tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78475197351480890582024-02-19T17:56:04.308+01:00House Light GalleryThe travails and travels of Steven House.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-87519673405535491282015-07-18T20:23:00.000+02:002015-07-18T20:23:00.174+02:00Cocktail recipes: Martini: How to get Spiritual at Home<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">The classic Martini</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJt8hpRspTDONGm6IPsu3vxoWfcUHG3WGZxUIoj66L8yZ8_G3vDhW0NIsj0BC-eQnWRllnsZYDMtMjuWjiziKlPHtZoGcRpQR3dTHjFuCryuURYSwjGVZPGRFbby6AjRrGPSqFX4JcobF/s1600/CrushedSpiritCocktails04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJt8hpRspTDONGm6IPsu3vxoWfcUHG3WGZxUIoj66L8yZ8_G3vDhW0NIsj0BC-eQnWRllnsZYDMtMjuWjiziKlPHtZoGcRpQR3dTHjFuCryuURYSwjGVZPGRFbby6AjRrGPSqFX4JcobF/s320/CrushedSpiritCocktails04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></h2>
<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-28852776040749777502015-07-17T20:20:00.000+02:002015-07-17T20:20:00.131+02:00Cocktail recipes: Kicking Ass<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">The classic Moscow Mule</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZintqqWGEU4Sf8NvEsGLbQ6dCScCsPlB9QRnBif2btw5iKQG85ZgUNnYY_Yi9WBujQn2HmuYrpWsrea7vaWmBiTYjBtau_Tp4KWyGxZ2nWsRIckBvZI6Fz2xrP_NSHbjZ7p5w8EjldkP/s1600/CrushedSpiritCocktails03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZintqqWGEU4Sf8NvEsGLbQ6dCScCsPlB9QRnBif2btw5iKQG85ZgUNnYY_Yi9WBujQn2HmuYrpWsrea7vaWmBiTYjBtau_Tp4KWyGxZ2nWsRIckBvZI6Fz2xrP_NSHbjZ7p5w8EjldkP/s320/CrushedSpiritCocktails03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
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Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-79499666153969400622015-07-16T20:10:00.000+02:002015-07-16T20:10:00.508+02:00Cocktail recipes: Regaining your Teen Spirit<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Gin Sling: either the Classic or Slow Down version</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi0Xuz9P_IWMmSMXBj4YnwC4z0FLpnXf3dPIs-kW7ZwE3DLfAlg_mIbpKaIfg6DSd-hJatQQoyURtSpXwOamaUt7n79obIi78yOa1CNuK_Xvk402fMJWQlP7YpmJ9ls_S1qUP869zL8bm/s1600/CrushedSpiritCocktails02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi0Xuz9P_IWMmSMXBj4YnwC4z0FLpnXf3dPIs-kW7ZwE3DLfAlg_mIbpKaIfg6DSd-hJatQQoyURtSpXwOamaUt7n79obIi78yOa1CNuK_Xvk402fMJWQlP7YpmJ9ls_S1qUP869zL8bm/s320/CrushedSpiritCocktails02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></h2>
<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-72273692773562301942015-07-15T09:52:00.002+02:002015-07-15T09:52:59.307+02:00Cocktail recipes: Reviving Those Crushed Spirits<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span>Summer Fruit Cocktails</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_Pq093Mkm9B6dJrJbrwV1R17FBOnz87phz5smX31jdhlMPHGPUElMYG8JoZ8xg7NNwIbLnFeSLq4h5N0WCMXl3seEYoWJ7dZiI1bQDlAkU0Q40xnpXmXKRKOoymiv9SCzQjbWZPwqTN/s1600/CrushedSpiritCocktails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_Pq093Mkm9B6dJrJbrwV1R17FBOnz87phz5smX31jdhlMPHGPUElMYG8JoZ8xg7NNwIbLnFeSLq4h5N0WCMXl3seEYoWJ7dZiI1bQDlAkU0Q40xnpXmXKRKOoymiv9SCzQjbWZPwqTN/s400/CrushedSpiritCocktails.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Instructions</span></h3>
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Get a big & generous glass and fill the base with a couple of crushed summer fruits. Strawberries work well. You could try Raspberries, White, Red or Black Currants, Gooseberries or Cherries. Don't mix your fruits.<br />
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Cover the crushed fruit pulp with a good portion of white spirit. Gin works well. You might try Vodka or White Rum or Genever.<br />
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Add a lot of ice cubes.<br />
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Top up with Tonic or Soda Water.<br />
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Add some sliced or whole fruit. Like I said don't mix the fruits.<br />
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Here is a Strawberry Gin & Tonic I made earlier: Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32Say93P9iVYRB1EuA4rBlr4XAHAvcuQ4443WVrgElWn0_EQCGAgGkmSjNu9klSdej8nZRYNFdPRoevNDz0KR0UG8ZqW_s7oZMlyPkClntmoM4r3i-elyJHAtGKKwmVBLJUmikyXIe2CX/s1600/house_20150714_D_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32Say93P9iVYRB1EuA4rBlr4XAHAvcuQ4443WVrgElWn0_EQCGAgGkmSjNu9klSdej8nZRYNFdPRoevNDz0KR0UG8ZqW_s7oZMlyPkClntmoM4r3i-elyJHAtGKKwmVBLJUmikyXIe2CX/s400/house_20150714_D_0004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-32102805142928260942015-04-03T17:01:00.000+02:002015-04-03T17:01:01.143+02:00Decorated Easter Eggs using Natural Dyes & Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LGEFs-AVngHVum1WlTorlLgs0dT9_TJDWhFUvrmf1k3TTjc-1obYo9Drqz4B-vUHrXNWaIywrEZbtkSpYw8y5FJrYcgtUOF2hIziDrN1x8xlkGf7t96lZHB3fkcjUO6gKqWq5Tn7c9ZP/s1600/house_20150403_D_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LGEFs-AVngHVum1WlTorlLgs0dT9_TJDWhFUvrmf1k3TTjc-1obYo9Drqz4B-vUHrXNWaIywrEZbtkSpYw8y5FJrYcgtUOF2hIziDrN1x8xlkGf7t96lZHB3fkcjUO6gKqWq5Tn7c9ZP/s1600/house_20150403_D_0029.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">How to make simple decorated eggs for Easter</span></h2>
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You will need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>some ordinary fresh eggs, preferably white, though I expect you'll just get deeper colours using brown eggs</li>
<li>a selection of leaves from the garden or kitchen. I used Coriander, Lemon Balm and Ivy. Just use good shapes of a suitable size</li>
<li>an old pair of tights</li>
<li>some elastic/rubber bands </li>
<li>a bag of onions or two. I used red onions and white onions</li>
<li>a little olive oil (any edible oil will do)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Rub off or peel the skins off a bag of onions and place in a pan of water. I kept the red onion & white onion skins separate in two pans as they gave different tones. In the photograph the paler brown is from white eggs boiled in the red onion skins and the redder brown is from white eggs boiled in the white onion skins. The more skins the stronger the colour.<br />
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Bring the pans of water to the boil.<br />
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Meanwhile lay a leaf or two against an egg and use a 3 inch section cut from a pair of tights to hold it in place. Use a rubber/elastic band at the back of the egg (opposite from the leaf) to hold the tights & leaves in place.<br />
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Place the eggs in the pans with the onion skins and boil for 12 minutes.<br />
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Run the eggs under a cold tap and then remove the tights and the leaves to reveal your decorated egg.<br />
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If you want them to be shiny then paint some oil on with a brush.<br />
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Then arrange them nicely in a basket.<br />
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Later you can use the boiled eggs in a salad as usual!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO8tSSMpAHekuLrw604umFRs_vY23Vs_W7UGy4oJlb_vXR0xfwoFnoyJvaN5qoNBKMRqoJeLSA_F2jzE3zV4lKY7tihYBxM3_F01KTkcPDBcrpJBwIxH744axAhvIFGsFVreQPsWPj72U/s1600/house_20150403_D_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO8tSSMpAHekuLrw604umFRs_vY23Vs_W7UGy4oJlb_vXR0xfwoFnoyJvaN5qoNBKMRqoJeLSA_F2jzE3zV4lKY7tihYBxM3_F01KTkcPDBcrpJBwIxH744axAhvIFGsFVreQPsWPj72U/s1600/house_20150403_D_0030.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-3057296936894054762015-01-08T13:36:00.000+01:002015-01-08T13:36:06.262+01:00Canoeing the Vezere & Dordogne in October 2014 (Pt 3)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15521966219" title="House_20141018_D_000001.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000001.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/15521966219_e633f15dd8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After a leisurely breakfast we returned to the canoes and began our day on the river. We will be visiting castles and villages along the way until we get to our next hotel at Beynac. First of all we slide along the river until we reach the cliff and bridge at Vitrac.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15523002730" title="House_20141018_D_000012.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000012.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/15523002730_d9331ddb64.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then it was the long straight stretch with the village of Domme looming on the cliff ahead of us. A layer of mist hung over the river but we could already tell that it was going to be another hot day. After coming under the Domme cliff we arrived at the Cenac bridge and a stretch of bumpy water taking us along to Roque-Gageac.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15523004260" title="House_20141018_D_000014.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000014.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/15523004260_c6c20ba0ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We admired the glistening white cliffs here as we rounded the bend and got our first view of the village.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15523005530" title="House_20141018_D_000016.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000016.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15523005530_3fffc8d485.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15529478169" title="House_20141018_D_000019.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000019.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15529478169_8c32eddcce.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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At Roque-Gageac we pulled over at a canoe outfitters as some restoration work was going on at the public place. Since a major cliff-fall at the village a couple of years ago they have rebuilt the river wall and road in front of the village. It looks smart too. The only downside is that some parts of the higher village are now permanently closed off - you can no longer walk up to the troglodyte cave dwellings above the village. Some of the cliffs are now also covered with a metal mesh.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15095983833" title="House_20141018_D_000026.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000026.jpg" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/15095983833_c2a4d5112a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Steve and I did take the time to walk around the village on this visit, something I haven't done myself for quite a while.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15095984503" title="House_20141018_D_000028.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000028.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/15095984503_90e4a687ba.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Some of the footpaths around the back of the village are also impassable these days - as being deemed unsafe. We still managed to see most of it though.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15529940108" title="House_20141018_D_000021.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000021.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/15529940108_03caa2af73.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After some refreshments in the hot sun we got back in the boats to start the next leg of the paddle down to <a href="http://www.castelnaud.com/uk/" target="_blank">Castelnaud</a> - not forgetting to look back at the picturesque Roque-Gageac as we left.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15537594898" title="House_20141018_D_000031.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000031.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15537594898_7986668a64.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15103070904" title="House_20141018_D_000032.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000032.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/15103070904_ce88d16314.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In no time at all we were arriving at <a href="http://www.castelnaud.com/uk/" target="_blank">Castelnaud</a> where we took our guests up the hill so they could visit the splendid castle.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15103638983" title="House_20141018_D_000040.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000040.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15103638983_d855114145.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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As we had plenty of time we also took our guests to visit the <a href="http://www.marqueyssac.com/index_gb.php" target="_blank">Chateau Marqueyssac</a> which sits opposite the castle on the other side of the Dordogne. This was built to spy on the first castle but is now home to an extravagant and formal topiary garden. We sat down and had our picnic lunch here too whilst admiring the views over the countryside.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15706646196" title="House_20141018_D_000046.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000046.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15706646196_70a1d07929.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We walked back to the river from here visiting a cave on the way where we tasted some of the local wines. At the river bank our canoes we still there and we were able to paddle the last stretch of the day down to <a href="http://www.beynac-en-perigord.com/en/" target="_blank">Beynac</a>. Just another half-an-hour on the water.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15544478909" title="House_20141018_D_000056.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000056.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15544478909_a2a037b3cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15706648686" title="House_20141018_D_000062.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000062.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15706648686_a47cdc82d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We soon approached the canoe ramp at the end of town and pulled ourselves ashore. Our hotel is just a step across the street so in no time at all we were sitting in the sun having a beer and reflecting on our day on the river.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15118096293" title="House_20141018_D_000066.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141018_D_000066.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/15118096293_a6875691ba.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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In the morning we walked up through the village to visit the castle as soon as it opened its doors. This castle has quite a different feel from it than the one at Castelnaud. They were mortal enemies during the 100 Years War between France and England.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15128644874" title="House_20141019_D_000004.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000004.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15128644874_a090de1721.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was a very pleasant walk in the early morning sunshine as we descended back down the village to the river-side where we began to make preparations for our last day on the river.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15563162968" title="House_20141019_D_000005.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000005.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15563162968_8005461c1a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15733579356" title="House_20141019_D_000006.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000006.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/15733579356_fa80c366ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We slipped into the water and immediately took the passage on the right side of the island just below Beynac. This is the quieter, slower side and I always hope to see something. Perhaps a Nutria gliding into the water or some Eagle Owls roosting. This island also has a large Heronry in the centre which can have dozens of birds in the spring-time. Today we see a couple of pairs of Swans and some quite grown-up cygnets.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15143501784" title="House_20141019_D_000017.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000017.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15143501784_f11d972bbb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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As soon as we are back in the main stream we are under the railway bridge with the <a href="http://www.milandes.com/site.php?langue=ang" target="_blank">Chateau Milandes</a> in the distance. In fifteen minutes we approach the ramp here and pull up our canoes for a visit. This is the place made famous by <a href="http://www.cmgww.com/stars/baker/about/biography.html" target="_blank">Josephine Baker</a> and it is interesting to visit the castle and gardens and learn more about her and her life.<br />
