14 Juillet

We went to see fireworks today with Ian and Susan. It took me a little while to remember where the entrance to the road that goes up to the University housing and the Bastille starts, but we eventually found it and wheeled the stroller up a few switchbacks. The fireworks were excellent, and Zoe loved them. She was chattering about the colors, but we couldn't really figure out what she was saying: either "eat the colors!" or "a mix of colors!". I'm assuming it was the latter. Zoe also got a big bag of Tour de France swag from Ian and Susan, which was a big hit. Also worth mentioning was a brief trip to l'Arche des Fruits.

Wonderful hike near la Grande Sure

We drove up to col de la Charmette today for a hike to the Grande Sure. However, during the hike Zoe enjoyed her very first PB&J sandwich (which she loved),

After lunch, we continued up the forested paths, past several cave openings, and eventually crested a small pass between the rocks and were amazed to see a beautiful grassy valley open up in front of us.




There is a spring along the valley floor where other people were filling their canteens, so we did the same. The water was ice cold and a perfect antidote for the heat. Our goal had been to walk up the Grande Sure, but because of the pain inflicted on us by a combination of a rather weighty baby and a norwegian torture device known as a "Baby Bjorn", which offers nothing in the way of hip support or padding, we turned around early. From a map that I borrowed, it looks as if you can hike up from Mont Saint MArtin, as well, which might be fun (but long). There is also an approach from Placette.