the chalet
Scenic views from the chalet
French dinner: Fondue, Beef Bourguignon, Roasted Chicken, and Duck
Ice cream: Amorino
Lees in France 