The Further Adventures of Martin & Peggy: Communication, Cycling and Chateaux

We're back in the land of internet!

You will have noticed a decided paucity of information on the blog over the last few weeks...it's not been for want of trying believe me! No, it's been more like a lack of internet connection at Moulin du Bayle for the last 6 weeks. The satellite 'box' died and it has taken this long to persuade the internet company that they needed to send us a new one. We were prepared for it to take some time, we are in France after all, however, 6 weeks was a lot more than we bargained for! During that time we found two wifi cafes (McDonalds being one-brilliant for a vegetarian!) which we haunted in order to keep up with news from home and send friendly, pleading, begging and finally nasty emails to the internet company who would respond (in French naturally) by basically thanking us for our email and take an number! We eventually found a wonderful technician who spoke some English and who had previously worked for this company and it was he who finally got through the bureaucratic web and persuaded them to send a new box. So we are back on the communication highway. Long may it last!

Looks like she's been doing it for years??!

Probably our biggest news is that we are now proud owners of two bikes which we have been riding along some awesome trails. The best has to be the Canal du Midi which stretches from the Mediterranee to the Atlantic some 500kms! Our biggest 'journey' so far has been about 12kms...certainly a lot further than the 'carrot'! Needless to say there are few (if any) hills!
All had been going swimmingly in the riding department until Peggy decided to fall off her bike nearly sending Martin into the canal. She is now sporting a rather large lump on her leg which is not very attractive and has slowed the riding expeditions this week. The Plane trees you see in the background of the pictures were reportedly ordered to be planted by Napoleon so his troops could stay out of the sun when they were marching cross country. You see them everywhere.

Dressed for...

Chateau Puivert

We continue to explore in and around our 'Department', the Aude and are never short of a chateau or two to visit. This area is known as Cathar country and has an amazing history of some very horrific wars and battles, very often connected to the Catholic church and the Inquisition. We are in the heart of 'Dan Brown' country, with Rennes le Chateau being the church where the mystery of possible Cathar treasure (Holy Grail?) is centred. Many of the chateaus are just skeletons of their former selves but they are amazing to wander around especially when you realise the history that they hold in them. Views from the top of the surrounding landscapes only serve to further confirm that this is a truly beautiful part of France.

Chateau D'Arque

View from top of Rennes le Chateau, Pyrenees in back

Well, enough for now, it's now way past wine time and there is a glass just waiting for me. So here's wishing everyone all our love and best wishes. Til the next time. Will end with a couple of pics from other 'happenings' in our neck of the woods.