Saturday, February 28, 2009

Setting off on another great ride

Pure magic (very shallow)


Pure magic (very shallow), originally uploaded by toastmax.

Topiary trees and magical lily pond. The castle garden is a French landmark. 

Cathedral Poplars


Cathedral Poplars, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Is that a ghost?!


major games of tag..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Nope. That's Tom and Alex exploring the castle! Imaginations run wild when you're living in a 900 year old castle!

Who's that guy?


Who's that guy?, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Surprises everywhere you look!

Vespa scooter in front of main entrance

Hey, don't forget to put the kick stand up...

Front gate of the castle...


Front gate of the castle..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Main entrance. No valet service.

Chateau's gardens are quite famous

The castle gardens are quite famous and a registered historic destination.

Vinyards


Vinyards, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Naturally the Chateau du Pin wine is delicious. Vineyards are spectacular.

What's wrong with this picture?


What's wrong with this picture?, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Notice anything peculiar about this working fireplace?

Bwah ha ha ha!!


Bwah ha ha ha!!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Look out ! Gargoyles lurk!

Ancient clues in the walkway...


Ancient clues in the walkway..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Somewhere during the 900 hundred year history of this castle, one of the owners liked to play cards and sharp eyed visitors can spot the four suits in certain areas of the garden.

Maid service. (not exactly)


Maid service. (not exactly), originally uploaded by toastmax.

Kid's not very enthusiastic about making their beds.

If you're looking for five star maid service, you've come to the wrong castle.

Blue Beard's Castle


Blue Beard's Castle, originally uploaded by toastmax.

15 minute bike ride from Chateau du Pin. The fellow who lived here supposedly ate children!

Kayaking and sculpting on the Loire

Kayaking and sculpting on the Loire. Town of Montjean, 20 minute bike ride from the castle where we stayed.

Riding to Ile de Chalonnes


Riding to Ile de Chalonnes, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Beautiful 10 kilometer long island on the Loire River.

Roman Aquaduct


Roman Aquaduct, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Montjean is a nearby town filled with amazing sculptures. About 30 minute bike ride from castle.

This is an ancient Roman aquaduct. Looks like it's going to eat the house!

New shoes!


New shoes!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Beautiful silver flats, only 10 Euros at a local market.

Stroll through the garden...


Stroll through the garden..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Amazing gardens are a national landmark

Bell Tower


Bell Tower, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Old castles are in a constant battle with the elements

Here's the barge we went on.


Here's the barge we went on., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Here's the barge we rode on. Loire used to be a great way to move cargo because the current goes one way and the prevailing wind goes the other way.

Home made Floating Island desert

Home made Floating Island desert. Somehow managed to not put on any weight while on vacation. The mysteries of the French diet.

Delicious dinners


Delicious dinners, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Fresh vegetables from local farms.

Our wonderful cook


Our wonderful cook, originally uploaded by toastmax.

The cook could be a little intimidating, particularly when handling the butane torch for the Crème brûlée! But man the food was great! Anne arrived 4:40 to cook dinner, set the table. Dinner was served at about 6:30. We cleared the table rinsed our plates and put them in the dishwasher.

No label on this bottle


No label on this bottle, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Uncorking the real deal. With a bottle this old you never know if it's going to be amazing or... vinegar.

This one turned out to be vinegar but we'll keep trying.

Amazing gardens in local village

Local town. Everyone has a garden no matter how small.

Amazing biking. Very few cars.


Amazing biking. Very few cars., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Plumbing. Just enough to get by!

Actually there are several modern showers but we couldn't get enough of this tub.

Biggest bathtub I've ever seen!

Castle games. Exploring, no velvet ropes!


Castle games, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Exploring a real castle. No velvet ropes!

Amazing clouds


Amazing clouds, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Provides artistic inspiration

Castle at night


Castle at night, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Chateau du Pin Barley Field


Chateau du Pin Barley Field, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Barley field on the other side of the castle.

Road traffic...


Road traffic..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Bike rides. Stopping to let the hay tractor pass.

Local wine...


Local wine..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Too good to export.

Returning from a ride.


Returning from a ride., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Returning from a ride...

Castle at dusk -- pure magic


Castle at dusk, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Pure magic

Bike riding. View of the castle from a distance...

View of the castle from a distance from our bikes.

Secret door in the bookcase!!


Secret door in the bookcase!!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Where does it lead?

Biking hardly any cars!


Biking hardly any cars!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Busy roads...

Sampling Éclairs


Sampling Éclairs, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Sampling Éclairs from three local bakeries and judging which is best.

They were all pretty darn good.

White cat


White cat, originally uploaded by toastmax.

White cat


White cat, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Setting off on another great ride

Life is good at Chateau du Pin

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sampling Éclairs


Sampling Éclairs, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Sampling Éclairs from three local bakeries and judging which is best.

They were all pretty darn good!!

Pure magic (very shallow)


Pure magic (very shallow), originally uploaded by toastmax.

Topiary trees and magical lily pond. The castle garden is a French landmark.

Not exactly a high traffic area...


Biking hardly any cars!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Typical road in the region.

Secret door in the bookcase!!


Secret door in the bookcase!!, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Where does this lead?!

Road traffic...


Road traffic..., originally uploaded by toastmax.

Traffic jam.

Castle at night


Castle at night, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Stars are amazing!

Chateau du Pin Barley Field


Chateau du Pin Barley Field, originally uploaded by toastmax.

Barley Field on the other side of the castle.