La Grande Baou Falls - Le Val

It's unbelievable to think we have been in France now for a week, and now here we are in the south. The time has passed quickly, but at the same time it seems ages since we left home. Over the last few days, we have got to know Marge and all her little idiosyncrasy's, all in all she's very forgiving.

An amusing sight through Marge's windscreen this morning. The man in the van opposite, returned to his vehicle wearing roller blades, fully kitted out in protective helmet, elbow and knee pads. He looked relieved to have arrived back, collapsing across the bonnet of his van, gasping.

Nearly choking on a bowl of cornflakes whilst laughing at him, we only had to wait a few minutes to be further entertained. He lifted his perspex roof light, put his head above the parapet, like a tank commander, looking left and right, then hauled himself out through the gap and onto the roof, which he proceeded to sluice down with some bottled water. It was priceless entertainment.

The first part of today's journey took in some very harrowing narrow roads, with a ditch on the nearside.

But on the plus side, we were rewarded with views of acres and acres of blood red wild poppies, we'd never seen the like of it, so were pleased when we found a safe place to stop, and take some photographs of them. They were absolutely stunning. Choosing to keep away from the busier, faster roads, means more traumatic driving, but we also get to see some amazing sites. Further along on our journey, we came across a pair of women stood along side the road. Close by was a digital sign advertising 'Golden Delicious', she must have been the younger and prettier of the two. It was nearing lunchtime, and as we journeyed on, we saw many more of these working women.

Nearing tonight's destination, we found ourselves on the French equivalent of an English rat run. At one point Marge had a face off with an old French Citroen. Luckily Marge won, holding her ground. It was all a little nerve racking, and John commented that a week ago, I would have given him the keys, got out of Marge, and said 'I can't do this'. Somewhere I've read, 'you should do something everyday that scares you'. Whoever thought up that should be shot!

Mid afternoon we arrived at the beautiful peaceful spot of La Grande Baou Falls, near Le Val. It is a private aire, so we have paid an overnight fee of 10 euros. Our host, Jean-Marie, showed us the sites facilities, including the disposal point for the 'pooper', which is located under the olive trees, and thriving they are!

With nerves settled, we took a walk down to the waterfall. The sunlight lit the glade, and danced off the water. The falls were in good flow and impressive. We took lots of photographs. John ever the adventurer, discarded his shoes and socks, and crossed to the other side of the pool. Well worth it for the photographs. Me, well someone had to mind the shoes.

Marge is settled by the river, and we know that its tumbling waters will sooth us nicely tonight. Nearby to us is a cherry tree, and John forever the forager, helped himself to a handful.

Walking over to the cherry tree he saw three different varieties of butterfly. After a welcoming afternoon coffee, we set off on a second walk alongside the river, where we spotted a green woodpecker.

We are enjoying being able to roam around at our leisure, picking wild garlic, thyme and sage, some of which we will use in tonight's meal, and in John's breakfast omelette.

Tomorrow we will drive to our last overnight stop in France, before crossing over the border into Italy.

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