Monday, 23 September 2013

I got Home Safe and Sound!

La Bourboule train station just before I left - a beautiful day, typical!

I had a lot of time, so ate a late lunch in a restaurant in front of the Gare du Nord.



 
There is a new sculpture inside - well, I've never seen it before!







Every train has a name - but Smurf 2?





Bye Bye Paris, see you again soon!



Thursday, 19 September 2013

It was a Mighty Effort!



Today I walked up the mountain again, it was the first day without rain for two weeks.  Now I am nursing my blisters .... To walk up the mountain, one must first go to Murat le Quaire, and the first few photos are of that mountain village.  But before I ever got there, I managed to photograph one of the numerous - but hugely elusive - lizards in La Bourboule; isn't he a cutie?  I have been trying to shoot one for ages, but they are just too darn fast for me.  Rather like gliders - whenever I try to shoot one, my eyes go blurry and before I can focus them the glider is far away.  I did manage one shot of an airborne glider, though!  Enjoy the photos!




































Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Flood Alarm Anytime Soon?


As a result of the incessant rain the river has risen in its bed.  Normally the water is clear, and one can see lots of trout.  Large rocks stick out above the waterline, giving the Dordogne a rugged, picturesque, air.  But today it presented a completely different appearance.  The water was muddy and deep, and barely any rocks could be seen.  As for trout, they were invisible, though no doubt still around.  I took a few photos when the sun came out for a few minutes, so you can see for yourself.

Only two days left in La Bourboule!  Today I bought my customary leaving presents for the lovely staff at my hotel and the Grands Thermes in the Regal Auvergnat shop of the amazing Pascal.  I also bought several hunks of cured ham to take home – the local ham is very tasty and goes well with my favourite bread and pickles.  I am always reluctant to buy any here, since my suitcase was rather small.  However, last year my old suitcase gave up the ghost and I bough another, bigger, one, so can be a little more generous in my purchases.  I have a few books to take back, as well.

I am hoping for a break in the weather so I can say goodbye to the Mountain tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good!