Things to remember:
- I was just nicely drifting off to sleep after going to bed last night when they started: at least two, maybe more, just-fledged tawny owls started calling to be fed. They were very close to the camper and though I really enjoyed the experience could not have slept through it were it not for my faithful earplugs.
- First thing this morning I spotted a goshawk again, this time flying effortlessly away from me through a tunnel of trees.
- Further, I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that I also spotted red-backed shrike from the overnighting spot whilst having a gentle wander around.
- So, no humans; but owls, goshawks and loads of insects: in all it was a very good camp.
- This morning's drive was just glorious. I passed through the utterly compelling scenery of the Regional Natural Park of Morvan. Very simply, it's just a really lovely area. It's sparsely populated and the twisty roads through the steeply wooded and traditionally farmed hills and valleys are virtually traffic-free (pic). The feel-good spilled over! I was so enchanted that I stopped amongst it around mid morning for elevenses (something I don't ever do, normally). The cicadas and corn buntings were calling from sympathetically managed meadows whilst buzzards and black kites wheeled overhead. Elevenses went on until 12.30pm.
- Upon (reluctantly) leaving the park, I was immediately into the Beaujolais region, which is another cracking bit of France. As well as the impressive landscapes I also passed by a couple of genuinely impressive chateaux.
- Took on diesel at €2.10/l (painful, but cheaper than when we were in Brittany over Easter).
- A bit out of kilter because of my 'elevenses', it got to a point at about 2.00pm when I thought I'd better eat some lunch. A random track that looked good from map features loomed, so I took it. Bottom line, that's where I remain. Because of the altitude and shade afforded by the surrounding forest it's the first time since setting off that I've been able to actually move around without melting.
- From my relatively cool (26°C) late lunch / early intended overnighting spot I even managed a shirtless run through the shade of the forest. It was a steep and rocky affair, though.
- There's been nothing unusual natural-history-wise here, but it has been an incredibly peaceful spot. As well as the expected woodland birds, firecrests have been frequent songsters.
Blogging at 21:30 on Tuesday 26th May from my intended overnighting spot N 46.16881°, E 04.44608° / http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:46.16881%2C04.44608
