Summer afternoon.

31C again today, some sun, some cloud but dry.

We drove through the beautiful Meuse countryside - through Ecuréy-en-Verdunois, up through forested hills to the open plateau of farmland at Haraumont (“Made it, Ma.! Top of the world!” - James Cagney in White Heat…that always goes through my mind when here - although it’s not that high but the views are lovely.)

We then went down and on to Dun-sur-Meuse where we turned left, across the bridge over the River Meuse, then a narrow turning to the right to  Les ballastières at Doulcon.  There were many people sitting by the river and fishing.  We took the first turning to the left and discovered part of the lake complex we had not seen before - a very pretty area with three lakes and well-cared-for grounds.

The clouds parted and we sat at a picnic table and enjoyed the scenes and the sunshine.

We were entertained by two jays - but one flew off before I could snap the pair!

We returned home via Consenvoye and stopped off at the Bar by the river - small beer for Ron, a Ricard with ice and water and a petit café for me.  Afterwards we sat for a while by the "cut", where a few boats can moor, then crossed the small pedestrian bridge for a stroll along the far side.

I should have got closer but didn't want to distract the man who was fishing with a very long pole!

Ducks in the "cut".

The last time I took a photo of this by a small weir, it was covered in ice!

Lovely places and a lovely afternoon.

Brief outing...

...to Plan d'eau at Marville this afternoon...31C but partly cloudy and a light breeze which made the heat less intense and more comfortable.

‘round the block!

 A wet morning, cloudy but warm and dry this afternoon. 

One of those “difficult” days for us as it would have been our son’s 54th birthday but friends send messages of love and support which help and we decide to also let Nature lend a helping hand with a drive through the surrounding countryside this afternoon.

We did a sort of circular route - through Réville-aux-Bois, a stop by the river at Sivry-sur-Meuse, then over the high hills at Haraumont, down to Ecurey-en-Verdunois and back to Damvillers.

I took a few photos at Sivry where the sky was lowering and moody with a little sunshine trying to break through the clouds.

A splash of colour from wild flowers on the riverbank.

Ready to pounce?

A light breeze ruffles the water.

On our way from Haraumont to Ecurey we went through both light and heavy showers but, back in Damvillers, it was still dry although the sky looked threatening.  An hour later, it was raining again.

To the forest!

…although I was tempted to title this Babes in the Wood!!

A pleasantly-warm day with sunshine and clouds.  We decide to investigate the path in La Foret Communale de Damvillers.

When I said investigate, perhaps I should have said explore - not so much a footpath, more an obstacle course! No clearly-defined path and when there was a little something to resemble one, the way was blocked with cut-down branches and twigs. There were many log piles and we wonder how and where it would be possible for a vehicle to get in to collect them.

Next one for the chop?

Nature reclaiming.

A pretty and natural arrangement.

Ron didn’t take his stick (although soon found a suitable discarded branch to do the job) and I was glad I’d taken my walking stick but, in spite of all, it was an interesting and enjoyable experience. But my burning, locked-up back was more than happy to make it to the picnic table for a short respite before heading back home for a much-needed and very welcome cuppa. My back can lock up just making a sandwich in the kitchen so what-the-hell - at least we got some fresh air and exercise in pretty surroundings.