The castle has been around for probably more than a thousand years. It commands a magnificent view of the valley north towards France, from where we came and south towards the Pyrenees and Spain. It is considered to the most impregnable fortress in the defensive line and I can understand that. Why anyone would to go to the trouble of attacking it is beyond me! How is was built up there is further beyond me. I dips me lid to the engineers, the artisans and the workers who made it happen.
The
ruins are indeed very well preserved. It is easy to picture how life
might have been for the garrisons stationed there. The highlight was
the church from which the whole thing started with a history going
back to the times of the Roman Empire.
We
descended to the village below, Duilhac, for a pleasant lunch at a
roadside cafe amongst terraces and shady trees. We then started the
long and winding trek back home. Thank God the GPS chose the fastest
route! Two hours later we hit Talairan. Along the way we spent some
time following a nice, little stream. I was concentrating on missing
the oncoming traffic so couldn't see much of it. Eventually I found a
wayside stop big enough for the Clio and pulled over for a look. I
poked my head over the stone wall and straightaway spotted at least a
dozen trout feeding in the stream way below. Arrrgghhh! The things
you see when you don't have your rod!
We
drove through Talairan to Lazignan, a larger town to the north, to go
to the supermarket. The town even has a McDonalds, so, you the
picture! We stocked up for the next couple of days, including some
local Corbieres wine (which I have just finished with Emily's help,
yum), and headed home. We unloaded the car and headed for the Bar. PC
was there drinking by himself, so we joined him. Unfortunately, Kaye
had been called home to Melbourne to help her ailing mother. We
enjoyed a few drinks together and then went home where Emily cooked a
lovely spaghetti bolognese for tea. Tomorrow we are off to the beach.
Trust you to be the one who spots the Trout, Greg!! Keep your writing coming, the first thing I do in the morning is turn the computer on to see where "we" have been!! :) Which beach are we going to tomorrow?? xxx
ReplyDeleteSpectacular photos from the castle Greg, and looking back now it was worth it and lots of fun! You paint a very good picture with your words (the photos help too) so I can keep my envy levels high!
ReplyDeleteI trust that Kerry is quite understanding about your latest (?) love affair (the car rather than the holiday!). Driving through the country roads and villages sounds idyllic.
Please give my regards to Peter.
Look forward to the next installment.
What a stunningly beautiful view (including Emily ;-)) from the castle. A tough trek, but obviiusly worth it. I agree, your posts are fantastic, and I look forward to them each day. xxx
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