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After our visit we had our picnic lunch at the JB memorial in the lower village which has tables in the shade of a large tree. It was then time to begin our last paddle by continuing on down to Siorac.<br />
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Our guests Nancy & Mitch were in a bit of a hurry so they scootered off whilst Linda and I took every opportunity to explore every island and to take our time on the river. It was a beautiful day for it and though we got into some shallow scrapes as we meandered down the path less travelled we had a very enjoyable afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15143505444" title="House_20141019_D_000025.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000025.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15143505444_d2891fe3f5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We took a width berth at this place where we saw almost 40 swans gathered in one place.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15143506654" title="House_20141019_D_000030.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000030.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15143506654_44021de8ab.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was very beautiful under the canopy of the Autumn leaves in some of the narrower channels.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15586804930" title="House_20141019_D_000031.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000031.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15586804930_2d2802bd0b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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At some places I had to get out and drag the canoe '<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043265/" target="_blank">African Queen</a>' style through the shallower sections. It was fun though and I think Linda enjoyed the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000031/?ref_=tt_cl_t2" target="_blank">Katherine Hepburn</a> role.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15151657154" title="House_20141019_D_000033.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000033.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/15151657154_809e0ca803.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In the end our days on the river were finished and we had to pull up our canoes for a final time.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15747908716" title="House_20141019_D_000036.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141019_D_000036.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15747908716_82c8c9c186.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Cazenac, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac, France44.859469999999988 1.124303999999938244.769500999999984 0.96294249999993831 44.949438999999991 1.2856654999999382tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-47608454234263843502015-01-07T13:40:00.000+01:002015-01-07T13:41:08.388+01:00Canoeing the Vezere & Dodogne in October 2014 (Pt 2)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15665133365" title="House_20141016_D_000015.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000015.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15665133365_a7dbe4fbc2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After breakfast we strolled down the lane into the village of St. Leon and back to the canoes we had left on the river bank. In no time at all we have got out life-jackets and paddles, have loaded up our canoes and are on our way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15479156647" title="House_20141016_D_000007.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000007.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15479156647_a9a612253f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It's a beautiful Autumn morning, a little cool, but with a promise of some warmth later in the day. We are surrounded by the subtle fall colours of the leaves and trees around us. Mostly pale yellows and golds and browns. A small flotilla of floating leaves accompany us downstream.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15662432401" title="House_20141016_D_000006.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000006.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15662432401_49bc3fdd80.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After an hour or so we pull over at <a href="http://www.roque-st-christophe.com/main.php?l=en" target="_blank">Roque St. Christophe</a> to visit the museum cut into the cliff. The old grooves in the cliff cut by this river millions of years ago were once used as shelter by various peoples - even as late as the Middle Ages - even as late as World War II as it is reputed that contraband was hidden here even then.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15479552240" title="House_20141016_D_000021.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000021.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15479552240_e0723f6bc7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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An hour later we are back on the water and making our way to Tursac where we shall stop for a picnic lunch. Steve has got there ahead of us and the table is beautifully set with all sorts of goodies when we arrive. It's warm enough to have a glass of cold wine or two as well.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15486933260" title="House_20141016_D_000033.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000033.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15486933260_aff6b663d3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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With some reluctance we leave the comfort of the picnic stop to continue our paddle. Our next destination is <a href="http://www.la-madeleine-perigord.com/" target="_blank">La Madeleine</a> - a famous Chapel which clings to the cliff above the river. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_I_of_England" target="_blank">King Richard the Lionheart</a> of England is reputed to have prayed here on his way to the Crusades. It is also the site of a Roman Fortress and of some ancient Cro-Magnon dwellings too.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15493634129" title="House_20141016_D_000045.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000045.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15493634129_dc0b6c92b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another couple of hours on the river brought us around to the small town of Les Eyzies where we are to stay the night.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15051775384" title="House_20141016_D_000036.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141016_D_000036.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15051775384_9b78c08a77.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It didn't take long to stow the boats and walk around to our hotel. We still had time in the afternoon for a lounge around or a snooze and later, in the evening, we wander to a local restaurant for dinner.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15503089558" title="House_20141017_D_000010.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000010.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15503089558_09cc5c8707.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The next day we took a short drive to rendezvous at Cazoules with our next outfitter. We are to start here on our three day paddle down the Dordogne. Today we are aiming for Montfort. The Dordogne is a larger river than the Vezere, both broader and faster, but it does have plenty of islands to explore and we spend some time on our meander downstream ducking and diving down some of the smaller channels.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15690077742" title="House_20141017_D_000015.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000015.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/15690077742_f9cfeffdb8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After an hour on the water we stop for our usual extravagant picnic on the bank. Steve had once again rustled up something special. It was hot too and me and one of the guests took a quick dip in the river. I must admit it was quite fresh!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15502613939" title="House_20141017_D_000024.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000024.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15502613939_0fd1c1c5bc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After lunch we continued our sedate paddle downstream, dodging in and out of several islands and slipping into a little cave at one point.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15079147794" title="House_20141017_D_000046.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000046.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/15079147794_c2fdf44698.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We have the river entirely to ourselves, not another canoe to be seen and all the fishing punts are tied up on the bank. Some of them look in a right state but I've seen fishermen use these. They just bale them out and drift out to mid-stream baling and fishing as they go. No motors are allowed.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15079151794" title="House_20141017_D_000055.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000055.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15079151794_8c12649697.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Eventually we get to the big corner in the river where the Chateau Montfort looms over. It's an impressive sight.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15675375586" title="House_20141017_D_000074.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141017_D_000074.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/15675375586_c1238fddf1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We negotiate three more islands after the castle, taking the quiet side on two of them and then slipping over into a bouncy faster stream for the last gallop home before we arrive safely at the beach by our destination. Steve is there to meet us and before long we are trundling along the narrow lanes back to our hotel.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Vitrac, France44.832100999999987 1.225165999999944744.78706849999999 1.1444849999999447 44.877133499999985 1.3058469999999447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-19042777183781794942015-01-06T10:56:00.002+01:002015-01-06T10:56:50.566+01:00Canoeing the Vezere & Dordogne in October 2014 (Pt 1)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15412327467" title="House_20141014_D_000012.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000012.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15412327467_55c2e7bdc2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another season, another trip. This time it is late in the Autumn of 2014, the time of the Fall. We had expected it to be cool on the river with misty mornings and a chill in the air first thing. As it turned out we had days of 30<span class="st">°C, beautiful blue skies and at times it was warm enough for us to swim in the river as if it were June or July.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15406260340" title="House_20141014_D_000008.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000008.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15406260340_f6c007ea67.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">Steve & I decided to make the long trip down to Bordeaux in one long fell swoop. So we were up at 5am to take an early ferry crossing and hit the road. To tell you the truth I can't remember much about it. Many hours later though we finally ended up in Bordeaux where we were to pick up our guests the next morning. After some wandering around we found ourselves somewhere to stay in a rather grand if faded <a href="http://fontbelleau.free.fr/indexuk.html" target="_blank">Chateau Fontbelleau</a> trapped amongst a grim industrial estate. We can however thoroughly recommend it.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15589209011" title="House_20141014_D_000004.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000004.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15589209011_da0bef59da.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">First thing in the morning we drove into the city to pick up our guests from the <a href="http://www.ghbordeaux.com/uk/index.php" target="_blank">Grand Hotel</a> in Bordeaux. We got out of town as soon as possible and started the drive up the Dordogne valley to St. Leon-sur-Vezere.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15574598906" title="House_20141014_D_000032.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000032.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15574598906_df987ea75a.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">It only takes a couple of hours. We stopped for a panoramic view over the Vezere valley before arriving at the Relais de Cote Jor for our two night stay. We then dropped down to the village for a picnic lunch besides the river and a little walk around.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14977542404" title="House_20141014_D_000026.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000026.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/14977542404_cb660e5fbf.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">Whilst our guest relaxed back at the hotel Steve and I took a short drive down to Les Eyzies to pick up our other guest who was arriving by train from Paris.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14978119803" title="House_20141014_D_000038.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141014_D_000038.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/14978119803_668e58862d.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">In the evening we wandered back down to the village for dinner at the Old Post Office.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15607395602" title="House_20141015_D_000038.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000038.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15607395602_98a5eeea10.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">Bright and early the next day we began the first of our two days paddling down the Vezere river. This first day was from Montignac back down to our village of St. Leon.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15606550555" title="House_20141015_D_000050.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000050.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15606550555_6dd0e1f772.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">It was a stunningly beautiful day, very warm but with that smell of autumn in the air. We glided past the pretty Chateaux of Losse and Belcayre before arriving at the village of Sergeac for a picnic lunch.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14985816144" title="House_20141015_D_000059.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000059.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/14985816144_cb2219fbd7.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">After lunch we continued downstream past the ruined locks and the last of the days Chateaux at St. Leon itself.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15611262821" title="House_20141015_D_000079.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000079.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15611262821_1d2a9baa41.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15427826638" title="House_20141015_D_000085.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000085.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15427826638_3bc42ff77a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">In the afternoon we decided to visit the Chateau Commarque which is a beautiful ruin set in the hidden woods between the Vezere and the Dordogne rivers. It took us some time to find it as the roads wind about the hills and the signposts are few and far between.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15435291677" title="House_20141015_D_000127.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000127.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15435291677_51c2e24baa.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15000535574" title="House_20141015_D_000117.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000117.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15000535574_0f9b24f98e.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15009415884" title="House_20141015_D_000140.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000140.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15009415884_ff330a613a.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15453774988" title="House_20141015_D_000144.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000144.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15453774988_3c9ffd00f2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15461922738" title="House_20141015_D_000153.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20141015_D_000153.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15461922738_30b972feef.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">We spent a very pleasant hour or two wandering over the ruins before returning to St. Leon. In the evening we drove to Montignac and found ourselves a very pleasant Spanish restaurant for dinner. </span><br />
