Claps of thunder had Tanya trembling with fear at the foot of the bed. The thunder rumbling round the mountains was getting closer and, under protest, had me out of my warm bed and stumbling outside. Half awake I stuffed our folding table and chairs underneath Sadie before the inevitable rain storm soaked them. As I clambered back into Sadie I took pity on Tanya and deposited her between the now awakened Barbara and myself. I lay back on comfy pillows and listened as the thunderstorm passed overhead hammering Sadie's roof with rain. As the storm abated and the roof hammering quietened I chuckled to myself as twin snoring of dog and Barbara became audible and slowly lulled me back to my dreams.
I awoke later to a glorious sunshiny morning. Our third at this high and isolated flower strewn meadow here in the heart of Cathar Castle country between 'Davejean' and 'Dernacueillete'. I extricated myself carefully from the bed and the continuing hilarious snorty breathing of my two female companions.
I love early morning walks where sun has only just risen above horizon and where leaf and grass stalk stillness has not yet been disturbed by thermal breezes. Tanya too has a special bounciness on these morning walks. She was not missing this one either having timed her waking to coincide exactly with my exit from Sadie. We returned refreshed to a morning cup of tea with Barbara who was already sipping away at hers as the rising sun flooded our day with warmth and light.
The morning was 'doubly' good as we, via our smartphones, read of the amazing 2015 election results for the Scottish Nationalist Party. A complete landslide victory with all opposition virtually obliterated. A wonderful but intriguing result as it also became clear that similar had happened for Tories South of the border in England. The retired English couple we met later in the day on our travels agreed wholeheartedly that interesting times lay ahead.
We breakfasted and started to prepare for departure. I stepped out from Sadie's little room stark naked after my morning ablutions. This was no problem in such a beautiful high and lonely spot. However; as I stepped in front of our wide open doorway both Barbara and I, at the same time, became aware of an arm reaching out as if to knock on said open door. Attached to the arm was a frozen in shock young mans face with eyes wide open and on a similar level to my rather close full frontal exposure. Thankfully the older female with him was a good few paces behind. I executed a quick sideways move behind the kitchen unit saving her from an instant pornographic shock induced mental aberration.
The young mans arm then shakily delivered 'Watchtower' as the older female caught up with him. I am truly not joking here. In the middle of a lonely rural 'Pyrenees Orientales' flowering meadow in France. Plus; in a place where for two whole days we had seen nobody, Jehovahs Witnesses knocked on our door and handed over their religious blurb, written incidentally in English. Barbara and I discussed the grave situation later that morning. We both agreed it was such a shame for that poor young man. Let us hope that a long term combination of therapy and prayer assists him back to full recovery.
.......
Bye bye Barbara. Delivered safely to Tolouse airport just a few hours ago. We have enjoyed a wonderful time together with parting being not a sad affair at all. We both agree our way of sharing time with each other is a win win situation. Long may it continue and see you in a couple of weeks Barbara at the family wedding.
Now: suppose I'd better do a bit of pointy North type of travel now if I am to be at said family occasion too.
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