Last full day

The start wasn't just as early today as the plan was to have a yoga class run by Alexia and then to have breakfast afterwards followed by relaxation, a short walk and massages for most people before finishing the day with dinner out.

As we stood out on the steps taking in the air, Kathy threatened to throw water down as she had been planning on a long lie - don't think she was annoyed though, she looks too happy. Rather like Janice's frogs dotted around the garden.

....and the beautiful geraniums in pots places round the courtyard and by the pool.

Teresa, Marina and Geraldine before yoga class.

An hour of stretching later and then a leisurely breakfast found me having been scheduled for a massage and able to lead a short walk for those who fancied stretching their legs.

We thought we might have made it to the Arboretum today but no luck, it was just a little further than we'd time for so we returned for a staggered lunch and appointments for massages. More swimming, more lounging in the sunshine and I finally found out what everyone else had been going on about. Not only is Alexia a great yoga teacher but her massages are the best I have ever had!

Today it was cocktails by the pool as it was our last day

Paula relaxes and soaks up the sun

Gemma swims

Our venue for dinner was the Auberge du Lac in Chandon near Trivy, we'd walked close to this only the day before and it was looking really pretty with it's window boxes and tubs of red and pink geraniums.

The Auberge Du Lac is converted from the old railway houses. It's been run by the same family for over one hundred years and serves very traditional French food and rustic wine in unlabeled bottles.

Don't Janice and Mark scrub up well?

 A few photos of the evening:

 I love this photo of Paula and Marina, they look so naughty!

Back at home and Janice and Mark donated two bottles of Roger Bonjour's sparkling wine to us. We'd been sampling Roger's wine all week but hadn't been able to have him come and do a tasting as the harvest had been early due to the weather and he was tied up with that.

Here's Mark bringing the refreshment and he and Janice stayed and had a drink with us. We were also able to tell them that there was no need for an early breakfast the following morning as it was our last morning - a long lie before we head home.

I knew our time away would be great but this time in Les Ceresiers exceeded my expectations totally. It was so easy and so relaxing and everyone got on so well...and yes, you're right, they all want to know when we're having the next East End Girls holiday away!

Long walks or short walks

The weather wasn't as good today and in fact the top of Mont Sant Cyr could not be seen and apparently if that happens, local folklore says you shouldn't go out. Well, we were only there for a few days so there was going to be no sitting and waiting.

After Geraldine's fall, she was a little stiff and as Kathy had done around 9 miles which was her first long walk since her broken knee had mended I advised that they have an easier day and Marina and Chris decided to join them. Janice had mentioned a coffee shop in Dompierre so they decided to walk there, have coffee and walk back. Meanwhile, Teresa, Paula, Gemma, Lindsey and I decided to venture further afield and planned a day long walk.

Leaving Les Ceresiers, we turned right and then a few yards down the road took another right up a track which leads up behind the house climbing slightly in the trees. It was a little drizzly but not unpleasant and soon we came onto the GR7 one of France's long distance walks. At one point the path we were on runs parallel with the D41, the main road to Dompierre so we were delighted to hear and then meet up with the others for at least 10 yards then we parted company again probably wishing we were heading for coffee too.

Soon however the drizzle stopped and we found ourselves walking through forests on the very boundary of this region.

At the Col des Vaux, we crossed over the N79 and soon after started to look for a place for lunch finding a great spot on the edge of the forest where we could tuck into Janice's home made rolls.

Lindsey and Gemma enjoy lunch

After lunch we headed for Trivy where we had some decisions to make about the way back as to what route we should take. We had been hoping to find water and a loo in Trivy but none were available and neither was there a cafe open or even a tabac. We could see Dompierre-Les-Ormes in the distance and knowing there was a cafe there we headed south on a fairly direct route which took us under the N79 this time and then along the main road for a little while before one of my favourite parts of the walk although it was nearly all up hill.

The track brought us in at the lower end of the town and we stopped at the church first then out of town towards the Arboretum which was the same direction as refreshment. Threatening rain meant we ran the last part of the way only to be met by a closed sign on the coffee shop door, we just couldn't believe it and it did cause great disappointment. All we really wanted now was to get back to the house as quickly as possible and to have showers and relax.

New day, new challenges

Having slept well, it was lovely to wake up gently with no need to jump up in answer to a long 'to do' list. In fact lying there for a while and slowly hearing more and more voices join the general sound was interesting.

Breakfast was spread out on the large table that we'd only vacated a few hours before and what a feast, just the thing to get you started especially when a climb was in store.

Yes, we were heading off walking and our first destination was the top of Mont Saint Cyr, visible behind the house in the courtyard and the highest point in the area.

Just before the off, gathered on the steps outside Les Cesiers

 Out the gate and up the road to the left and then left again on the junction soon taking off on a path on the left soft and grassy beneath our feet. We were all hot already and taking off top layers to let the air and sunshine at our skin.

Not surprisingly we were climbing but fairly gently so still able t hold a conversation and to stop and look back admiring the views in all directions. Our first proper stop was in a flattened clearing not that far from the top and close to the car park for those not wanting to walk. What a wonderful day.

A notice board gave information about the commmune with a map and a number of things you might do. Our goal though was to get to the top.

Gemma, Marina and Geraldine are the first to get to the very top

Marina, Kathy and Gemma

The view down to Montmelard

 With fabulous views and sunshine, this was a great place for a break and although this group are nearly impossible to keep quiet we managed 2.5 minutes of complete and utter silence! It was so blissful.

The wonderful EEG prove they made it to the top.

As is often the case the going down was harder. We were on a different path, narrower and uneven so concentration required but as it was steeper it was fairly rapid and brought us out onto a road leading into Montmelard which we'd viewed from above.