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<span class="st"><br /></span>Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, France45.0113 1.088113000000021244.9215115 0.92675150000002127 45.101088499999996 1.2494745000000211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-11378525381774282662015-01-05T10:10:00.000+01:002015-01-05T10:10:23.735+01:00A Trip to the Perigord in September 2014 (Part 3 of 3)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15221493539" title="House_20140907_D_000006.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000006.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15221493539_a60186ed71.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A mishap this morning meant we missed each other for our pre-breakfast walk. Bob was apparently somewhere trying to get a wi-fi connection. I just walked a small loop around the villages up to Pech Malet where we usually stay and around the castle in the early misty light. I also went down the cliff path to make sure the canoe was still there. It was.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15231116819" title="House_20140907_D_000007.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000007.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15231116819_f84dd563bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15239945187" title="House_20140907_D_000019.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000019.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15239945187_3c4197bf84.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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At breakfast we chatted to a couple from New Zealand who were on a driving holiday. I suggested to them that they might visit the Cele valley an hours drive further south and told them about the charms of the place and the cave paintings at <a href="http://www.pechmerle.com/english/" target="_blank">Pech Merle</a>. I also told them about my friend <a href="http://metairielot.fr/e1_intro.htm" target="_blank">Richard & Helen at the Metarie Basse</a> in that region. A great place to stay. I had an email later to tell me that they had actually taken up my advice. I was pleased with that.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15403436866" title="House_20140907_D_000020.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000020.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15403436866_171034fd9c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After breakfast we packed and carried our gear back down to the river. Ahead of us we had a day of visiting small riverside towns and huge castles before arriving at Beynac. We slipped into the stream and began by disturbing the ducks bobbing about the place. As usual we were alone on the river with not even a fisherman to be seen.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15239947447" title="House_20140907_D_000030.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000030.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15239947447_6d602ba08e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After leaving the castle and casting a long look back we tackled a series of three islands as we came around the bend. We paddled quietly down the narrow side of the first two and then expanded some effort to cross channels to the quicker water on the far side of the third island. This was just to enjoy the choppy water. After that we took the quiet route again at the island opposite the Plage de Soleil and generally meandered about the river as we saw fit. As usual herons lazily lifted into the air in front of us and the ducks made various complaints. We drifted under the cliff at Vitrac bridge and then took the long straight where we could see the village of Domme towering above the river. I've never managed to visit this place as it is a stiff and long climb from the river bank.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15247889527" title="House_20140907_D_000040.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000040.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15247889527_7c22e90d38.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We then approached the bridge at Cenac. This is where Christophe has his canoe base for <a href="http://www.a-canoe-raid.com/" target="_blank">Canoe Raid</a>. Always feel a bit sad here as we used to stop and visit Christophe's father George and sometimes have a snifter of Port or Pastis.<br />
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The river speeds up a little at this point and on the next stretch it gets a bit bouncy and you have to negotiate some rock fields. It's no fun hitting a rock head-on and being catapulted to the front of the boat!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15431250551" title="House_20140907_D_000042.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000042.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15431250551_b0eed78262.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Before long we approach the high white cliffs as the river takes a right-angled bend and approaches Roque-Gageac. As we come into town we have to dodge the famous Gabarre tourist boats which are replicas of the trading boats that used to take the wine barrels downstream to Bordeaux. If they are going fast enough we can have some fun on the bow wave.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15421436856" title="House_20140907_D_000051.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000051.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15421436856_a996813c8f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We pull up in the small town for some refreshments. Sometimes a small market is running, but not today. Bob goes off to run around the town whilst I sit down for a beer. The narrow streets off the only road through the village are an intricate maze of steps and paths.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15441326241" title="House_20140907_D_000053.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000053.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15441326241_95000db890.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Suitably refreshed we re-embark for the next leg of the journey down to Castelnaud. It only takes us half an hour but we spend the time spinning the boat around to admire the view in both directions as we leave Roque-Gageac and approach Castelnaud. We also make sure that we are on river left so that we can fully appreciate the size and grandeur of the castle at Castelnaud.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15269863608" title="House_20140907_D_000059.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000059.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15269863608_cedac13523.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After we pull the canoe up the beach at Castelnaud we take a break for lunch - the usual kind of picnic. I then show Bob the footpath that leads up to the castle on an ancient Roman road and then leave him to to visit it. I, meanwhile, return to the riverbank to watch the canoe and have a pleasant doze in the sun.<br />
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Some hours later we return to the river for the last leg of the day as we paddle the 30 minutes down to Beynac.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15433398596" title="House_20140907_D_000063.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140907_D_000063.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15433398596_20bf83d391.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We slip past the castle under the imposing cliff and arrive at the boat ramp at the end of town. We put our canoe out of the way on a grassy bank and slip into the <a href="http://www.hotel-chateau-dordogne.com/index.php/home" target="_blank">Hotel Chateau</a> where we are staying tonight. In the late afternoon we have time for a quick dip in the pool before changing for dinner on the terrace overlooking the river.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15443450176" title="House_20140908_D_000010.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140908_D_000010.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15443450176_1ff7ef843c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In the morning we manage not to get confused and go for our regular pre-breakfast walk. We walk along the river front before taking a back road up to the castle. Unfortunately I miss a turning onto a footpath - when I'm back here in October I look more carefully and can see that a sign has been deliberately broken that points the way. Anyway today we just follow the road up the castle and from there we can admire the views up and down the valley.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15269911977" title="House_20140908_D_000012.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140908_D_000012.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15269911977_fe87d6ee71.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We then take the usual route down through the village on the cobbled lanes enjoying the views over the roof-tops as we go.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15289797120" title="House_20140908_D_000016.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140908_D_000016.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15289797120_7eebe37b95.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After breakfast we re-consider our plans. We have no hotel booked for tonight anywhere downstream. I had thought we might stay in Siorac. My plans are to return to Paris but Bob has to get to the rendezvous on the Loire to begin his cycling holiday. We decide that if possible we will paddle down to Siorac as originally planned but then catch a train late this afternoon and get as far as Limoges, stay the night there, and then go our separate ways the following morning. In view of this Bob decided to forgo a visit to Beynac Castle as it doesn't open until 10am anyway. Off we go then for our last day on the river.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15298381430" title="House_20140908_D_000019.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140908_D_000019.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15298381430_a3374becdd.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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For some reason I don't have many photographs of this last day on the river, but we cruised out of Beynac and took the right-most branch at the island there in the hope of seeing some Nutrias. We didn't - though we did see some swans - we were careful to keep our distance.<br />
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In 20 minutes or so we arrived at the take-out for the Cahteau Milandes, famous for the Josephine Baker story. We weren't that rushed so Bob had some time to visit the chateau before we continued.<br />
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We then meandered down the river dodging in and out of various islands and sometimes taking the fast water as we went. It was a very enjoyable day. I like this stretch. You almost always have the river to yourself.<br />
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Finally however we reached the bridge at Siorac and pulled over at the beach at the little hut owned by the Canoe Raid outfitters. Unfortunately they could not rendezvous with us as they had other clients to deal with but they had left Bob's luggage in the hut and all we had to do was break-in and get it! (Not really - they'd left it open).<br />
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We found somewhere to have lunch and then we traipsed up through the village to the railway station. A few minutes later the little train rattled along and we jumped in. The end of a fine trip. Thanks Bob.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Beynac-et-Cazenac, France44.840599999999988 1.141276999999945544.795575499999991 1.0605959999999455 44.885624499999984 1.2219579999999455tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-10488724718146557102015-01-04T09:49:00.000+01:002015-01-05T10:10:52.391+01:00A Trip to the Perigord in September 2014 (Part 2 of 3)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15164311267" title="House_20140905_D_000009.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140905_D_000009.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/15164311267_716ca9dcd4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Our third day. First a 'before breakfast' walk then breakfast. Then we pack our bags as we leave St. Leon today and Roland, our host, kindly gives us lift down the hill to the village. Nobody is about at the river bank but it doesn't matter as we can collect our own life-jackets and paddles and slip one of the canoes into the water. It's a cool morning. A rolling mist drifts along the water surface like ephemeral tumble-weed. We push the boat out and ferry across to the far side to reach the deeper, faster water. Bob spins the boat around and we begin our day.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15164073709" title="House_20140905_D_000006.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140905_D_000006.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15164073709_ce81790075.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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It'll take us about an hour to get down to <a href="http://www.roque-st-christophe.com/main.php?l=en" target="_blank">Roque St. Christophe</a> so we gently push on and get ourselves immersed in the quiet autumn feel of the river. We glide beneath the cliffs where we can see the cut-out where we walked yesterday. We watch the birds around us. The loopy undulating flight of the wagtails with a yellow splash. The direct, foot above the water, flight of the kingfisher - a blue flash. Jays always cross the river at right angles at house height. Rooks and crows make a racket as we pass and the song birds play their hidden song. We come to an island and have some fun deciding which channel to take and then make it tricky for ourselves by changing our mind halfway through. A Heron rises and gives an annoyed squawk.<br />
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We pull over at <a href="http://www.roque-st-christophe.com/main.php?l=en" target="_blank">Roque St. Christophe</a>. It's an awkward place to stop as it's rocky and slippery as well, but we drag the canoe to safety and leave her there whilst we visit the site. This place is a huge cliff face with many grooves cut into it by the river over millions of years. People have lived here for tens of thousands of years. These days it houses a museum which shows how people lived here in the Middle Ages. Bob spends an hour here whilst I have a coffee and read. I also meet a fellow from Australia who is doing a cycling holiday.<br />
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Back on the boat we continue on our way. Another forty minutes or so and we come to Tursac and our lunch stop at the picnic site. Back on the river we glide past cliffs and generally just while away the time in silence. The autumns has it characteristic smell. Leaves drift downstream alongside us. A wood-fire somewhere drifts the smell of smoke around us. It's silent apart from the gentle lap of the water and birdsong along the banks.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15171004408" title="House_20140905_D_000011.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140905_D_000011.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/15171004408_86c60fdd6f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Eventually we arrive underneath the cliff-face Chapel at <a href="http://www.la-madeleine-perigord.com/" target="_blank">La Madeleine</a>. It is 11th Century and was once visited by Richard the Lionheart on his way to the Crusades. It also has stone age caves and the remains of a Roman fortress above it. Unfortunately it cannot be accessed from the river so we just drift lazily by and enjoy the view.<br />
