A pleasant weekend in Genillé in the Loire valley. More specifically this is the Val d’Indrois, still on flood alert. Some good, but flat, hiking in the forests around town. Lots of deer. Then onwards and northwards into Normandy and the village of Lunay. I stayed at a sports hall out of use as it had been flooded, a pity as it’s the midterm break here and the kids holiday classes had been cancelled. Next north was the picturesque village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois in the very swollen Swarthe river. This would be filled with tourists most of the year, but had just occasional visitors today. There was a good hike that ascended the cliffs that stand over the town, to a good viewpoint. Then to Clécy on the river Orne, famous for the paragliding from the neighbouring hills. This day, Wednesday, was a fine and windless day, so there were many out making their first flight of the year. These little hills, about 300 metres high, are known as the Alps Mancelles, or ‘Alps of the West’. Though small in stature, they feature dramatic, steep-sided valleys, sandstone cliffs, and forests all carved by the Sarthe River.Thursday night I was at the Etang de Sarcelles. The fine weather broke and there was a rainy night, which meant for a a muddy walk around the flat surrounding fields the next morning.
This weekend I’m at Saint-Lô-d’Ourville just a kilometre or so from the Channel in the Côte des Isles, very near to the Isle of Alderney; so much so that I can receive British cell phone reception.
Shap, Cumbria circa 2016 – Tia, Roja and Mac behind
I was so much older then…
Dartmoor 2019
Quote of the Week
Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, who was sitting in a tree, ‘What road do I take?’ The cat asked, ‘Where do you want to go?’ ‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the cat, ‘it really doesn’t matter, does it?’
Safe Return Doubtful 
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