Saturday, February 28, 2009
Pure magic (very shallow)
Topiary trees and magical lily pond. The castle garden is a French landmark.
Is that a ghost?!
Nope. That's Tom and Alex exploring the castle! Imaginations run wild when you're living in a 900 year old castle!
Chateau's gardens are quite famous
The castle gardens are quite famous and a registered historic destination.
Ancient clues in the walkway...
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)
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
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.
Roman Aquaduct
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!
Here's the barge we went on.
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.
Our wonderful cook
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
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.
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!
Bike riding. View of the castle from a distance...
View of the castle from a distance from our bikes.
Sampling Éclairs
Sampling Éclairs from three local bakeries and judging which is best.
They were all pretty darn good.
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