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Another hours gentle paddling brings us underneath the cliffs just prior to <a href="http://leseyzies-tourist.info/" target="_blank">Les Eyzies</a> and then under the road bridge to our take out. A beautiful days paddling. A few minutes walk and we arrive at the <a href="http://www.hostellerie-du-passeur.com/en/" target="_blank">Passeur</a> hotel. We were only here a couple of days ago but of course the two Jeromes welcome us back as ever.<br />
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Bob spends the afternoon perusing the arrow head collection at the <a href="http://musee-prehistoire-eyzies.fr/en/" target="_blank">Pre-History Museum</a> whilst I nip down to the <a href="http://www.pole-prehistoire.com/index.php/fr/" target="_blank">Pôle International de la Préhistoire</a> which is a Research/Educational Centre where I can access the internet - we take no computers on our canoes!<br />
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In the evening we go to dinner in the little restaurant opposite the main square and then retire to our books for the evening.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15171065727" title="House_20140906_D_000003.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000003.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15171065727_1a638ff116.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The next morning we get up for our pre-breakfast walk as usual. It is misty again and our circular walk takes us along the river bank, then across the railway line and then up into the woods and farms above the valley.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15357579295" title="House_20140906_D_000001.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000001.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/15357579295_91da963987.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Unfortunately I am so busy chatting away that I miss a turning and we end up taking a lot longer on the walk that I had planned. It was a silly mistake and when we get back to the hotel we are short of time to have breakfast, get ourselves packed and checked out. We have a train to catch.<br />
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We make it. We stagger along to the station at Les Eyzies and catch the little two carriage train to Siorac-en-Perigord a mere 40 minutes or so. We leave one lonely station to arrive at another. These French rural stations are so evocative, and a century away from the brash TGV stations of the metropolis.<br />
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I'm a bit nervous. I've arranged a rendezvous here with the canoe outfitters of Siorac Canoe Raid. My friend Eric has assured me that i will be met. We are after a little wait. Our guide is a Brazilian chap and his girlfriend. They don't have the canoe so we have to go the the canoe base and load up the trailer. Bob decides to leave a bag here to pick up later. He has more stuff than he needs as he's doing a bicycle trip after the canoe trip!<br />
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We are then driven upstream to our first put-in at Cazoules. The drive takes 90 minutes or so. Before long we are alone on the beach with our canoe and all ready to start our three days paddling down the Dordogne.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15343613566" title="House_20140906_D_000006.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000006.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/15343613566_5f4e413296.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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After an hour on the river we pull over for some lunch. It's a beautifully sunny day and we laze about in the warmth, before we decide that we'd better get on. We have a long paddle today and in addition, we have no accommodation booked for tonight. Both places I usually use are fully booked. Oops. I'm confident I can find somewhere though. Hopefully I can find somewhere close to the river!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15180039218" title="House_20140906_D_000018.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000018.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15180039218_154ba5cd59.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The Dordogne barrels along and I make sure to visit all the little nooks and crannies I know about. You can choose several different ways around the various islands. I always tend to take the smallest most overgrown route. More fun that way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15343620326" title="House_20140906_D_000024.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000024.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15343620326_658275066b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In time we come to the famous and beautiful castle at Montfort which grandly stands above the river.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15190172110" title="House_20140906_D_000033.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000033.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15190172110_10d08a2d34.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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When we eventually come beneath the castle I notice a small path leads from the river bank, up the cliff and through the woods to the village above. We paddle over. I can't believe I've never noticed this before. After tying up I ask Bob to remain with the canoe whilst I walk up to the village to find us somewhere to stay. I've stayed in a B&B here before and think that their are several in the small village.<br />
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After the short steep climb I arrive in the village. I can see why I've not noticed the path from this end either as it looks suspiciously like a private path leading to a garden. But now I know.<br />
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I follow a sign to a Chambre D'hote and eventually end up in a farm by a large house. I ring the bell. A charming man answers the door and listens to the tale of my predicament with interest. He may have a room. Someone has just this minute 'phoned to tentatively book his last room. He goes back inside to call them back. I wait outside. When he returns he tells ne that sadly the other couple do want the room but that, not to worry, he has a friend in the village who also has rooms. In five minutes he tells me that a room is available. He insists I look around his rooms first, just in case I come back. I might. It's a lovely place. Then I walk across the village to meet a couple from Belgium who run another B&B. It's perfect. I take the room and then hurry back to the river to tell Bob. It feels like I've been away for hours but Bob is unfazed.<br />
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We pull the canoe up the bank and carry all our gear to the B&B where we throw everything into the room before settling down with a beer with our hosts and having a quick dip in the pool.<br />
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Later we wander around the village and take some photographs. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15376576862" title="House_20140906_D_000039.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000039.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/15376576862_f919bd32c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15212162199" title="House_20140906_D_000051.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000051.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15212162199_75bfaa19b4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15212319868" title="House_20140906_D_000066.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000066.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/15212319868_822348b7dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Even later we go out for dinner at a tiny little roadside place in the centre of the village. The food is great and the place, frequented by locals, is very friendly. A full moon rises as we retire to bed.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15221709457" title="House_20140906_D_000076.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140906_D_000076.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15221709457_4984859a43.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Even more to follow ...Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Les Eyzies, 24620 Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France44.935041 1.016557000000034319.413006499999998 -40.292036999999965 70.4570755 42.325151000000034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-33770213292430492552015-01-03T08:55:00.000+01:002015-01-05T10:10:40.706+01:00A Trip to the Perigord in September 2014 (Part 1 of 3)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15142773369" title="House_20140904_D_000067.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000067.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/15142773369_31325f6d82.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In early September I set out from the Eurostar station at Ashford for Paris where I visited my friends for a couple of days before taking the long train journey from the Austerlitz station in Paris to Les Eyzies in the deepest Perigord. It takes about 8 hours in all with changes at Limoges and <span class="st">Périgueux, but when you arrive at the tiny station of Les Eyzies you know you are far away from all the cares of city-life.</span><br />
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<span class="st">This trip is going to be very different from our regular trips. Their are just the two of us. I Met Bob on the train coming down for the first time and we are going to spend the next week sharing a canoe and a room as we paddle the Vezere and the Dordogne. It's going to be fun as we will not have the support of a van or minibus to help us get around. Just us, the river and the railway. It turns out that Bob is a professor of Japanese History so I may learn something as well.</span><br />
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<span class="st">So here we are in the small town of Les Eyzies. We have to get upstream to St. Leon so that we can canoe back down here! But first we'll walk into town find the hotel we will be staying in three days hence and leave some luggage. We'll also grab some lunch.</span><br />
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<span class="st">We sit in the sunshine have a beer and a salad. It's very warm. The luggage is organised and a taxi has arrived. A short 30 minute drive up the valley brings us to the Relais de Cote de Jor. Our host, Roland, is not about. He's left a message apologising for not being able to pick us up from the station. No worries. We throw our stuff in the room and decide to go for a walk.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15069212637" title="House_20140903_D_000001 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140903_D_000001" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/15069212637_9e4530df31.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">It's a nice easy stroll along the top of the valley to the viewpoint at Cote de Jor. We look down on the Vezere river as it snakes through the valley. This will be our companion for the next couple of days.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15069013449" title="House_20140904_D_000003 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000003" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/15069013449_7382803dff.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">After a swim in the pool and a laze about we walk down the trail to the village of St. Leon-sur-Vezere and have dinner in the Old Post Office restaurant. It was a long day, with an early start and a marathon rail journey. But we are here now and the two of us seem to be getting on just fine. We walk back up the lane to the Relais.</span><br />
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<span class="st">In the morning we have a walk before breakfast and then later stroll down the hill back to the village to meet Philippe and Virginnie at Apa canoes. After getting organised they run us upstream to Montignac where we will begin our first day on the river. We do of course have a look around the small town first and buy a baguette for our lunch.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15069006529" title="House_20140904_D_000010 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000010" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15069006529_1de13667da.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">So off we go on our little canoeing adventure. I take the stern first but we'll swap around over the next few days. These rivers are not exactly challenging in a technical sense. It's warm, the sun is shining and we have plenty to look at as we glide gently downstream.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15069206108" title="House_20140904_D_000011 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000011" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/15069206108_ca051f7a02.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">After an hour or so we come to the Chateau du Losse which we enjoy as we meander past, checking out the ruins of the old lock gates as we approach. The Chateau is open to the public but sadly it has no entrance designed for those arriving by river and the bank is too steep for us to consider breaching the walls.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15088954090" title="House_20140904_D_000019.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000019.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15088954090_740f217dd6.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">I've been in the castle before but Bob suggests he would like to visit so I propose we paddle down to the village of Thonac where we can leave our canoes and walk back to the Chateau. It's inconvenient but it is actually not that far - a mere 1/2 mile.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15262359406" title="House_20140904_D_000030.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000030.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/15262359406_b6007647c5.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">We spend a very pleasant couple of hours exploring the Chateau, inside and out. We even take the guided tour, even though it is mostly in French. No matter it's fairly easy to get the gist of it.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15244514212" title="House_20140904_D_000033.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000033.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15244514212_73936c4499.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15306691231" title="House_20140904_D_000057.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000057.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/15306691231_3c21b815c2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15131900968" title="House_20140904_D_000061.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000061.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/15131900968_5bc74800ff.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="st">Afterwards we stroll through the fields back to where we had left the canoes and continue our journey on the Vezere. Before very long we come to another grand house: the Chateau du Belcayre. It looks astounding built on the pinnacle of rock overlooking the river.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15295730046" title="House_20140904_D_000070.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000070.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/15295730046_d290e21466.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span><br />
