Took the kids to a stalactite cave in France (Grottes de Canalattes). Then wandered around a nearby 11th century walled city (Villefrance de Conflent) and walked up 700 stone steps inside a hill to a 17th century Fort (Chateau Fort Liberia). Europe!! The Fort had a Lady Prison. Apparently some women poisoned a bunch of people (their family?) back in the day. During the world wars (forget which one, or both?) German soldiers were imprisoned in the Fort. Later (or earlier?) the barracks became a retirement home for sailors. Makes sense, the views are good. I love old stories. The saucier the better. But I have little patience for the details. I did not shine in highschool history.
It was less than two hours away. The drive took us gently out of our valley, and then down a steeper valley towards the Mediterranean. We could see the first signs of snow on high peaks. Fall colors. Twisty road. Lovely. On the return, as we got the first glimpse of our broad valley, there was a striking sunset vista. Justin asked no one in particular “are you going to miss this place?”. Everybody said yes. My heart aches a bit already for this goodbye, but it is better to have loved … n’est ce pas?
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