Walks in the bush, in the magnificent hills, around Camping Manjastre. Always beautiful but at this time of year, there were still wildflowers around, just to add to the scenery. And the cooler weather meant we could walk during the day, not just early in the morning.
The early morning walk on the circular path behind the campsite. First we had to get across the creek, through long grass and then balance on the small concrete ledge which acts as a sort of dam. One slip and then a splash. It did not happen thank goodness.
A view from the track, with the campsite, hidden amongst trees, on the other side of the valley.
Always a gloomy part of the track, early in the morning.
A view along the valley path. Another early morning walk.
The brilliant red poppies on the side of the back road.
One afternoon, Emma, Jackson, Isabel and I went for a long circular walk. We first crossed the main road, and then scrambled up the side of the hill opposite the campsite.
A view back towards the swimming pool.
After the scramble up the side of the hill, we walked along the well maintained fire track on the ridge.
Time for a photo,
and another one.
Interestingly it was uphill along the ridge, and Isabel and I were getting very hot, and needed to stop and have a drink and a chocolate biscuit. Any excuse. Jackson still has his long sleeved top on! Emma did not want to stop because it messed up the distance being recorded on her watch!
Time for a bit of fun when Jackson put his cap on me, back to front. To help me look 'cool'! Very funny.
When we reached the road to Bormes village, we had to walk in single file, as there was no path and the road is narrow and full of mad cyclists, and cars.
We found a very large caterpillar which was heading for the road, in order to be squashed by a car.
I forgot to comment on the invasion of caterpillars dropping from the cork oak tree in front of our caravan. These little caterpillars are brutes, as their hairy bodies cause an allergic reaction should they walk on one's skin. We spent quite a bit of time flicking them off chairs, clothes and the table. They were even found inside the caravan, at times.
But back to our walk. After crossing the main road again, we started the downhill stretch to the valley path, and then back towards to the campsite.
The creek crosses the path at one point here. Such a beautiful and tranquil walk here.
A hen came out to say hello as we passed a house. It objected to being patted, and ran off home.
We also went for a walk around the hill at the back of Bormes village. We first walked up the steep road to the castle ruins, where we left Walter who walked leisurely back along another road, and then clambered up a steep concrete path which led to the fire track.
A view from the castle ruins.
And another view of the big hotel on the edge of the village.
The three fellow walkers laughing at my photographer's pose. But I achieved a well balanced photograph!
Looking back towards the roads to Le Lavandou, to St Tropez and to Toulon. I can imagine what this valley looked like before the invasion of holiday houses and tourists.
A different view Bormes village, taken from the point where the fire track meets a street below the village. Our starting point, the castle ruins is at the top of the photograph.
The final blog, and photographs, from our trip down south.
And a final note. Counting the steps. I was managing more than 15,000 steps per day during the time Emma, Jackson and Isabel were there with us. Plus a swim in the pool each morning. However not quite up to Emma's standard in the pool - 100 to 120 laps each morning. All freestyle. Amazing feat.
Now I need to get back into the fitness thing here. Riding a bicycle is not counted here. Leisure riding on flat ground. Too easy.
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