Fontoliere & Chateau Ventadour

We decided to spend the meager rest of our vacation in France (no surprise here) to give us a breather from the taxing duties of arranging a funeral.

We endet up at Meyras at upper Ardeche where they hold a whitewater-get together on the 3rd weekend of September, called Fontoliere. Awesome shots we took as it was too difficult a course for us to participate ourselves.

Spectacular performances with and w/o paddles. It's a bit like a tiny festival with spectators sitting at the Ventadour-rapid, applauding each paddler who mastered the drop.

Peter no longer likes his boat (Pyranha karnali) because 75% of said model capsized. Yet they do roll so easily, it doesn't matter, i I'd say.

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This morning we spent visiting chateau Ventadour which is being re-created by students and volunteers since the 70s.
Stumbling upon a student, we were given a marvelous tour by a him. Initially we were afraid of being chased away because it still is under construction. Even more delightful was the experience. Go there, leave some cash and be impressed!

... but then, maybe not...

The loss of a close and loved family-member on the day we arrived in Slovakia, had us leave immediately again.

We will return someday.

Slovakia, here we come!

This time, we'll be exploring new territories: the wild east, starting with a visit to Slovakia.

Biking and hiking in the Tatra mountains and the Slovakian Paradise.

We are not so sure about the situation of camp-grounds because rumor has it that camping is no longer en vogue in Slovakia. well, we will find out and let you know.

This weekend we will spend in Budweis, Czech Republic, where our VfL-kayaking team will hopefully give yet another great performance in white-water kayak slalom at the finals of this year's ECA Junior-Cup. Of course we need to go there and cheer them along.