Hiking and Eating

We are waking up slightly earlier now, moving Maceo's bedtime back a little each night. Last night, he went to bed at 8 and awoke this morning at 7:30. Tonight, he is in bed at his normal time of 6, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.

Our expedition today was to a goat farm/restaurant in a village that is one of the highest in the Luberon Valley. We drove on small two lane roads through various villages until we arrived in Apt, where we were slightly lost. We found our way from there via maps and the GPS navigation in the rental car and finally arrived at the tiny village of Sivergues. From there, we could see a forest fire down in the valley below.


As we watched, and were joined by nervous villagers, we saw a number of planes come, descend quite low, and drop water to fight the flames. It was quite impressive and we were all very interested in watching. We hiked up the dirt road for about half an hour until we arrived at Le Castellas, a working farm and auberge. There was another family there, with two small children, and Maceo shyly eyed them from afar, not daring to go join them. They were both older, in any case, and French girls, so quite intimidating.

Lunch was soon brought to us. First course: sangria and ratatouille, along with roasted red peppers and baguettes. Soon, we were given slices of ham. This was followed by wine and a platter of potatoes and roasted pork, both with nice crunchy sea salt on their skins. Finally, we were given goat cheese and coffee. All the while, we were seated under trees on a hill at rough wooden tables on benches, gazing down into the valley while Maceo ran around gathering sticks and chasing a cat.

 We soon met Joseph, the little boy whose family runs the place, and he and Maceo proceeded to get into a bit of mischief at the fountain. We ended up spending about 3 hours here, eating, relaxing, and playing. Finally, we packed up and said our goodbyes and walked back to the car.

 

Back in Menerbes, pool play, Maceo's dinner, bath time, and bedtime reading. It is now 6:15, the sun is still strong in the sky, and we haven't really thought much about dinner, still feeling rather satisfied from the feast at Le Castellas.