Exclusive Excerpt: A French Odyssey II | EUROtoday

Escape to the beautiful Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and be a part of Rob and Jane at their vacation residence as they embark on extra adventures with their beloved duo of fox terriers. Enjoy this extract from half two of A French Odyssey, by Jane Smyth

We arrived on the lake to search out it filled with folks on pedal boats, kayaks and paddle boards. The seaside space was awash with tables, chairs and vibrant parasols, with a big van conveniently positioned beside the footpath, serving scorching meals, ice lotions and drinks. We had each canine on the result in forestall any catastrophes linked to balls and adopted a well-recognized pathway that led us to a safer spot. Here, if within the water, there appeared much less threat of being hit by a wayward pedalo. Both canine have been anxious for a swim, determined to chill off as the warmth had been intense.

Under a sunny sky, the brilliant turquoise waters sat amidst tall hills lined in umbrella pines and deciduous bushes in full leaf. Behind, the hills rolled in the direction of the north finish of the lake, eight kilometers away, progressively gaining peak as they marched onwards, lastly evolving into the mountains seen within the distance. Opposite, the street we might take later, tracked the meanders created by the water, hugging the hillsides because it progressed over the 100 meter excessive dam (328 toes) and continued on its approach.

The space at this southern finish of the lake is crisscrossed by small footpaths via the bushes and scrub, some ending at accessible inlets, others winding their approach via the hinterland the place you could stumble throughout a derelict constructing, the unhappy stays of what seems to have been a restaurant; remoted, lined in graffiti and encroached upon by Mother Nature. It probably served the village of Castillon, itself not present, sacrificed to the waters and remaining 25-30 meters (82-98 toes) deep below the lake's floor after being dynamited to make room for development of the dam.

Back on the finish of the nineteenth century the concept of ​​creating Lac Castillon was born. A necessity for ingesting water and irrigation was the principle objective for the lake's creation. The two world wars have been the reason for interruptions to the constructing work, however after liberation in 1945, over two thousand employees, together with eight hundred German prisoners of struggle, pushed development to completion in 1948. The lake lastly reached its most depth in July 1949.

A curiosity we've usually puzzled about, considerations the ruins of a settlement, remaining excessive above the lake. On many events we now have wandered alongside a footpath with pals or household to discover this lengthy deserted place and take pictures of the beautiful views over Lac Castillon's blue waters. We initially believed it to be a part of the village of Castillon, however analysis lastly revealed the ruined citadel and its church date from medieval instances and have been a part of the small commune of Demandolx which nonetheless exists as we speak a brief distance away.

We go to the south finish of the lake usually and customarily discover it peaceable, void of human exercise other than the odd walker or two, with or and not using a canine for firm. However, it was the time of 12 months when all of Europe is on vacation. Peace and quiet had been elsewhere because the place resonated with the babble created by hordes of holidaymakers having a good time. Above the shrieks and normal hubbub, a sudden and distant rumble of thunder centered my consideration on a darkening sky which gave the impression to be heading our approach. A couple of drops of sunshine rain heralded what was prone to be a heavy downpour.

“Quick, get the dogs out of the water before we get soaked.” I shouted. Both canine have been referred to as. Maisie arrived beside us, shaking the water from her fur, soaking us within the course of. Teddy had different concepts and remained “doggie paddling” round in circles, simply out of attain.

“You'll have to go in and get him. I can’t because I’ve got my trainers and socks on,” mentioned Rob as he was inserting Maisie on the lead.

“What do you think these are then?” I responded pointing to my sandals, “flippin’ waders?”

“I know, but you can get them off more easily than me!” he reasoned.

“Oh for heaven’s sake, give me the lead.”

Marching in the direction of the lake edge, I grabbed a stick and howled it in the direction of our aquatic canine. “Playtime”, thought Teddy, who promptly grabbed the stick in his mouth and swam to shore, dropping it at my toes. He's an clever and mischievous boy and now on dry land, he intuited my intention to place him again on his lead, so remained simply out of attain. When he's like this, lunging at him by no means works. He simply strikes away, difficult us with a hard and fast stare. However, we've realized over time {that a} stick is a a lot yearned-for object and he merely can't resist the urge to retrieve one. Waving it in entrance of his nostril achieved the specified outcome as he grabbed it in his jaws and proceeded to play a sport of tug that just about pulled my arm from its socket. Seconds later, with my free hand, I seized his harness and Teddy was as soon as extra on his lead, staring longingly on the stick which, after its launch, was thrown into the lake and was now floating away into the space.