Julian Gray sent words and pictures once more about the January 9th walk from Belloc to Camon and back. It looks like Nancy and Fergus and I are missing good times back in old Leran. The south of France looks very wintery and cold. I don't suppose anyone had anything to drink?
Dear Doug and NancyWe went from Belloc to Camon and back, taking a circular route. It was a cold and drizzly day, with a thaw setting in following two small snowfalls but, as you can see, we were in good spirits in more ways than one, attending the Bar in Léran on our return and then adjourning for a magnificent lunch at Brian's house. He and his brother John are excellent cooks and they had prepared a superb meal. 21 of us squeeeeeezed into the dining room - it was very cozy. Brian entertained us with some Irish ballads - he has a great tenor voice.
The disused railway tunnel at Camon was on the route of the walk. When I went a couple of years ago it was dark inside and, because it is not straight through, it was dangerous to try to navigate around the bend without a torch. Since then it has been equipped with lights that come on when people are detected inside. A close look at the stonework shows some skilfully assembled masonry, in perfect condition after perhaps 150 years. The walls of the tunnel have interesting rows of slots. I guess that they are for inserting beams to span the tunnel, to provide support for the construction of the stone arch above.
With very best wishes for 2009 from your friends here.
Julian and Gwenda
I know this tunnel. We drove through it several times in 2007, but last year it had been converted to a walking, bicycling tunnel only. I am going to guess that it is a half to three quarters of a mile long. Very spooky before the installation of the lights.
Our Thanks to Julian and Gwenda for keeping us informed about the goings-on on Leran.
No comments:
Post a Comment