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<span class="st">We spin around on the river and take plenty of photographs as we pass as the sky and clouds have conspired to give us a wonderful radial shape behind the castle. The flowing weeds in front of the Chateau add to the charm of the scene.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15152589897" title="House_20140904_D_000074.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000074.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/15152589897_0f08024eaa.jpg" width="500" /></a> </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">The next stop is the tiny village of Sergeac where we will stop for our picnic lunch. We have the French bread with raw vegetables and fruit, with cheeses and some charcuterie. Simple. Afterwards we take a small walk around the place.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Then it's back on the river for the last leg of the journey to St. Leon. We pass the last of the old lock gates and meander around a couple of small islands before gliding past the last Chateau of the day in the village itself.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15347657761" title="House_20140904_D_000076.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140904_D_000076.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15347657761_8e4dcd14e6.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">A few minutes later we are back at the canoe outfitters and getting ourselves together after a fine first day on the river. We have plenty of time for a stroll around the village and a beer as well before taking a slow hike up the hill back to the hotel.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">In the evening we again walk down to the village only to find that it is carnival night. A small street market is set out selling all kinds of foods and there will be music and dancing later. This puts a smile on our face. We sit down for dinner whilst we watch the revelry but then have to be rushed inside as a brief storm brings rain. But it is soon gone and everyone drifts outside again. A fine end to a great first day.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">To be continued ...</span>Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, France45.0113 1.088113000000021244.9215115 0.92675150000002127 45.101088499999996 1.2494745000000211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-73584648757183641022014-12-23T06:03:00.000+01:002014-12-23T06:03:16.689+01:00A Trip to the Ardeche in August 2014 (Part 2)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15867323705" title="House_20140728_D_000029_st8.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140728_D_000029_st8.jpg" height="257" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15867323705_42381835bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
On our fourth day we drove into the Cevenne Mountains north of Les Vans and found ourselves at the foot of the Signal de Ventalon. A stiff hike brought us to the summit where a gale was blowing. We could hardly hear ourselves think. After a stumbling off-piste descent through the heather we finally regained the trail and continued our hike along the long-distance trail called the GR7. It was hard going and I thought the young boys might falter. They didn't. At the half-way point we bumped into Steve who, as if by magic, conjured up a picnic lunch. Superb. The GR7 then merged into the GR70 trail, more famously known as the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail. We came across some ancient Sepulchres.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14957765952" title="House_20140728_D_000060.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140728_D_000060.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14957765952_0747d0e9dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
At the end of the days hike we came to the monument erected to the protestant Commusards. They were heavily persecuted during the religious wars. A short drive took us to the lovely farmhouse chateau of <a href="http://www.lecauvel.com/" target="_blank">Le Cauvel</a> where we would be staying for a couple of days with the charming Amboise, his brother and their wives.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14780283259" title="House_20140728_D_000075.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140728_D_000075.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14780283259_ed1e037599.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
On the following day we again did some hiking in the mountains on the GR70 and GR7. After a short drive to St. Germain-de-Calberte we soon found ourselves on a beautiful circular trail with fantastic views over the Cevennes. We turned around at a Menhir where we were also surprised to find some hikers were actually using donkeys as RL Stevenson did all those years ago.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14976887985" title="House_20140729_D_000012.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140729_D_000012.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14976887985_08f2fc2886.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Later in the afternoon we tried to do another hike, this time on the Corniche de Cevennes, but the weather came in and we got briefly soaked in the rain that lashed down in the swirling wind. We rushed back to Le Cauvel instead to curl up with books.<br />
<br />
After this we left the mountains to return to the river - a long drive taking us to Balazuc where we prepared to paddle the Ardeche Defiles (Narrows). We had lunch by the river before setting off and paddled down to Pradons. It was a lovely stretch of river but the little rapids were tricky in places. Luckily we had no accidents.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15016917095" title="House_20140730_D_000013.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140730_D_000013.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/15016917095_f61057023b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Later we travelled to the small town of Vallon Pont D'Arc where we treated ourselves to ice-creams and visited an exhibition about the <a href="http://www.culture.gouv.fr/fr/arcnat/chauvet/en/" target="_blank">Chauvet Caves</a>. The replica site will open next year in 2015. Looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
We stayed the night in the Le Belved hotel very close to the Pont D'Arc itself and had time in the evening to make use of the swimming-pool.<br />
<br />
Our next day was our last day on the river. It was the big one. A 32k run down the full length of the Ardeche Gorge going through the famous natural arch at the Pont D'Arc and riding a series of rapids along the way. We made an early start and got in some practise on the minor rapids as we approached the arch.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15028154302" title="House_20140731_D_000005.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140731_D_000005.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15028154302_f43a6fa3dd.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
After that it was a matter of sticking together and watching out for each other through the rapids. Inevitably we had a couple of mishaps, but it was a hot day and after the initial shock it didn't take long to empty the boats and continue on our way. When we pulled up on a beach for lunch we set up our picnic in a little shade and then were surprised to see our canoes going downstream by themselves. The wind had flipped them over and rolled them down the beach to the river. Oops.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14853886408" title="House_20140731_D_000024.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140731_D_000024.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14853886408_8fd6d7c7e3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
At the Black Tooth rapid we decided to portage. It was narrow and a bit too technical for the young boys. They moaned but we were soon on our way and soon had other rapids to worry about. In fact we had a major spill at the Templars Rapid where it took us some time to get ourselves together. We were on our way soon enough though to tackle the last stretch around Windy Point and the final run down to Sauze.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14808930482" title="House_20140731_D_000036 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140731_D_000036" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14808930482_e594de2efc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
All in all it was a very successful paddle and we rewarded ourselves with beers and ice-creams at the pretty village of Aigueze. From here it was just a short drive back to La Bastide for our last night. We wrapped the trip off with a lovely dinner outside where we were splendidly entertained by the boys giving us a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.<br />
<br />
The next morning we ran our guests back to the airport at Nimes - with a little scare as the motorway was closed. Fortunately we made it and we waved them off. Happy days. We then faced the long drive north ourselves ...Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France44.407452 4.395400999999992644.31669 4.2340394999999926 44.498214 4.5567624999999925tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-12328981882266159102014-12-22T13:05:00.000+01:002014-12-22T13:05:10.101+01:00A Trip to the Ardeche in August 2014 (Part 1)<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14687280047" title="House_20140727_D_000042.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140727_D_000042.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/14687280047_d326e66a43.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
In late July we set off for the south of France to rendezvous with the Bertamini family at Nimes airport for an 8 Day trip to the rivers of the Gard and Ardeche with a couple of days hiking in the Cevennes thrown in for good measure. This lovely family had canoed with us last year in the Perigord and we were happy to be taking them again on another trip.<br />
<br />
First of all though we had to get down there. It's a long drive from Calais so we decided to take a break half-way. We headed for the <a href="http://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/haute-saone.htm" target="_blank">Haute-</a><span class="st"><a href="http://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/haute-saone.htm" target="_blank">Saône</a><em></em></span> area so that we could have a look at the Ognon river. This has potential as a future trip. Apparently you can wander down this river over 8 or 9 days to its confluence with the <span class="st">Saône<em>. </em>With that in mind we set off for </span><span class="st">Villersexel.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">After an early start and an early ferry from Dover we drove across northern France in a large arc before arriving in Villersexel in the late afternoon. We quickly found a charming place to stay in the <a href="http://www.laterrasse-villersexel.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Auberge de la Terrasse</a> which is close to the river and just opposite the canoe outfitters. The place does indeed have potential though it is hard to know really without getting in a boat! Must definitely get this organised.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">The next day we continued the long drive to the south. After following the Ognon river for some miles through pretty countryside we joined the motorway south. Apart from a bottle-neck at Lyon the drive was smooth. As the afternoon got late we pulled up to the small town of Collias, where we will canoe tomorrow, in order to find somewhere for the night and somewhere not too far from the airport for our pick-up tomorrow.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">After some difficulty down some narrow lanes we eventually found the <a href="http://www.hotel-le-gardon.com/" target="_blank">Hotel le Gardon</a> out on a lonely hill. After relaxing for a while and taking a dip in the pool we moseyed into town, a drive unfortunately and had a wander around to get our bearings for tomorrow. Along the way we discovered a rather nice cafe where we tasted some local wines and where we were charmed by the lovely host. In the evening we had dinner at the smart <a href="http://www.lecastellas.com/" target="_blank">Le Castellas</a> restaurant which we ducked into as a storm arrived. HIghly recommended.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">So finally we get started on the trip. After eventually finding the correct airport in Nimes (information which would be handy later) we picked up our guests as they flew in from England. In no time at all we were at the famous <a href="http://www.pontdugard.fr/en" target="_blank">Pont du Gard</a> and we spent some time wandering about. It's hard to believe that the aqueduct is almost 2000 years old.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14822264011" title="House_20140725_D_000002.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140725_D_000002.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14822264011_a954732239.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Of course the real reason we were here was to go canoeing so we drove upstream to Collias and got ourselves organised and after a picnic lunch by the river set off on our first paddle of the trip to canoe back down, and under, the Pont du Gard. It was of course a hot day and so we took out time for some splashing around on the way down.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14835437053" title="House_20140725_D_000036 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140725_D_000036" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14835437053_52e7652b49.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Our first paddle over we jumped in our minibus and drove the short distance to La Bastide, a small hamlet just outside Goudargues where we will stay a couple of nights. Grace & Olivier were there to greet us and imagine our surprise when our guests were informed that they would be lodging in the castle next door. None of us could believe it. Here we are staying in a castle.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14854097983" title="House_20140726_D_000005.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140726_D_000005.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14854097983_222fba078b.jpg" width="333" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">The next day we toddled into Gourdagues and got ourselves organised for a paddle on the Ceze river. A short drive took us up to Montclus, a tiny walled village, which we had time for a wander around before starting our paddle.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14655434620" title="House_20140726_D_000014.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140726_D_000014.jpg" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14655434620_dee9a1107f.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">After some difficulty getting past the first little rapid: it was rocky & twisty, we enjoyed the meander downstream and once again found time for a swim.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14663348377" title="House_20140726_D_000065.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140726_D_000065.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14663348377_01ddb61e3b.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">In the afternoon we had a stroll around the village Roque-sur-Ceze and the waterfall called the Cascade Sautadet, a popular spot.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14854934094" title="House_20140726_D_000041.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140726_D_000041.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3862/14854934094_2e1b44af29.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">On our third day we drove the short distance to Les Vans and found our second hotel which apparently used to be a Nunnery. In the afternoon we paddled through the gorge of the Chassezac river which was spectacular. The river was a little bit more technical and we had some fun getting through the smallish rapids. Of course we also found time to monkey about as usual.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14883782482" title="House_20140727_D_000048.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140727_D_000048.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14883782482_af8a58b790.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">The end of the days paddling almost got a bit dangerous as we paddled slightly too far and ended up trying to paddle through a rock garden! Not wise. Luckily we were able to haul the boats back upstream to the beach where we were supposed to be. A beer and ice-cream settled us down.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14717601129" title="House_20140727_D_000076.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="House_20140727_D_000076.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/14717601129_0e4aeecdc0.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">In the evening we still had time for a dip in the pool before a lovely dinner on the terrace of the hotel. Tomorrow we are heading up into the Cevennes for a couple of days hiking. More of this to follow.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><br /></span>Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Goudargues, France44.215107 4.468348999999989244.1240535 4.3069874999999893 44.306160500000004 4.6297104999999892tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-43811675814272698032014-12-18T15:14:00.000+01:002014-12-18T15:14:05.197+01:00A Trip to the Perigord in June 2014We kicked off our summer of canoeing by doing a short <a data-mce-href="http://www.greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-perigord/4587492264http://" href="http://www.greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-perigord/4587492264" target="_blank" title="GRC7 Day Perigord Trip">week-ender trip</a>
down in the Perigord region of France with some guests from Hong-Kong.
