There is nothing better than getting up at 7 a.m., in order to experience the coolness and quietness of the early morning. This is not a camping ground that wakes early, as generally people stay up later, and therefore sleep in to at least 9 a.m. Even the children.
So on my early morning walk, I thought I would take a few photographs, in order to firstly, revive memories for family members and friends who have completed this early morning walk, and secondly, to share with other people the beautiful area that surrounds the camping ground.
The first part of the walk is down the hill, through the sleeping camping ground, and out through the back gate. Your stones have disappeared, David, by the way, so I could not take one for a walk with me, which is just as well as I had to take photographs.
Then across the creek, which was full of water and tadpoles six weeks ago, but is now just a sandy and rocky depression in the ground. The electric fence has been moved, thank goodness, so no trying to step across it without touching the wire, and getting a sudden shock. This is not needed so early in the morning.
The view back across to the camping ground, just before the sun came over the hill.
The new conifers, which have grown somewhat during the last ten years.
Native plants growing beside the track, and the perfume is pungent, pleasantly so, as the day begins to warm up. Reminds me so much of Australia.
Is this Australia or the south of France? The cork oaks are very similar to scrubby trees in the Australian bush, with their black and mottled trunks, and small leathery leaves.
Once out of the wooded area, it is time to avoid the vehicles taking rubbish to the local tip, and a walk past the bamboo groves, wild of course, so I am glad they are not in my back garden. There was once a bamboo industry down here, making reeds for clarinets and oboes.
I then turn left at the corner, and along the back road, to the camping ground. Once there were neglected vines along this part of the road, but now there are greenhouses growing Mimosa trees, for export. Well that is what we have been told, but after my experiences in a part of South Australia, where they grew a more lucrative substance among the tomatoes, I have my suspicions. Mostly unfounded, of course, as there may be a very lucrative business growing Mimosa trees here. However, they are a little like bamboo, as they seed and sprout everywhere.
Bright oleanders growing well behind the fence. They were glowing in the early morning light.
And on the other side of the road, a line of olive trees, full of olives. A good crop this year.
Many acres of well tended vines grow along both sides of the road, with electric fences around them to stop wild pigs from eating the leaves and grapes. However, I once saw a small pig inside the fence, so it managed to get through the wires. Ignored the shocks, no doubt, in order to get to the luscious green leaves.
The final stretch runs alongside the camping ground, with the bottom row of tents and caravans, plus washing, just visible above the vines. No sign of life yet.
The bottom storage area, with it's ghostly line up of caravans.
And across the road the pet donkey snoozes in the early morning sun. Keeping pet donkeys is very popular here, not sure why though, as they do nothing but just graze on small plants and any grass that may be around. This donkey, plus his friend hiding behind a tree, certainly make a lot of noise with their braying.
When I arrive back, at about 7.45, the early risers in the camping ground are just getting out of bed, and the shop is nearly open, in order to buy fresh baguettes, and other French pastries, for breakfast. Time to sit out side and have a leisurely breakfast, before jumping into the swimming pool, for an early morning swim, before the rest of the campers take over.
A perfect way to start a day.. Then it is a matter of relaxing, reading, socialising, with perhaps a little bit of shopping or a visit to the beach or maybe do a little sightseeing. Just doing nothing really!
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