Cabane d'Eychelle from Col de la core, Ruby and lambs

Ruby has arrived for long stay and we've been treating her to the joys of rural life. Plenty of cuddles with out three little lambs!

Iggy, Nattie and Pachuli

On walks we've heard but not seen the Golden Oriole and a medium spotted woodpecker has it's nest with young near the Pla d'Artigue.

On Saturday we ventured into the mountains on a short walk from the Col de la Core to the Cabane d'Eychelle. There's still a fair bit of snow and after the cabane snowshoes or crampons would be advisable

Etang d'Eychelle in the background

The Etang d'Eychelle is still partially frozen but it was alive with mating frogs.

When we got home in the early afternoon it was clear that Barley was getting ready for labour. We moved the sheep to the shelter field. Barley separated herself from the flock but allowed a visit from Louise (who is now blind and very old). We realised that Louise is Barley's mother. At about 8.45 she gave birth to a little male lamb, who we called Louis. We got mother and baby safely in the barn just before dark...fortunately as ruby saw the fox shortly afterwards, obviously attracted by the baby lambs first cries.

 

Post Christmas Snowshoe from Laserre

Sheri and Michiel are off to Seville for New Year, so Sheri organised a get together. I chose the location for a snowshoe from Laserre towards the Port d'Aula. With a big group and lots to talk about, we only made it to the ONF cabin. But it was a beautiful day and good to catch up with everyone.

Christmas volleyball - spot the ball

 

More walks in the fabulous autumn weather

Last week a visit from Susie's niece Emily and her boyfriend Steve, was an excuse to do the Cabantous circuit again and see the dusting of fresh snow on the tops. The weather was so Mild both Emily and steve took a dip in the lake.

Steve, Emily and Susie

The Cirque below Pic Rouge de Bassies

Yesterday another trip to the East this time to visit the Etang d'Artax and Roc de Querquéou in a nice circuit of 12km and 980m ascent. Great views of the mountains to the East and around Andorra as well as interesting perspective of out home mountains in the Couserans.

 

At the Col de Lastris

A western saddle bush cricket

view towards Andorra

The granite massifs of Pic rouge de Bassies/Pentussan and Certescan. Mont Rouch beyond

Approaching the Etang d' Artax, where we had a second lunch.

Colours at the Etang

The ubiquitous griffon vulture

The long descent through the beech forest

At home there's been a spate of sausage making to make space in the freezer for this year's game. 

And after our sour dough starter died, the creation of a new starter and with a new recipe the most fantastic bread.

Etang de Peyregrand

A magnificent autumn walk to the Etang de Peyregrand from Bouychet (above the village of Siguer).

The pictures tell you everything! 940m of ascent and about 15km.  We had thought of doing a bigger circuit returning via the Etangs de Neych, but we were all a bit tired so decided to return the same way.

 

Etang de Réglisse

Good weather was forecast but it was grey and raining until we arrived at Gerac then in the space of 20 minutes everything changed and we were blessed with a glorious day. 

It was a day for photos, so we abandoned our initial goal of Pic de Turguilla and took things easy allowing time for artist shots and a leisurely lunch at the Etang de Réglisse.

On the way to Gerac about 200 sheep and their shepherd caused us to halt and get some great shots as the clouds started to lift.