We met up with our Korean friends at Dinner and talked about his broken cart (gone to the grave now), their work for the government in Paris where they learnt French and Korean culture. At the table also were 2 Swiss women (i German – 1 French), 1 French woman, 2 younger women who were private investigators in Paris. We all joined in with all our languages with Anne the superb chef owner. The investigators were mainly involved in French ‘affairs’ and spent a lot of time counselling the aggrieved party. It is amazing with such little deep connection with strangers, you can feel like good trusting friends by the next morning.

A flat road for sometime before our usual morning hill climb. We talked briefly with an Englishman and his French co-walker, overtook a young woman on her mobile and passed a walker using a small horse to carry his gear. As we walked we are seeing hills of bush trees, the first time we have seen nature doing its own thing.

Down a long stony narrow pathway and into a clearing with tables, chairs and a fountain supplied by the village up on the hill. We sat for a rest as we were joined by a young quiet Frenchman and a group of young French girls. We talked for a while with one of the French girls about saw bodies, whether Australia had caminos, and France. Her friend was having trouble with her back and spent time lying flat on the ground. We gave them the phone number of the ‘back-saver’ – the one who is carrying our case, and her aches improved a little.

We left them in this small oasis and walked on gradual sloping landforms, through hobbit type country where trees have beards and rocks are softened with moss, A young French couple caught up with us and we walked and talked together through some kilometres of stunning oak tree woods sheltering the myriads of truffles below. I was surprised not to see truffle poachers in this smorgasbord.

Arriving in town we went the long way (not wrong) to our small self contained garden studio where Geraldine apologised for not giving the short way instructions. Between renovation duties she was involved with her home she more than made up for her tardiness. I had left my ‘golden power point plug at the lodge before last and needed to write. She lent us her computer where we could write emails to book lodgings and confirm case transport. She then asked her friend who had a Macair like ours if she could lend us a French connection, you know what I mean! I can now do this blog, transfer and send photos. No photos last blog because I was worried I would lose power.

This is a ‘cook your own food’ place but the supermarket is closed – Sunday, so we declined her offer to drive us into town because we need the exercise!!

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