Another shorter ride today to insure that we got back in time for a shower and serious nap in preparation for a lavish dinner with Natasha and Tony. They picked the restaurant and sealed the deal when they volunteered to do the night driving.
This balloon watching is habit forming.
Balloon viewing from the warmth of our place rather than the frigid basket hanging in the breeze. Even with the intermittent blasts firing the balloons hot air it must be unpleasantly cold up there.
Never have taken flight in a balloon since my fear of heights would make for an uncomfortable experience. Piloting a small airplane does not generate the same sensations as standing in the open overlooking the ground far below.
Today's ride included some steep climbs but rewarded by the expansive valleys below.
A sunny table on the bridge next to the Tabac is a perfect coffee stop.
I think we will have to make another visit to this town.
Kim was infatuated by this burned out house that warranted a photo.
Since stone does not burn the remnants provide an opportunity for someone else to come along and rebuild the place. Not on our "to do" list at this stage in life but might have been enticing at an earlier time in our lives.
Cruising through Daglan on the final leg home we happened upon the Sunday market where Kim bought a tomato for her lunch sandwich. How convenient! Plenty of people milling around and a group of men enjoying their "breakfast" wines and other libations. Actually it was noon when we arrived and surely 5 o'clock somewhere on the planet.
We took the road less traveled (aka cycling path) for the last mile or two. It winds along the stream and much quieter than the main road with whizzing Sunday travelers. Of course you have to avoid the kids on trikes and their parents chatting on their mobile phones.
You know we are home when our castle appears in the distance.
We rested up in the afternoon awaiting our dinner with Natasha and Tony scheduled for 7 PM (1900 by local time). They picked the restaurant, which is one of their favorites, because of the sentimental memories is has. The property is a former family owned castle which goes back to the 16th century. It had a modern makeover by the current owners which resulted in a hotel, restaurant, and pool on this expansive property.
The restaurant is a focal point for Monrecour resort.
We opted for an indoor table since the sun was setting at this late hour. They often come at the height of summer for a peaceful dinner on the patio.
Since I was not driving I opted for a G & T (gin and tonic) made by a local distillery and Fever Tree tonic (the champagne of tonics). So no it was not Hendrick's gin but in a Hendrick's glass which was close at hand. Didn't seem to diminish the intoxicating effects of the contents.
We were the first diners but the tables filled quickly as the late arrivals appeared.
The rest of the party indulged in a locally produced wine with a French name. Assume it was enjoyed by all since they emptied the bottle with little effort.
Lavish meal started with a veal tartare
Followed by the Monk fish for Natasha and me
and sweetbreads for Kim, one of the best she has ever had.
Tony has the beef which rounded out our selections.
Making for a very happy group of diners.
They shared their desert
as Kim inhaled our Tiramisu (a specialty from across the Italian border) and I was satisfied with the chocolate decoration on the top.
Natasha insisted on a tour of the hotel building with a salon surrounded by amazing wood carved walls
and masterpiece door of carved wood. They are hoping to find someone to duplicate this door for the entrance to their soon to be finished house. First they need to install all the windows which were omitted from the unfinished structure.
It was a sumptuous dinner and extended evening sharing stories with our new friends. Already planning our return visit next year if for no other reason than to continue to expand our social network.
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