We squeezed the usual 7 day trip into a 4 day format to give our guests a
taste of the area.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
We took 2 days to drive down to Bordeaux, where we were to pick up our guests, and visited the <span class="st">Poitou-Charentes</span>
area on the way down to scope out the area and the river of the same
name. We came off the motorway just after Poitiers and headed for
Vivonne to pick up some lunch. It's a pleasant little town with a
massive Super-U supermarket. I can't think now why I want to remember
this, but I did.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
Anyway we then pootled
down to the town of Ruffec and got some information from the very
friendly tourist office. We tried to find some canoe outfitters without
much luck but we did eventually end up at a pretty spot for a picnic
lunch before finding a swimming hole at Condac.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14494513634" title="house_20140606_D_082317 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140606_D_082317" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14494513634_2b9fa5628b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I
thought the river Charente here looked very pretty and certainly has
potential for a future trip. We then jumped back on the main road and
headed south, avoiding Angouleme, before following the river again to
the town of Jarnac. The river here is larger now and perhaps not what
we're looking for, but the town was nice and I think the whole Cognac
region has potential.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
It was late in the
day now so we headed south again so we could be close to Bordeaux in the
morning for a pick-up. We eventually found a camp-site somewhere near
St. Andre-de-Cubac. Once again the tourist office was very helpful - we
only just made it before closing time - and we were directed to a
campsite run by a charming guy from Germany. We set up camp next to a
pond. Only later did we realise that this was not a good idea. We were
kept awake all night by croaking frogs!<br />
<br />
We drove back into
town to find a restaurant and were lucky enough to discover a little
place overlooking the river Dordogne. It had been a long day so we were
pleased to crash out in the tents. I don't think Steve was too happy
though as his inflatable mattress thing malfunctioned and he ended up in
the van. On top of that and the loudest frogs in the universe the night
was interrupted by a massive thunderstorm.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
So
the next morning we were up early to pick up our guests from the Grand
Hotel in Bordeaux (oooeee) and start our trip. Here's a few photographs:<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14502479422" title="house_20140607_D_082343 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140607_D_082343" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/14502479422_c440dd9d71.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14531188613" title="house_20140607_D_082351 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140607_D_082351" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14531188613_eccb54ef5e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14574456811" title="house_20140609_D_082525.jpg by Steven House, on
Flickr"><img alt="house_20140609_D_082525.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/14574456811_8e7688fa0f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14416744930" title="house_20140609_D_082549.jpg by Steven House, on
Flickr"><img alt="house_20140609_D_082549.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14416744930_0b757f6916.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
You can see more photographs <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/sets/72157645339286875/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
On
the final day we returned our guests to Bordeaux and began our long
drive back to Calais. We had decided to do this in two days and so made
our way to Les Sables-d'Olonne which we were too tired to really
appreciate. We did find a hotel finally and then had a surprisingly good
dinner at a sea-food place on the sea-front.<br />
<br data-mce-bogus="1" />
I
can't remember much about the long drive on the last day except that we
stopped off in a very pretty village in Brittany which may ave been
Blain. A place worth returning too, not least because the bakery and
cafe were lovely but also because a canal goes through here and it might
be worth exploring a barge holiday in this area.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, France45.0113 1.088113000000021244.9215115 0.92675150000002127 45.101088499999996 1.2494745000000211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-64545279373252726622014-12-17T03:57:00.000+01:002014-12-17T04:33:22.588+01:00New web site for Green River Canoes<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Green River Canoes </span> </h2>
Our travel company which provides <a href="http://www.greenrivercanoes.com/" target="_blank">Inn-to-Inn Guided Canoe Trips</a> to the south of France, the Belgium Ardennes and the Garden of England has had a web-site makeover,<br />
<br />
Although I was happy with the original site and the way it looked I had the feeling over the past year that some people were finding the site difficult to navigate. To find out everything for a trip you had to visit several pages. On the new site you can find out everything you need to know from one page: that is the Trip description, its scheduled dates & prices, the day-to-day itinerary and the details of the hotels we use as well as photographs and maps.<br />
<br />
Design-wise I've gone for a simple bi-colour scheme based on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pullman_train_%28UK%29" target="_blank">Pullman</a> colours of Umber (Dark Brown) & Cream with a 3rd highlight colour a shade of Green. It terms of graphics I've opted for a simple silhouette style which echoes something of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penguin_Books" target="_blank">Penguin paperback</a> design ethos of the 1950s.<br />
<br />
I was aiming for something that looked reassuring & comfortable and without the common 'in your face' promotional feel of many similar sites. I took some inspiration from the <a href="http://pages.rapha.cc/travel" target="_blank">Rapha Travel</a> site as well.<br />
<br />
Although the site makes use of photographs from the trips - slide-shows are available for each trip - I've made extensive use of the 'posters' I made earlier in the year and these are used as menus to the trip pages from the front page.<br />
<br />
Here is a screen shot of the opening page:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/15818163967" title="Green River Canoes - new web site by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="Green River Canoes - new web site" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/15818163967_3b02abeeeb_c.jpg" width="509" /></a>Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Canterbury, Canterbury, Kent, UK51.280233 1.078908899999987651.2007715 0.91754739999998769 51.3596945 1.2402703999999876tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-54892934831373293392014-06-22T16:50:00.000+02:002014-06-22T16:50:22.777+02:00Gin Infusions, Summer Cordials and Home-made Cocktails<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gooseberry Gin Martini</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14478043114" title="house_20140621_D_082555 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140621_D_082555" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14478043114_6da894422a.jpg" width="354" /></a></span><br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
2 Measures of Gin<br />
1 Measure of Gooseberry infused Gin<br />
1 Splash of Elderflower Cordial<br />
A couple of fresh gooseberries for decoration and and ice-cube or two<br />
<br />
Of course the trick is to have the home-made ingredients to hand.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14478043304" title="house_20140621_D_082550 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140621_D_082550" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14478043304_05775a56bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/9236178429" title="house_20130707_D_076042.jpg by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20130707_D_076042.jpg" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9236178429_6a58b70b44.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gooseberry Gin Recipe</span></span><br />
<br />
If you are fortunate to have a glut of gooseberries one summer or can find some going cheap then this makes an interesting and tasty gin infusion.<br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
1 Litre of the cheapest gin<br />
500 g of top & tailed and washed gooseberries, use pink ones for a lovely colour to the infusion<br />
250 g sugar<br />
<br />
Sterilise a preserving jar and fill with the gooseberries which you have halved or crushed. Add the sugar. You can use more or less sugar according to taste. Aim for less now and sweeten later if the infusion is too sour. Top the up the jar with as much gin as will fit in.<br />
<br />
Leave to infuse for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain through a muslin cloth and transfer to sterilised bottles. Sweeten to taste if necessary.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/14273669416" title="house_20140524_D_081899 by Steven House, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20140524_D_081899" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/14273669416_1cd4275d23.jpg" width="422" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elderflower Cordial Recipe</span></span><br />
<br />
In the early summer you can make a delicious cordial from Elderflowers.<br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
25 to 30 Elderflower heads freshly picked with the insects shaken off and quickly rinsed<br />
1.5 Litre of water<br />
Zest of 2 Lemons and 1 Orange<br />
Juice of 2 Lemons and 1 Orange<br />
1 kilo of sugar<br />
50 g citric acid (optional)<br />
<br />
Put the flowerheads in a large bowl with the zest, cover with 1.5 litres of boiled water and leave to infuse for 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Strain the infusion through a muslin cloth and return to a pan with the sugar, the juice and the citric acid. Warm gently until the sugar is dissolved. Leave to cool and then transfer to sterilised bottles.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-4111440668394460232014-03-12T05:05:00.000+01:002014-03-12T05:05:52.094+01:00Green River Canoes: The Poster Collection<code><div class="issuuembed" data-configid="9251265/7059333" style="height: 371px; width: 525px;">
</div>
<script async="true" src="//e.issuu.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script></code><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Collection</span></span><br />
<br />
All the posters are collected here in a Poster Collection magazine. I originally posted 28 Reasons to go Canoeing day-by-day through February 2014. They are all here with a few posters that didn't make the cut thrown in for good measure.<br />
<br />
The posters were originally published on the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Green River Canoes blog</a>. <br />
<br />
Our Posters, Prints, T-shirts, IPad and Phone cases are for sale <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/stevenhouse/portfolio" target="_blank">at Redbubble</a> and Posters and Prints are for sale at <a href="http://houselightgallery.deviantart.com/gallery" target="_blank">DeviantArt</a>.<br />
<br />
Details about <a href="http://goo.gl/GRZBSF" target="_blank">Green River Canoe Trips</a>, downloadable <a href="http://goo.gl/lW5Xkj" target="_blank">Brochures</a> and <a href="http://goo.gl/14cXXV" target="_blank">Newsletter Sign-Up</a>.Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, France45.0113 1.088113000000021244.9215115 0.92675150000002127 45.101088499999996 1.2494745000000211tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-87024380110823717652014-02-11T11:04:00.000+01:002014-03-04T15:08:11.068+01:00Green River Canoes: Fishing Trips<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/10264101506/" title="Fishing in the Belgium Ardennes by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Fishing in the Belgium Ardennes" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/10264101506_9f729010d7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Canoeing and Fishing</span></span><br />
<br />
Without a doubt you could easily mix a canoeing trip with a fishing trip and their is no reason why you couldn't use a canoe to fish from just as the locals in France and Belgium use the small flat-bottomed punts. You have to admire these punts because you often see them partially drowned tied up to the bank and you must wonder if they will ever be used again, but I've seen a seemingly lost boat patiently bailed until it was afloat again and then pushed out into the stream for an hour or so of fishing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/5096700962/" title="house_20100925_D_059045 by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="house_20100925_D_059045" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4149/5096700962_78e9468e72.jpg" height="345" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The rivers we paddle in France and Belgium do not allow any motorised boats on the river, apart from a small stretch of the Dordogne where the Gabarres run between Roque-Gageac and Beynac offering a tourist service.<br />
<br />
Most of the fishing we see is from the bank or fly-fishers stood mid-stream. Only a few fish from boats. The fishers are friendly too and don't much mind the canoes as we go by. This must be because the river is not at all busy. My friend and I were once briefly the scourge of fishers as we paddled through Tours on the river Loire. We didn't have room to skirt them in a wide arc as we had a rapid to negotiate. We were not popular and some even chased us downstream to pass on some advice and encouragement! Normally however a friendly nod and a wave is enough to pass pleasantly.<br />
<br />
On the <span class="st">Célé river the fishers are given the river to themselves before 11am and again after 6pm and it is only between these hours that you are allowed to paddle the river. It seems fair, but I wonder what they would say if you were fishing from your canoe.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">In all the ten years I've been taken canoe trips down these rivers though we've only ever had one person who trolled from the back of his canoe. He enjoyed himself too although he had to rely on the patience of his partner to do his paddling for him. He didn't actually have much luck in the actual fishing department. The Rainbow Trout and the Barbels eluded him but he did manage to catch one small but handsome Perch, which he gallantly put back.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiarfD0bXTfQ3f-AmYTMDiSQEycrqs6LOpTGxI6-STwsIabvbPJwcnv5jnZtda2rGqQRQ230afVHpt37c0IsCHtZ6LobnrTyio9PGOj9_t8LXx8AOrhvjp3aWM8FLt6KDSQVi0P4NVUAED/s1600/house_20120927_D_072960-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiarfD0bXTfQ3f-AmYTMDiSQEycrqs6LOpTGxI6-STwsIabvbPJwcnv5jnZtda2rGqQRQ230afVHpt37c0IsCHtZ6LobnrTyio9PGOj9_t8LXx8AOrhvjp3aWM8FLt6KDSQVi0P4NVUAED/s1600/house_20120927_D_072960-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="st">Anyway the point is if you like fishing then I'm sure we could arrange plenty of time for it on our canoeing trips. We have plenty of time in the early mornings and in the long warm evenings to fit in some bank-side fishing and of course trolling is always a possibility. If more serious fishing time was required then we would re-arrange our schedule to fit it in.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">We would also organise the licenses and search out the shops that sell bait and tackle.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st"><span id="goog_1275067881"></span><span id="goog_1275067882"></span></span>Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Dordogne, France45.146948599999988 0.7572205000000167343.713358599999985 -1.8245664999999831 46.58053859999999 3.3390075000000166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-72545149169036499072014-02-04T14:03:00.000+01:002014-03-04T15:09:34.056+01:00Green River Canoes: Special Interest Trips<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/10285639583/" title="Fly-Fishing on the Semois by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Fly-Fishing on the Semois" height="500" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3830/10285639583_5af2eef06b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Custom Canoe Trips with the Focus also on ...</span></span></h2>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fYKtJTHtyimErp4Ye1GaA body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">We have many scheduled trips on our itinerary but we
can also cater for groups that want to have a trip to themselves and
perhaps concentrate on a particular activity in addition to the
canoeing. This page describes some ideas.</span></div>
<div class="p0">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Photography</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span></h3>
<div class="p4">
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_feO0YvJ53RjFFg_pvvUpd body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">Photography is one of my personal hobbies and something that I do on every canoeing trip.</span></div>
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0">You can see my personal photography on my website and on flickr.</span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0">It would be fantastic to take a group of enthusiastic
photographers on a canoeing trip and I think the combination would work
well.</span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p5">
<span class="c0">I’d expect the kind of people who would do this
combination trip would be into Landscapes and/or Nature photography, and
I’m confident that we could could manage both elements very well.</span>
</div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p7">
<span class="c0">I’m often of a mind to go on a long walk before
breakfast; often getting up at sunrise or even before. Over the years
I’ve been doing these trips I’ve got together a whole sequence of walks
which are loops from our lodgings. This can range from 1 to 3 hours in
length. They almost always include fabulous views over the region we are
visiting.</span>
</div>
<div class="p8">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p9">
<span class="c0">The same principle would apply in the evenings so that
we would arrange our evening meal so that we can be out and about when
the evening light is at its best. In the summer of course we are blessed
with an early sunrise and a late sunset, but even towards the autumn we
can still make use of the light.</span>
</div>
<div class="p10">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p11">
<span class="c0">This leaves the middle of the day, and this is, of
course, when we will do our canoeing. Notwithstanding the fact that
cameras and water don’t mix very well we will have a great many
opportunities for taking macro wildlife shots and any other type of
shots in and around the rivers.</span>
</div>
<div class="p12">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p13">
<span class="c0">I think that makes a great start for designing a
Photographic/Canoe Tour, but we also have all the elements of the trip
which are away from the river too; the pretty villages, the castles and
churches and monasteries and gardens.</span>
</div>
<div class="p14">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p15">
<span class="c0">In addition I think that when we sit down and design
our photographic itinerary we can mutually decide on our aims and plans.
