We trekked out to St. Jean du Gard today enjoying a nice picnic en route. At some point in Anduze we stopped in time to watch a coal-fed old steam engine depart with tourists. Had I been alone I would have jumped on board not knowing its destination; old trains are just so damn cool to watch. The city was scenic and small with a bubbling brook running through it. We watched trout swim in clear water from the one lane stone bridge and had coffee and desert by the centre. The remains of a 12th century “tower” (not that tall) is there attached to a church my Dad will be guest preaching this Sunday.
Upon returning we had a quick swim then my dad and I smoked our last pipe together this trip looking at the hills and clouds rolling in at dusk (I read the Stephen King short Blockade Billy in that hour, good but awefully brief). We had a marvelous supper, a chicken/squash/potatoe/broth dish from an old family recipe and we uncorked the Chateau Neuf du Pape 2005 to celebrate my 32nd birthday. It was the quietest but most relaxing birthday I can recall; a great meal, desert and wine with family. Tommorrow we depart to Nice for the last 3 days of our trip here and that’s where we’ll part with my parents who have been tremendous hosts and guides. We also greatly appreciate our hosts here where we are staying but will abstain from mentioning names for their sake.
