Lans-en-Vercors - 09 September 2019

9 September

Last night rustled up fried peppers, onions, garlic, then added a pouch of whole meal quinoa (tomato and basil) and added grated cheese. For a very quick meal - was tasty!

Marcilloles is a commune of only 1,100 people - we just happened to encounter the noisy ones! There were youths playing with their cars until fairly late, then we were woken up at 6am. Not really sure why, apart from a grocery shop opening behind us - with lots of people visiting at 6am - weird!

I’ve finished the fifth book in the series by Virginia Andrews, starting with ‘Flowers in the Attic’. Written decades ago, and based on a true story - were enjoyable in a bizarre way - four children locked up in an attic by their grandmother, incest and religion crop up!

Tintin drove today. Topped up with fuel before going up into the mountains. Was the first time that our EasyFX card was accepted at an unmanned petrol station - it usually gets rejected - probably because it’s ‘foreign’!

Then went to Sarah and Herc’s favourite place (not!) - Lidl - again just to top up on fresh fruit, vegetables etc. Sadly, no fresh milk here, despite all the cows nearby! Did buy some local cheese to try.

We passed many fields of what previously were beautiful sunflowers 🌻- they look like they’re now hanging their heads in shame as they’re past their best! We’ve been in France in September before and watched the sunflower seeds being harvested - very interesting. Just how do the growers get them all to grow to the same height?!

A few hairpin bends on the ascent to Lans-en-Vercors - and we arrived at lunch time. After an enjoyable baguette, we wandered into town. Tourist office closed until tomorrow! The whole area has an alpine feel to it, and I can imagine it all covered in snow.

Tintin suggested a walk up the hill near us. I don’t suppose the pictures really do it justice! Think we climbed steeper, in a shorter distance than when we climbed the Puy du Dôme - and we thought that was steep! Must be good for our hearts right?! My husband is like a little mountain goat 🐐- meanwhile I was still wearing my sandals...

Back to Dave for a well deserved cup of tea! We have a lovely view out over meadows before the trees rise up the mountains. The air just feels clean too!