We can also bear in mind that we have a minibus with us and we can use
this in the morning and evening for reaching places which are too far
for hiking.</span></div>
<div class="p15">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_f_wfNmZsWlrT9ErGj8Gtx title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Nature Watching</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fsdqMoruxJWZs5EbtHR4p body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">Observing nature is also one of my interests and forms a
large part of my interest in photography too, as I mentioned in the
previous chapter.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">On these canoe trips we have plenty of opportunity for
observing Butterflies, Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies), Birds, and
River-Life. We also, of course, have a great opportunity for observing
the botany of the regions we visit.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0">I myself am very fond of photographing butterflies as well as dragonflies and damselflies.</span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p5">
<span class="c0">I think a very useful trip could be designed to
incorporate a great deal of nature-watching both whilst we are on the
river and on evening walks and hikes in the mornings and evenings.</span>
</div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p7">
<span class="c0">I’m very familiar with the butterfly species to be
found in and around the areas we visit and of the times of year when
particular species are to be observed.</span>
</div>
<div class="p8">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p9">
<span class="c0">Although I’m not a bird-watcher myself and don’t
photograph them often (not having suitable lenses) I do observe them
whilst we are on the river and am familiar with most of the common
species to be found.</span>
</div>
<div class="p10">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p11">
<span class="c0">Botanically the areas we visit are also very
interesting and I’ve come across many beautiful flowers and plants on my
travels. Finding orchids for example is always a pleasure as is
identifying the different trees that grow along the river and being able
to recognise them in all the seasons. Quinces and Medlars, for example,
can sometimes be found.</span></div>
<div class="p11">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_f5cpmZCgMwL8nS6edd9dE title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Fishing</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fH_iphemjJvyg2Yk9QeGB body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">I’m not a fisherman myself so I wont pretend to know
anything about it. What I do know is that I’ve seen plenty of people
fishing in the rivers we visit. It is obvious that the rivers provide
very good fishing indeed.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">Many of the rivers are good trout streams and we have seen many fly-fishermen standing int he rivers in the early mornings.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0">The Semois and the Lesse in Belgium are well known
trout streams as is the Cele in France. The Cele in particular is
dedicated to fishing as canoeists are not allowed on the river until
after 11am; before then is fishing time.</span>
</div>
<div class="p5">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0">We have also observed people fishing from boats, though
I should point out that these are usually punts of some sort. No
powered boats are allowed on the streams we paddle, excepting the
Gabarres which operate on the Dordogne between Beynac and Roque-Gageac.</span>
</div>
<div class="p7">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p8">
<span class="c0">On some occasions we have had guests trolling from the
canoe and they have enjoyed themselves immensely though they tell me
this is not the way to catch trout. A perch perhaps.</span>
</div>
<div class="p9">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p10">
<span class="c0">The rivers we canoe usually run clear, except after a
storm, and we often get a good view of the many fish in the water. This
excludes the Vezere which more often than not runs a chocolate colour.
The fish we have seen, and recognised, are Rainbow Trout, Perch, and
Barbel. No doubt several other species are swimming beneath us.</span>
</div>
<div class="p11">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p12">
<span class="c0">If we were to organise a canoe trip around fishing then
Green River Canoes would ensure that the appropriate licenses are
acquired and that enough time is allocated to fit the type of fishing
that is needed to balance with the canoe time. We would have the minibus
for example to those that fish to take us to and from the river for
early morning or evening sessions.</span></div>
<div class="p12">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fp1DG4a8AQvk1cyl6vOrE title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Hiking</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fPhOgICDD1fkMOSA6SZbh body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">Walking and hiking is a feature of our canoe trips
already. For those that are keen walkers each place that we stay has an
early morning, before breakfast, walk that we can do. It is not
compulsory!</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">On some of the longer trips we also take a day or two off from the canoeing to explore the area by foot.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0">I’ve walked many of the footpaths in and around the areas where we canoe and have a range of walks wherever we go.</span>
</div>
<div class="p5">
<span class="c0">However if we have a group that requires a different
balance of canoeing and hiking then I’m certain that we could arrange a
trip to suit. We would also of course decide on the length of these
hikes and the amount of time we think they need.</span>
</div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p7">
<span class="c0">Both France and Belgium have a great many long-distance
trails which are well way-marked. There are also a great collection of
hiking maps on which these trails are clearly marked. It would certainly
be possible for example to accommodate several days hiking on one of
these trails with a multi-day canoeing trip.</span></div>
<div class="p7">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fRwOQLee4C6sCLl94WbnY title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">History</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_f4aNeuHn2QQWT02M5kw3s body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">With a little bit of work the trips to the Perigord and
Lot could concentrate (when not canoeing) on the 100 years War,
Crusades, or perhaps the Middle Ages. These trips already visit several
castles and chateaux in the region but a little bit of effort on the
schedule could bring the history into focus.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">The trip to the Belgium Ardennes could also be tweaked
so that we have an opportunity to visit some of the sights associated
with WW2. Although the coming years will be the anniversary of the Great
War this is of course more focused on Flanders to the north of Belgium.
This is not the area where we canoe. However if there is some real
interest in this then with some planning we could arrange to paddle on
the Somme and in the area around St. Omer in northern France.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fgSg9cbMfFMkLNlw2GHDP title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Cave Paintings</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fg0aKeUP97kQPsIY6Zaka body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">Our trips to the Perigord and the Lot already include a
good look at the cave-paintings in the region such as Lascaux, Peche
Merle and Castel Merle. Sadly access to Font de Gaume which was also on
our itinerary is becoming increasingly difficult as visitor numbers have
been drastically reduced and advance bookings removed.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">Many other caves are available to visit in the region
however and with a bit organisation we could certainly tweek the
itinerary to include other caves.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0">It may even be possible to include Font de Gaume if we are prepared to arrive early and queue on a particular day.</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
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<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fdX5OSMyv0TTb3BgrmqoO title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Wine Tasting</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_f_KEhTjamwnei1VtvNZ4i body">
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">Would it be possible to paddle from vineyard to
vineyard? I’m not sure about this as we are usually too far upstream to
be in vineyard country. However when we visit the Perigord and Lot
regions in France we are certainly within striking distance of
vineyards.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">On the 5 Day Cele trip or the 12 Day 3 River trip we
have often taken a day off the river to visit the vineyards of the
Cahors region which is a short 40 minute drive down the Lot valley. We
usually have the time (and inclination) to visit 3 or 4 vineyards for
tastings which are on or close to the Lot river itself.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0">The vineyards on the Dordogne are a bit further away. Bergerac and Perchamont however are reachable.</span>
</div>
<div class="p5">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0">On the Ardeche trip we arrive through the Rhone
vineyards between Avignon and our first lodgings on the Ceze river. It
would certainly be possible to arrange some vineyards in this region,
both in the valley itself and in the tributary valleys coming into it.</span></div>
<div class="p6">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_special-interest-trips_fVOCitCNIbvW_7Vn-PhFE title">
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0">Beer Tasting</span></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="p0">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="c0"> </span></span></span>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="p0">
<span class="c0">A Beer tasting and canoeing trip would certainly be
possible in the Belgium Ardennes. We travel very close to two of the
Trappist Monasteries that still make beer at Orval and Rochefort. It is
possible to visit Orval so we could easily include this on our trip and
make the necessary detour.</span>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="c0">The other three Trappist Monasteries that brew beer in
Belgium are further to the north in Flanders and separated from the
Walloon region where we go paddling. Nevertheless Belgium is a small
country and an itinerary could be arranged.</span>
</div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="c0"> </span>
</div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="c0">In any case if we extend our search outside of Trappist
Beers (and Belgium has many hundreds of other to choose from) we could
visit some small and local breweries closer to the rivers we paddle.</span><br />
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Dordogne, France45.146948599999988 0.7572205000000167343.713358599999985 -1.8245664999999831 46.58053859999999 3.3390075000000166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-30048929067533342632014-01-28T06:03:00.000+01:002014-01-28T06:05:19.286+01:00Green River Canes: Expedition Trips<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/10132347233/" title="Canoeing in the Belgium Ardennes by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Canoeing in the Belgium Ardennes" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/10132347233_8e04f15001.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Multi-Day Canoe-Camping Trips</span></span><br />
<br />
Every year we will propose to do a long expeditionary trip at the beginning of each season. If it proves popular then we could add another trip at the end of the season too.<br />
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The idea of these trips is to have a long continuous canoe down a single river.<br />
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The intention is that we will camp on these trips and where possible we will prefer wild-camping over camp-sites. This means we will have to cater for ourselves too and do own our cooking. This will not however, preclude us taking the odd night in a B&B if we want to, or indeed frequenting restaurants, cafes and bars whenever we find them!<br />
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On our usual trips we always have a support van. To help reduce costs on these expeditions we will have to decide whether or not we want to have a support van to chase us down the river.<br />
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Unlike our Inn-to-Inn Trips these Expedition Trips are more co-operative. <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/" target="_blank">Green River Canoes </a>will ensure that the canoe equipment is booked and ready for us, will guide us on the river and will have all the necessary details and maps for camping and supplies along the route. If a support minibus is required then Green River Canoes will supply this too, along with a driver. Green River Canoes will ensure that we are transported from the rendezvous point to the start of the canoeing and for returning everybody back to the rendezvous point from where we finish the canoeing. Green River Canoes will also provide the necessary safety equipment and water-proof tubs for storing stuff in the canoe.<br />
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The participants on the trip will be expected to provided their own camping equipment and will be required to set up themselves and help with all the necessary cooking and cleaning jobs etc. If portages are necessary then then will be expected to help with these too.<br />
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The cost for the trips will be calculated on the canoe-hire costs and the minibus rental costs (if used) plus the use of a guide. These will be the only charges required before departure. All other expenses will be calculated and shared 'on the road', such as camp-site fees, eating and drinking, shopping, fishing licenses etc and so forth.<br />
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It will be the responsibility of the guests to get themselves to the rendezvous point for the trip departure.<br />
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We at Green River Canoes will suggest a variety of itineraries for each season. Those that are interested will then be asked to reach a consensus on the following aspects of the trip.<br />
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<code> </code> Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-36541895914785568222014-01-24T04:54:00.000+01:002014-01-24T04:54:00.523+01:00Green River Canoes: The Lesse, the Semois and the Ourthe<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/10433035465/" title="Ardennes Canoeing Trips by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Ardennes Canoeing Trips" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/10433035465_18c16e7639.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">7 Days Canoeing in the Belgium Ardennes</span></span><br />
