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ThIck mist envelopes the landscape this morning but visibility has improved a little when we drive down to Monbazellac and find the chateau carpark amid the woods. The chateau would make a good visit another time with warmer, clearer conditions but after a look through the mist we carry on.
The ethereal mist is actually quite relevant for it is the damp mist that forms the mould that give Monbazallic and Bererag wines their distict flavour.
As we descend on the approach to Bergerac the mist clears and we have a lovely drive alongside the canal. At Tuilliers we stop for lunch next to a complex of locks and a small drydock. Next to the locks is a barrage for the EDF hydropower station on the opposite bank. The canal is partly drained exposing its stone sides and silty bottom.
Continuing east alongside the canal we see some beautiful colourful sections with trees and mirror like reflections. Leaving Lalinde we turn across the bridge and join the river itself with more lovely reflections. The road climbs into golden woodland and through villages of soft ochre houses untill we leave the main road and drive down the track to the Passion La Ferme du Port d'Envaux at St Vincent du Cosse. At first the parking is unclear so Ali and Grete wander about in different directions until Grete wins first prize.
We drive into a large walnut orchard with nuts popping unde the tyres and park by the auberge until the owner appears. Grete asks if it is alright to gather nuts, he say yes and they are €1.00/kilo.
A branch of the river runs a few hundred yards away, where kingfishers flit around shimmering their bright blue plumage.
The walnut orchard brightens as the sun goes down and a bright moon rises.
For supper Grete cooks the duck cassoulet purchased at the farm shop in Monbazellac.
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