Friday, Mary walked with us and the dogs to Themines. This little village is about six miles away through fields, woods and along tiny roads. We had already noticed, staying with Dee and Liz in Belbeze, that France is simply much bigger and emptier than England (specially the south east). You can walk along paths for hours and see not a soul, wander or drive down tiny country lanes and see just one car. The land is busy and productive, but the people live in their beautiful hamlets scattered like semi-precious stones across green velvet, enjoying the space and the quiet.
It was an easy walk, not too challenging for two unfit women whose muscles get lots of toning through constant boat movement, but who have taken too little aerobic exercise for months. We do a fair bit of pavement-pounding pursuing provisions and sightseeing, but it's not the same as a proper hike through splendid countryside.
We both love Izzy and Madigan, Pip being particularly delighted to play with two small dogs. Bernard and Mary got them, as rescue dogs, just under a year ago. They had been badly treated, particularly Madigan, and it's taken a lot of love and patience to set them right. Now they're absolute sweeties.