Monday, July 26, 2010

What a week we had!

More than a week since we came home, I'm only just finishing off my extened tour through our holiday photos. Thanks so much for 'coming with me' as I've recounted our local travels - my mum and dad have been able to see what we were doing ever day, and this has been a real blessing to the whole family - it's been great to have so many other readers joining in the fun too!The photo above is taken looking down on one of the notorious Pyrenean 'cols' - the high mountain passes which feature in the Tour de France. We climbed at first by car, which is clearly cheating...
... but we made up for it with some serious climbing (just for fun) once we parked!
j
We then drove on to a wonderful chateau with this intriguing eagle key plate.
Inside, the former Cathar castle had been turned into a bird of prey centre. These centres are fairly common in the Pyrenees, but are always worth a visit.
In this one, two medieval bird-handlers treated us to an exciting and very informative display.
In France there's a wonderful lack of concern with some of the more ludicrous aspects of Health and Safety,
and the birds can come close...
... very close!
So finally, it was the end of the week. Ben replaced the punctured tyre on his trailor, which had been mended at the local garage.
Son 2 had a final fishing trip in the stream.
The tent came down.
And Son 2 inisited I took a photo of forced child labour.
It was a magical and very peaceful week. I will show you some souveniers, and some other memories from further back, tomorrow!
j
PS Don't forget to try Son 1's camping photo quiz below - he's offering a prize!

12 comments:

Me and Ma said...

What great pictures Floss, I would love to follow the Tour de france, I watch it on TV but it would be great to see it live :)

Nearly there Claire said...

I hate 'striking' camp :o(
So glad you have had a good time. I love the final fishing photo, bless him. xxx

Josie-Mary said...

What a lovely holiday we've all had :) thanks for sharing with us x

Unknown said...

Sounds and looks wonderful Floss! Thank goodness for the wonderful lack of silly health and safety! Yay! Sense at last! Susie xxx

Lorrie said...

It's been a lot of fun to "share" your vacation with you.
Poor overworked son - tell him he'll be able to regale his own children with tales of his difficult childhood.

Lx @ Twelve said...

Floss,

It's been lovely reading your holiday posts, thank you for sharing. G travels a lot - & get to through others blogs, its fascinating!

Lx

Princess and the Pea said...

Looks like you had a great time! I'll be there in a few weeks to see my Grandad and his new dog!

VintageVicki said...

You really had a wonderful holiday - thankyou for sharing.

BTW my boys would agree with the child labour bit - however they are so much better at tent building than I'll ever be!!

Sherri B. said...

That hawk flying low over people must be a real funny trick that the bird handlers like to play. One time when we were at the zoo in Portland, Oregon, we all sat on the big lawn and birds would go from the stage to a handler way in the back over by the elephants..It tried to get Mr. B.'s head 2 times and a little boy once so they are no more worried about safety in the States!...Sorry to hear about Raja and hope the Vet. can get to the bottom of it. Will you let us know?

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Wow that hawk show looked great! They are such huge, strong birds. It sure looked like a fabulous holiday away. Did the boys get to the top of that hill?

Rubyred said...

Thankyou for sharing your holiday posts Floss! Wonderful and interesting too!
I loved My Newt!!
Have a lovely day!
Rachel x

VintageVicki said...

Yep we do have similar tents - ours in Coleman 8 berth and Dawn's is a 6 berth (she recommended them to us). Its brilliant and was one of best ever ebay bargains - used once & it came with stove, light & gas bottle - all for not much at all :)