We reckoned that
this was a well earned rest after our
efforts of the previous three days. Hind
sight tells us that this was the day we
should have walked in the mountains (see
Tomorrow) but I
think we both needed a day of relaxation.
Le Mont Dore is
just the place for active relaxation. Its
surrounded by lovely countryside, has lots
of things to do and has a vast range of
places to stay. And you can take the Cure at
the spa.
At the end of the
day we were ready to exert ourselves once
more.
The Diary
The Commentary
Got down for breakfast
at 8:30. You drink coffee out of a bowl -
first time I have seen that. We then packed
the little rucksack with a few odds and ends
and went out for an easy day. We had a look at
the Telepherique and then walked into town,
down the road - we would have been better
taking the walking route down the other side
of the valley.
This was a lovely day,
in all sorts of ways but especially because of
the weather. With hind sight we should have
used today to have our ramble in the
surrounding mountains.
When we got to town A
had 2(!) pain au chocolat and I had a pain au
raisin. We sat down in the square to eat them
and A read the Count of Monte Cristo.
Meanwhile I looked for laces to replace those
in my trainers as these were on their last few
strands. Got a pair but they were too long.
Got some fruit - apricots, peaches and plums.
Also another telecarte, some postcards and, at
last, the correct length of laces.
We wrote the
postcards together as A had finished the Count
of Monte Cristo - in 4½ days! The post office
was closed so we had lunch - a couple of
rather filling omelettes and a couple of
beers. Quite nice.
Decided to replace my
hat and found a good chapeau for 99F. Was told
it was not a chapeau but a casquette. I
decided that I would still get it. Got stamps
for the postcards. 3F each. Went to the
Tourist Office to get a map of the local walks
so that we could have a nicer walk back to the
Hostel. We found that the best way back was to
take the funicular railway (20F each) up the
valley side, then take the Chemin des Medecins
southwards. This makes for a lovely walk
through the woods with beautiful mountain
views. Our progress was rather hurried as the
linseeds were working in their inimitable
style. Got home in time, just.
Went to the office
and arranged to stay Wednesday night here, and
we were able to stay in the same room. We
phoned Mum and, after supper, had a nice walk
with A. And had a couple of beers.
I dearly love France but
it must be admitted that the French diet, at
least as experienced by the tourist, is
lacking in fibre. Unless measures are taken,
one becomes a stranger to the lavatory.
Christine, in her work with old peoples homes
has found that linseeds are THE ANSWER. The
coatings give the roughage and the insides, on
digestion, give an oleaginous substance which
speeds things on their way. It works.
Photographs
The Puy de
Sancy from near the Youth Hostel
Alasdair
and un pain au chocolat in Le Mont Dore
Rest and
recreation
Rest and
recreation continued
Leaving
bottom funicular station
On the way
up
Just past
half-way
Looking up
the valley from the funicular
If you look
carefully you can see La Grande Cascade
