Saturday 2nd June

There was some sun this morning but also plenty of menacing clouds around so we packed up the car, cleaned the chalet and headed to reception to check out a day early.  As it was now after the 10am check out time, I assumed we might have to pay for the extra night but they kindly gave me a reimbursement.

Believe it not, the sun followed us all the way home until we reached [tag-tec]Mont Dauphin[/tag-tec] when we literally drove into a curtain of rain.  We did make a couple of stops on the way.  First at Grignan, where we admired the pretty town and fortified chateau.  Having arrived just before 12 we were unfortunately unable to go inside so we walked around the outside, enjoying the beautiful views.  Our second stop was in the Gorges de St May for lunch.  Chelsea just made it down to the river for a dip despite being spaced out on valium.  There was a notice indicating 35 different species of fish that can be caught in the river including rainbow trout, cat fish, crayfish and one called a “perche soleil” that Chris had spotted earlier in the week in the [tag-tec]Ardeche[/tag-tec].   The notice also warned fly fishing only.

As we arrived back at Le Serre Barbin the rain had stopped but it was very chilly and the house was freezing.  We had to light the wood burning stove and put on our winter clothes.  Although we had experienced rain in the Ardeche, at least it hadn’t been cold.  We are wondering what exactly has happened to global warming these past few weeks.