It was a hazy morning and the heat took us by surprise. And yet the ground had not yet dried. An oily mud clung to our boots and the brambles of barren blackberry bushes pulled at our jacket sleeves. It wasn’t magic, it was slightly oppressive. But it was where we needed to be.
As the extremely dangerous chenille processionnaire are out, we can’t take risks with the dogs and so brought them to the path behind the Chateau de Barbegal as it is a relatively pine-tree free one, which means less potential for trouble. Remi and I both love to let them run ahead, to forget their small town limitations for a bit. It does us the same good.
That change of view, that infusion of emerald rice stalks cut through an inner and outer fog. At last the path widened and the remains of the Roman aqueduct rose up to our left. Shaking stones of nothing than nothing of the all importance it once was. But more of that another time.
I struggled to keep my footing in the uneven terrain and looked down to do so. And there I found, as I always do, the Alpilles that fascinates me the most. The texture and just so juxtapositions that draw me in until I forget about my buzzing numbness, tired cobwebs or questions.
These messages. My messages. I remember them and count them off like beads on a rosary or a mala.
These old stones underfoot, they have been here so much longer than I have. So keep following the path…
…keep following a path.
The wooden signposts remind me of the many walks I used to take with my dogs in the Alpilles and the trees lining up on the horizon of my husband, The Artist's water colour paintings of the area….
I'll admit I didn't know what chenille processionnaire was so I went and looked it up. Smart keeping the boys away from them don't want them to get stung. Looks like a wonderful path ahead though and I hope you all enjoyed your journey.
XXX
Debra~
Beautiful…We have the dreaded chenille processionnaire here in the Pyrenees, they are horrid!
XXX
Your journeys give me much pleasure. Bisous
Thank you Heather…( what a lovely and fitting name…) I love the sign posts…as if someone…long ago..took a pencil perhaps and faintly wrote directions pointing to another strange and beautiful turn in the road…
One could take anyone of them…and discover new and treasured wonders…just as you have.
Another wonderful adventure – thanks for letting us join you.
Looks like your on a good path!
Lovely words, lovely photos. Thank you.
Beautiful and inspiring images and words, a gift to all of us which no one creates or offers like you do, Heather. "Thank you" does not even begin to express my appreciation.
I have not before encountered chenille processionnaire, even in the pine forests of eastern Oregon. How long are they in their most dangerous stage each year? How smart of you to know how to keep your redheaded self and your Golden Retrievers, with your particularly sensitive skins, away from those critters! Bisous, Leslie
Wonderful.