Eurosummer 2008 - Aude River Rafting

Well, what fun! Meg's #1 wish (after the Eiffel Tower) was to go river rafting - and we found it just 20 minutes from Limoux, along the wonderful Aude River. After laughter and hijinks and getting those skin tight suits on, we set off in their van, along the winding highway that hugs the river south, we did a quick 'how to' lesson beside the river, and then we were off! Our guide was funny, great english, and stopped the raft every once in a while to run into the bushes..... and come back with blackberries and plums, fresh off the trees along the river. We stopped again, to do some cliff jumping - into the fast current - very fun, even with all the gear AND helmets on. And then we flipped the boat just to see what it was like. A great day out, and all of the cuzzies were into the adventure!

Good thing all of the equipment wasn't too heavy!

Oh, she can make the suit look good, alright!

Even had 'em in Bob-size!

Don't show this to my friends back home, mom!

Richards ready!

Watching the next crew get ready to go - a really busy business in the summer.

Getting our quick lesson on the shore before we go in.


Say no more...



Another adventure for the books!

And we're off! Didn't look THIS scary from the raft...! Meg and Bob up front, yelling the whole way down the river...

Photographer was part of the fee - good thing, we never would have believed it!



Post-flip -



And over!

Going, going....

Everyone to the side, over we go!



VERY fun way to spend the day!


Great overhead shot

Pulling Meg back in - almost fell overboard a few times!

Gotta do this again!

Eurosummer 2008 - St Bauzille de la Sylvie Chateau and Tour De France!

Jen's cousin, Val and her children Charlotte and Bronsen came to visit us in Limoux, and we joined them shortly afterwards, driving up along the coast towards Montpellier to a wonderful little village, St. Bauzille de la Sylvie, where they were staying at a friend's beautiful home. We were awestruck by the beauty of the countryside, and the chateau (summer home of her friends), and their wonderful hospitality. We were treated to a seven-course authentic french meal, with lots of wine!, and got a chance to cheer on the one Canadian biker as he raced with the Tour de France - a wonderful visit!

On the courtyard in Limoux, then on the courtyard in St. Bauzille de la Sylvie....




Gorgeous blue skies, once again, in France!

Janet at the wheel! Bob navigating!


Our early evening snack of white wine and fresh olives!

Interior courtyard of the chateau - leads to other bedrooms, summer kitchen, pool area, salon - really the center of the home.

The summer kitchen - a huge open fire pit area, and tons and tons of candles to light up the night, wonderful!

A look at the south side of the chateau, poolside, and a wonderful kitchen garden, maze and play area

Looking from the winter kitchen to the pool area beyond the fencing

Jen's cousin Val and Bob - after a great meal!

Meg at the doorway to our rooms - an old renovated barn area that is now a separate 2 bedroom, salon, loft and kitchen area

Dinner in the summer kitchen - what a feast!

Relaxing in the center courtyard before dinner

The summer kitchen and the would-be cooks!

And here they come! The huge cavalcade of cars and support vehicles, and sponsor floats leading up to the big event - the Tour de France! See Meg on the left?

And there they go! Look for the one Canadian, if you can see him!

The Canadian fans with home-made flags!

The twins get a break waiting for the main event!

Say no more!

Sarah and her cousin Charlotte at the main entrance to the house..

Parade!



And then we followed the progress of the race, when we returned back to Limoux - felt like we were a part of it this year, how cool!

Eurosummer 2008 - Bastille Day fireworks

Very cool! we gathered at the banks of the River Aude, just to the right of the Pont Vieux (old bridge) and unpacked our blankets, and hot chocolate, and settled in for an amazing night. As soon as the sun went down, the music started, haunting ENYA, if you can believe it, and the first thing we saw were the kayaks, all carrying red torches, and they silently passed by, with the music in the background, past us, and under the Pont Vieux. As soon as they had passed - the HUGE fireworks show began, launching from the bridge - an hour of amazing and fun fireworks! We felt very much a part of the community, and then joined the hundreds in La Place de Republique for another fun dance. Everyone got into it - and then walked home - what a fun night, again, in Limoux!





















The incredible fireworks over the Pont Vieux, what a show!