Daily Archives: August 4, 2024

Aug4

A hike up Mt. Puget

Posted on by
Standard

Saturday, 06-July-2024



I had some time between leaving the B&B in Allauch and when I could check in at my rental in Cassis… So I went for a walk. A long walk. Up a mountain.

Because that’s how I walk.



I found the hike by way of AllTrails – an app that I started using in Oregon, and have found to be passably useful here in Europe. I’m sure that I’ll find a better option once I get settled into Dublin… but for now, it’s serving me just fine.

And, in an interesting coincidence, the hike I chose happened to be at one of the spots that I went climbing, back in 2014! I didn’t notice it until I was parked and heading in, but the University of Luminy stood out in my mind, harkening my memory back to ropes and climbing and baguettes.

I headed in, and headed up.

I melted, a bit, but the hiking was lovely none-the-less. I walked when I wanted to, rested when I wanted to, and snacked when the urge hit. I enjoyed the views, enjoyed the adventure, and appreciated the fresh air.

In short – it was absolutely glorious.



I finished up strong, timing the completion almost perfectly. I had just enough time to grab a quick salad before getting back on the road to Cassis… not too bad, if I do say so myself.

Aug4

Sunset over the Notre-Dame du Chateau

Posted on by
Standard

Friday, 05-July-2024


Now, first off. Notre-Dame du Chateau is in Allauch, in Southern France. We’re not talking about the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, which is noticeably larger and subtly more well known internationally.

This was, instead, a medium length walk from the Bed and Breakfast where I was staying in Allauch, and made for an absolutely glorious evening stroll – It had been recommended by my host, and after a warm day of lounging in the garden I was feeling the need to stretch my legs out a bit as the temperatures started to follow the Sun as it dipped down toward the horizon.

I didn’t want to stay out past dark, of course, since that just adds a whole different level of complexity to navigation, but I also wasn’t in a rush… it was a simply magical evening, and I enjoyed taking my time to walk, stretch, and explore the small town that I’d found myself in.



Of the walk itself, all I can say it that it was lovely. It started out hot, when I left the front door, but ended just below warm by the time I found myself back in my own rooms. It wasn’t quite cool, but… close enough to be perfectly comfortable.


Of the “church” itself, it was magical. It may or may not be an active church; I couldn’t tell you. What I can say it that it was a perfect example of Southern French architecture, partially in ruins, evoking a lovely calm from its perch high above town.


Of the town… well, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Suffice it to say that I stopped quite often to take pictures.