<br />
Come with us on a 7 night 8 day canoeing trip to the Belgium Ardennes where we will canoe on the beautiful Lesse, Semois and Ourthe rivers through the most wonderful countryside.<br />
<br />
Our trips are fully guided and we stay in wonderful small hotels and B&Bs. We travel Inn-to-Inn on the rivers whilst our luggage is being taken from one lovely Inn to the next.<br />
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We picnic along the rivers as we go and enjoy the local cuisine and wines and beers in the evening. Belgium is of course famous for its many different varieties of beer.<br />
<br />
We will enjoy the wildlife as we go: birds, butterflies and dragonflies and if we are lucky perhaps some deer or an otter. Not forgetting the botany either.<br />
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along the way we will also get to learn about the history of the region we pass through, from the ancients Romans to World War 2. <br />
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These are quiet rivers and we will not be flying through any rapids. Paddling lessons will be provided as we go if you are an inexperienced paddler.<br />
<br />
You can find us here : <a href="http://goo.gl/GRZBSF" target="_blank">Green River Canoes</a>, and or read and download our <a href="http://goo.gl/lW5Xkj" target="_blank">brochures</a> and sign up for our quarterly <a href="http://goo.gl/XSF40q" target="_blank">newsletter</a> too.<br />
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You can also directly<a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/#/contact-us/4574292266" target="_blank"> contact us</a>.<br />
<br />
We look forward to seeing you on the river.<br />
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Ardennes50.0288711 5.410097899999982548.7243046 2.8283108999999826 51.3334376 7.9918848999999827tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-39241621105704784992014-01-20T15:32:00.000+01:002014-01-20T15:32:30.623+01:00Green River Canoes: Ardeche & Tarn<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/12051003234/" title="ExploreArdeche.jpg by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com,
on Flickr"><img alt="ExploreArdeche.jpg" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/12051003234_102776c1e6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">12 Days Canoeing in the South of France</span></span><br />
<br />
This is a fully guided Inn-to-Inn canoe trip on several rivers in the Ardeche and Tarn regions. <br />
<br />
On this trip we canoe on the Gardon, the Ceze, the Chassezac and the Ardeche in the Ardeche region and on the Tarn in the Tarn region of south-east France. We shall explore the Gorges and Mountains of both the Ardeche and the Cevennes which are still relatively remote, even to this day.<br /><br />Have a look at the full <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/12-day-ardechetarn-schedule/4578900226" target="_blank">day-to-day schedule</a> and the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/12-day-at-where-we-stay/4578906623" target="_blank">places we stay</a>.<br /><br />This trip is also described in an <a href="http://issuu.com/greenrivercanoes/docs/grc_website_book_ardeche" target="_blank">online brochure</a> (also downloadable).<br /><br />The rivers in the Ardeche flow eastwards towards the Rhone river which itself then flows south to the Mediterranean. The Chassezac is a tributary of the Ardeche. Each of these rivers in the Ardeche flow through deep and dramatic gorges in limestone country.<br /><br />The Gardon, Ceze and Chassezac are calm rivers with easy paddling through beautiful scenery. The Ardeche provides a little more excitement with Class 2 and 3 rapids. These rapids are short however and the river provides plenty of easy water between them.<br /><br />When we cross over to the Tarn we canoe in a river which flows westwards towards the Atlantic. The Tarn also flows through a dramatic limestone gorge and is famously known for its beautifully clear and green waters. The first two days on this river provide easy paddling whilst the third day provides more excitement with some rapids to contend with.<br /><br />In-between the canoeing days we shall hike on the parts of the long-distance trail known as the GR70 - the famous Robert Louis Stevenson Trail. The author walked this way more than 100 years ago to see for himself how the Hugenots (Protestants) survived in a largely Catholic country. The walk is renowned for the difficulty he experienced in dealing with his donkey 'Modestine'.<br /><br />We shall also walk through the peculiar region called the 'Chaos of Montpelier', which has been eroded into many curious geological shapes.<br /><br />Of course throughout we shall stay at remote and beautiful places and enjoy the regional cuisine and the local wines.<br /><br />
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Ardeche, France44.759629 4.5624425999999443.317831 1.9806555999999405 46.201426999999995 7.1442295999999406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-11861447598965915382014-01-14T15:05:00.001+01:002014-01-14T15:05:49.675+01:00Green River Canoes: New Trips for 2014<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Canoeing in the Belgium Ardennes</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/10396979946/" title="Canoeing & Trappist Beers by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Canoeing & Trappist Beers" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/10396979946_15e3a0304e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Come with us to the south of Belgium and enjoy canoeing on three beautiful rivers. <br />
<br />
On this trip we spend two days on the Ourthe, then three days canoeing down the Semois river and a final day on the Lesse.<br /><br />Have a look at the full <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-ardennes-schedule/4579309311" target="_blank">day-to-day schedule</a> and the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-ardennes-where-we-stay/4579310791" target="_blank">places we stay</a>.<br /><br />This trip is also described in an <a href="http://issuu.com/greenrivercanoes/docs/grc_website_book_ardennes" target="_blank">online brochure</a> (also downloadable).<br />
<br />
<br />
As a new itinerary for the 2014 season this trip is offered with a 10% discount. Extra discounts are available for young adults under 18 and for children under 12. All our <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/pricesdates-details/4574292447" target="_blank">prices and dates are here</a>.<br />
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These trips are ideal for introducing children to canoeing and we have scheduled some of the dates to coincide with the school-holidays. Our brochure about <a href="http://issuu.com/greenrivercanoes/docs/grc_website_book_family_canoeing" target="_blank">family trips</a> is here. <br />
<br />
If you are a group of four or more then private trips can be organised with perhaps a tweak in the schedule and extra days if required: perhaps you would like to combine the canoeing with another interest like photography or fly-fishing. <a href="http://issuu.com/greenrivercanoes/docs/grc_website_book_special_interest" target="_blank">Here are some ideas</a>.<br />
<br />The Ourthe, the Semois and the Lesse are all tributaries of the Meuse which flow through the Ardennes, the rural and largely wooded hill country in the south of Belgium in French speaking Wallonia.<br /><br />On the Ourthe we will paddle a 21km (13m) stretch from Nisramont to Roche-en-Ardennes through the beautiful Gorge Herou, and then on the next day a further 20km down to Hotton.<br /><br />We will then paddle the Semois which winds its way through a deep wooded vally in the far south of the country. We shall canoe a continuous stretch from Chiny down to Bouillon over three days. A distance of about 80km (50 miles).<br /><br />Finally we will canoe a 24km (15m) stretch of the Lesse river from Houyet to Anseremme, following the river as it meanders through a deep and wooded valley to the Meuse. The valley famously follows the route of a small local railway in a valley which has no road. We will pass the the tiny National Park of Furfooz, with its Roman ruins and also the splendid Chateau Walzin.<br />
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<br />Steven Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399482040743726528noreply@blogger.com0Ardennes50.0288711 5.410097899999982548.7243046 2.8283108999999826 51.3334376 7.9918848999999827tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847519735148089058.post-80590085511377204542014-01-08T16:24:00.001+01:002014-01-24T04:30:34.713+01:00Green River Canoes: Take the kids canoeing<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Connect your children to nature</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenhouse/11642880845/" title="Canoeing with children by © Steven House www.houselightgallery.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Canoeing with children" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/11642880845_4d7d1fa841.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
In my other guise as a guide for <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/home/4574292262" target="_blank">Green River Canoes</a>. We have some excellent short canoeing trips in the school holidays for 2014. We canoe on rivers in the Belgium Ardennes, just a short hop across the channel and also in the Lot region of France.<br />
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Plenty of things for the kids to do apart from splashing about in the river of course. Lots of butterflies and dragonflies to observe and plenty of history with castles and caves to get involved in.<br />
<br />
We take the stress and strain out of organising the trip and everyone has a great time.<br />
<br />
The rivers are easy to paddle and eminently suitable for children over the age of 7. Being able to swim 25m is a must. We paddle tandem open canoes with an adult and child in each canoe. Once we assessed the abilities then kids can paddle together under supervision. We all where life-jackets when on the river.<br />
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We provide instructions on paddling for those that have never tried it and generally mess about on the river whilst we learn. Of course we also make sure everyone is aware of the dangers and run through the safety regularly.<br />
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All the different trips are on the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/the-trips/4578914966" target="_blank">web</a>, with summaries, day-to-day schedules and notes on the places we stay. You can also read our <a href="http://issuu.com/greenrivercanoes" target="_blank">brochures</a> and download them too. <br />
<br />
Our scheduled trips are limited to 7 people, plus our two guides. We can arrange for larger groups if required. If you are 4 or more then we can arrange a private group and schedule for you. Talk to us if you want to tweak the dates, include or exclude certain things, change the rendezvous place etc and so forth.<br />
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We really love canoeing and we would love to take you.<br />
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<br />
During each season <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/" target="_blank">Green River Canoes</a> dedicates some of its Inn-to-Inn Guided Canoe Trips to the idea of families with youngish children to come canoeing with us to the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-belgium-ardennes/4579306792" target="_blank">Belgium Ardennes</a> and to the <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/5-day-cele/4574292264" target="_blank">Perigord and Lot</a> regions in the south of France.<br /><br />These trips will coincide with the school holidays, including the breaks around Easter and Whitsun, the long summer holidays and the half-term holiday in the Autumn term (usually towards the end of October).<br /><br />The trips will operate on the same schedule as our other trips to the region except that we will make special efforts to ensure that the focus is on the wants of the children especially when it comes to the amount of time spent canoeing, the activities we pursue away from the river and making sure the children are fed and watered at suitable times. This is not to say that the adults will not also have a great time.<br /><br />The trips we schedule in the school holidays will be those of a shorter duration: 5, 6 or 7 days. Although of course longer trips can be arranged.<br /><br />We offer a discount to children under 12 years of age of 25% for the first child and 50% for subsequent children. For young adults under 18 the discount is 15% for the first and 25% for others.<br /><br />The 7 Day Trip to the Belgium Ardennes also has a discount of 10% for all adults.<br /><br />For the 2014 season we are offering the following trips to coincide with the school holidays:<br /><br />5th-11th April: <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/7-day-belgium-ardennes/4579306792" target="_blank">Seven Days in the Belgium Ardennes</a><br />13th-19th April: Seven Days in the Belgium Ardennes<br />25th-30th May: <a href="http://greenrivercanoes.com/5-day-cele/4574292264" target="_blank">Five Days on the Célé in the south of France</a><br />23rd-29th August: Seven Days in the Belgium Ardennes<br />25th-30th October: Five Days on the Célé in the south of France<br /><br />On all the trips we will endeavour to engage the children not only in learning how to canoe, but also assist them in attaining a certain level of water-craft and to become involved in the natural history surrounding us in and around the rivers.<br /><br />We will also encourage the children to become engaged in the history of the region we visit in particular where we can visit castles and other historical sites. Of course we realise that this is a holiday too so we will try to avoid a too heavy-handed approach and take our lead from both the parents and the children about how we spend our time.<br />We will also encourage the children to learn something of the local culture where we are; this will involve the local cuisine obviously but also the observation and joining in of local events. We often come across Fêtes and Fairs and Festivals during the summer months.<br /><br />We will usually canoe in tandem with one adult and one child per canoe, and if the paddlers become sufficiently proficient during the week then we may allow two children to paddle together. Closely watched, of course.<br /><br />Children must be 7 years of age and be able to swim 25 metres. Life-jackets are worn by everyone when on the water.<br /><br />Children older than 12 may canoe together after we have observed how competent they are.<br /><br />The rivers on these trips have no white-water or rapids although the river can flow quickly in places. On our first few days canoe instruction will be given and everyday we will go over the safety drill before starting the paddle for the day.<br />
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<br />Brochures can be browsed here and downloaded for offline reading.<br />
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