Hard Yakka

Thu 29 Jun

Much anticipation today as we head off over the top of the Montagne Noire to Cabrespine and to the 'piece-de-resistance', Lastours.

On the way up the mountain we explored the Argent Double river as it bounced down towards Caunes Minervois past Citou, the famous orchard and vegetable area. All were impressed with the 12th century town of Lespinessiere as we ascended towards the Pic de Noire (peak) at nearly 900 metres above sea level. Down now to Castans where none of us could come up with a decent reason for its existence and on to Cabrespine with its 'geant gouffre'...the fabulous 'hole in the mountain'. Much enjoyed by all.

On now towards the fantastic castles at Lastours where I had promised an enjoyable lunch at a very pretty 'boulangerie'. Situated on a stream running through the village, Graham, Barbara, Shane and Lynnelle had all agreed that this was an exquisite spot for lunch. Alas, it was closed...it was Wednesday, silly me I should have known! There was however, much excitement as the adjacent Post Office (La Poste) had been broken in to and robbed. Consequently, five Gendarmerie vehicles were on site with much activity and large weapons on their waists. We walked on to the information centre for the castles and found a suitable looking cafe. Karen was not really impressed by the attitude of 'mine host' but his food was, as usual in these places, first class. My Confit de Canard was great but Jeff took the honours with 'gezieres' or as we know them, 'duck's guts'! Karen took a photo of the chef so all is well that ends well.

I was not really keen to climb the mountain and to walk over the ruins but there was a challenge...!

The four castles are situated at the summit of a mountain ridge, 300 metres above sea level. I have pictured them on a blog a couple of weeks ago. Gold and copper was extracted from the surrounding area in Roman times. Up to the Crusades against the Cathars, three castles existed with the earliest dating back to around the 9th century. The fourth castle, Tour Regine, was built after the Crusades.

We climbed the mountain and climbed the ruins. Fascinating stuff but really hard yakka in the 35 degree temperature. We were able to take some really great photos however, they cannot do justice to the real thing. After the climb, we drove to an adjacent view point to really appreciate where we had been. Working gold mines still operate in the area. An interesting note is that the Information Centre was a former textile factory at the start of last century and produced military uniforms.

Donna had invited an Australian couple, Warren and Elaine, whom we had met in Caunes for dinner. We had a great BBQ and Donna's special spaghetti. Pity the neighbour felt moved to stick his head over the fence at 10 PM in great indignation and demanded we be quite. Typical arrogant approach which got little sympathy from us as we have been quite exemplary since we arrived. He would not know how to be diplomatic about such a matter so I was not inclined to bow to his demand!