Making our way back into France

We planned to cross the border today back into France so are expecting a long interesting drive to get there. Not disappointed, the drive was again, as we’re learning to expect absolutely exhilarating. It’s becoming more difficult to imagine not being surrounded by huge mountains so we have to remind ourselves to make the most of each spectacular view as this is not forever, we do have to leave in a few weeks.
There was a notable change in the villages and farms passed along the way, whereby all of them were painted in exactly the same whitewashed walls with burgundy doors and shutters theme. Obviously there must be some strict planning codes in this region ensuring the areas traditions remain. It looks great as a visitor, it really does stand out, but tbh I’m really unsure how I feel about the state controlling people’s freedom of expression to such a degree.
We made it almost to the border of Spain into France, just 10km to go. When we randomly came across a picnic aire that looked really nice, so decided to take a look. It was perfect for a night and after a long day driving we decided to stay. There were lovely big picnic benches and tables made of huge pieces of stone beneath some tall trees. I found a tiny birds nest on the ground beneath the trees, it was fascinating to look at how intricate the building of it was. Lots of different layers of different materials were all woven skilfully together, dry grasses, moss, lichen, feathers and animal hair all created a perfectly comfortable nest for her eggs. I get so much pleasure from seeing things like this. 😍
Bliss was in need of a stretch and some fresh air so we went for a walk that took us up a very steep hill within a field. Much steeper than we had anticipated. Bliss skipped and hopped up it while Darren and I huffed and puffed our way up behind her. Stopping regularly to catch our breath. We got to the top eventually and were rewarded for our efforts by a magnificent view and a herd of wild horses, some with foals. From our vantage point we could see the Atlantic ocean and the Bay of Biscay in the far west, the foothills of the Pyrenees rising gradually to our position atop this juvenile little mountain, and behind to the East more ever increasing layers of higher still mountains fading into the far distance.
Going back down the hill was quite treacherous because it was so steep but we made it down without injury. We came upon the scattered bones of what I believe must have been a horse. Bliss wanting to take home one of its ribs as her trophy 🏆
We were alone in the picnic area as we went to sleep enjoying the sounds of the nighttime forest.Read more