A right royal dish in the still of the night...

Eileen's last night with us was spent helping a friend celebrate a special birthday in the countryside just outside Le Grand-Pressigny.

It was a lovely calm evening under the stars where our charming hostess served up a recipe that her mother had once laid on for Prince Philip who was on a visit to Canada where they were living at the time.

In the morning she and Pauline had gone for a 'ladies only' short walk and picnic in Chaumussay so a good full day to finish of her holiday.     

Back in step...a walk around Chaumussay

First outing in 2020 for us yesterday, with the randonnée club. I it turned out to be a bright February day for it. Joel took us over to Chaumussay for a walk around familiar and pretty countryside...

and for good measure had us starting out climbing a hill!

It was almost perfect conditions for a good walk.

Too hot - nothing bot!

For yesterday's brocantes we headed over to Chaumussay and Cussay but with temperatures in the mid 30's it was difficult to concentrate. 

There was some shade at Chaumussay but there wasn't much that caught the eye, although this coffee/tea set did, simply because of the presentation.

There was not a lot of shade at Cussay and although there were a lot of treasure hunters they were either hiding in the shade of the refreshment tents or queing  for food.

It was the place to be if  you were looking for soft toys or bicycles but it was too much for us and unusually we didn't make it around all the stalls. The only thing we bought was a lovely freshly made loaf directly from the village bread oven.

A walk around Chaumussay

Yesterday's walk with the Le Grand-Pressigny Randonnee club took us over to Chaumussay.

We started from the village where we passed the church with one of my favourite 'Joans'

We went along the old railway line for a ways before heading up into the countryside...

then down

Then up...

then down.

On the last part of the walk we could catch Preuilly-sur-Claise in the distance.

This property enjoys such a view.

Also on our last stretch,Simon pointed out this rusting old Citroen avant in the woods

After 10km I was quite happy to see Chaumussay appearing in the distance.

French lessons 'on the hoof'...

Second outing with the Le Grand Pressigny randonnee club on Thursday  afternoon in the countryside around Chaumussay. We have now paid our fees and handed in our medical certificate to say we are fit enough! The walk criss-crossed a number of routes courtesy of our group leader who does all the pre-planning...

...although  he wasn't always leading the pack

One of the interesting aspects of these walks,for me, is that you sometimes wander through small hamlets that you would otherwise never see, catching glimpses of real French rural life.

This house still had its xmas decorations up...but then it is only February!

As I said last week it is also a good opportunity to practice my poor French and learn new words.

Today's word was 'mare'  - a small pond as opposed to an 'etang'

- like 'L'etang de la Forge' which we just skirted past (I had to deviate from the route slightly to get theses pics). I have featured this in the past as you pass it when yo do the formal walk from Chambon

It was a bit of a grey day weatherwise but it did not detract any pleasure from the walk.

Mister man...walking near Chaumussay

Went for a walk on Sunday with our friend Dave around his lovely property near Chaumussay. It was a misty afternoon but didn't detract from a good walk.

Dave took us on one of his well-trodden paths that crossed a couple of different 'official' routes.

Probably just as well he was there as signage continues to confuse us!

What's the code? Or is it a formula involving pi?

Which way now?

Not this way...that takes you over a ditch and onto a field with no obvious path??

Some vines waiting for spring. I am always amazed  that these scrawny plants produce so much pleasure.

Still in use?