Etang Garbet and Pic des Trois Comptes

Another trip upto the Etang Garbet and beyond, this time with Jasper. An earlier start and cooler weather made for a faster pace and reached the Etang bleu in about 2h 30.

Bearded vulture

Another 1h 30 following vague cairns over granite slabs saw us on the ridge at point 2539m.

Closely overhead clouds of turbulent clouds were racing past and after climbing up 50m we went from calm balmy weather to bitter sub-zero. We put on all our layers, hats and gloves.

We didn't stay long on the summit (2626m) before scrambling down in the direction of Puntussan. Numb hands and bitter cold lessened our desire to press on and on reaching the col we trekked back to point 2359m. (I'd already climbed Puntussan in a bit of an epic adventure in 2007).

A long descent back to road  by the same route made for a 8h 30 trip.

Having separated the rams from the ewes and lambs before we went to Italy, we needed to build another shelter for the ewes. They seem to like it.

Visitors

On our way back from Italy, we collected Jasper, Susie's sister Jen and her friend Sally from the airport. Here for a 10 day stay, some sun, some mushroom hunting and some walks.

The mushrooms didn't disappoint

A tour of the commune of Aleu returning via the Serre de Raphael and Cominac

A short trip up Cap de Carmil to enjoy the expansive views

Puglia

Part 2 of our holiday in Puglia and around the town of Ostuni, with trips to the beach on the Adriatic coast and Ionian Sea, and neighbouring towns and villages.

Roma

Off on a holiday - starting with few days in Roma!

Trois Seigneurs

Spreading the warp

1760 threads done, another 1760 to go!

Winnowing the quinoa

Susie's quinoa has been drying for a few days now, so today with a very light breeze we winnowed it to remove the chaff. We only had a dozen plants so a kilo or so of quinoa.

The ceps keep on coming this year!

Our neighbour gave us a loom that had been in pieces in his attic for 25 years. After working out how to assemble it, making a few missing pieces and a warping frame, we 're hoping to start our first weaving project soon.

Dragonfly

Susie spotted this dragonfly freshly emerged from its pupae this morning, still drying its new wings in the sun. Other species of dragonfly are still darting around the pond.

This year as well as kiwis which are still ripening on the bush, we have just tasted our first figs - delicious!