The area around Montmelard is sometimes called “The Mâconnais’ Little Switzerland” because of the small, green mountains that stand there, such as the Mont Saint-Cyr (771m) which we'd just been to the top of. The region lies at the crossroads of the Mâconnais, the Beaujolais and the Burgundy Wines Road.

 This is the church in Montmelard, worth a look inside, cool and calm.

Back in the UK, this would have been coffee time but this is rural France so it was with great disappointment that we walked the entire length of the village and there was nowhere to have refreshment. So we had no option than to walk on and continue our circle.

The first hint of autumn, squashes and pumpkins

The next part of the walk kept us on roads for a while as you can see, although not very busy ones. The fruit trees along the way were laden with apples and pears and there were a number of people out and around their houses and farms and there were also a number of dogs.

As you can see from the photo, there's one about middle left and this dog decided to accompany us the rest of the way round and back to Janice's. We tried to get him to go home on a number of occasions but no luck and it took over 24 hours before he was reunited with his owners.

We did overshoot a little on this walk, though I'm not 100% where so we came back out near t the foot of the hill to Montmelard, not as planned but at least not too far away from home. It was uphill though and by this time we were about an hour later than planned, most of us had run out of water, there was nowhere to fill up and poor Geraldine had taken a tumble although it was mainly superficial cuts which healed quickly.

Lunch was a welcome sight. cheese, meats and fresh bread and then a n afternoon of relaxation. Some people were having massages, some of us were learning archery and the rest were enjoying the sunshine.

Aim and fire Chris.

Mark shows Lindsey what to do regarding holding the bow.

I also tried archery and what a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. I have to admit to being very nervous but Mark soon put me at ease, he's a very patient and thorough instructor clearly very safety conscious. Although I nearly scored a bullseye with my first attempt - have a look at the photo, Mark supported me through the meltdown that followed. I was really shaky after my first go and it took a while to start doing things right again so that by the end of the session I was finding the target fairly regularly.

Lindsey had to go one better of course!! Yes, that's a bulls eye. She was consistently good as was Gemma who tried it after her massage.

The Bulls Eye Queen

I'm sure she's done this before.

Paula dozes in the dappled shade

Chris tries out the pool.

 People were coming away from the massages all stating that this was the best massage they'd ever had so I started to wish that I'd not been so generous and gone for one too but c'est la vie. I think it's true to say they were all floating.

Tea and cakes in the orchard around 4.00 and dinner with wine in the evening and much. much more laughter. A complete day at Les Ceresiers was a wonderful success.

Trip to Burgundy, travel day

Nine of us heading off and seven of us starting from Cowslip road so much excitement as we all gathered on Monday Sept 5th. Permits for car parking were arranged, a taxi service from Alan and Paula's nephew and in the midst of excited women, some like Gemma, not having been with us for a while, I was handing out brightly coloured Harimaki's.

I'd be looking for something to give the girls but was drawing a blank until the wonderful Jo Tocher asked if any of the Athena Angel's wanted to buy Harimaki's to keep us cosy on Maggie's Night Hike. I had my answer and I had great fun deciding what colour everyone should have. I was also delighted to be able to hand them out now as it meant I didn't have to carry them all in my hand baggage.

We were at Stansted in plenty of time and as luck would have it we managed to link up with Chris and Marina at security so we were all together and able to relax over coffee and a bit of retail therapy before setting off.

A few hours later, still talking and laughing of course, we were walking out of Lyon airport to meet Janice and Mark who'd very kindly come to pick us up and drive us to Les Cesiers.

Ever since I first came here to meet Janice, I'd seen it as a great base for the EEG and arriving in glorious sunshine didn't disappoint.

The photo shows the house taken from the orchard.

Those who arrived first had the pick of the rooms so Gemma opted for a room of her own and I picked the top floor with the two double beds for Teresa and I. Then we waited for the others and once unpacked it didn't take long for us to gather in the orchard for tea and cake.
 

Pool viewed from the first floor

We spent the rest of the afternoon chilling by the pool, chatting and laughing while some swam others read books in the shade.

 

 

 

Paula braves the rather chilly pool.

Geraldine soaking up the sun in a world of her own

Lindsey cooling her feet and open for conversation or photos...

 I think we all relaxed immediately and were so enjoying being together again and in a slightly different way than before. Normally what we do together is walk so days like this are unusual but they were clearly causing no stress at all.

Our trip was being catered by Janice so all we had to do was sit back and relax and await the call to dinner. On this, the first evening, fizz was served first - what a lovely surprise.

Mark opens the bottle

Marina and Geraldine

Chris, Paula and Gemma

Teresa, the wise one, or does the camera lie?

Lindsey, Heather and Kathy

Cannot remember what we had that first night, what I do remember though is the noise we all made. It was a hot evening so all the windows were open and we, all being together again, were noisy enough but add to that a few bottles of wine and lots of stories to catch up on and I'm so glad that we were far from a residential area, I do think Mark wondered what he'd let himself in for though.

 Raising glasses to the East End Girls and to those who couldn't be with us and one to Paula too who is a very new member but fitted in so well and very soon was 'one of us'

Casting a spell?

It was late when we finished eating and drinking and climbed the stairs to bed where from the room Teresa and I had the stars were bright and clear and nearly worth staying awake for...nearly

My bad in the top floor room.

Nine go to Burgundy, the history

In early 2006, I registered for the Breakthrough to Breast Cancer 60km walk. I needed a walking challenge, couldn't afford to head to Peru to walk the Inca Trail at the time and this London walk was a great event to fill my needs. I emailed a few of my friends telling them they should do it too and two of them joined me, the others telling me I was mad. 60km is 38 miles and this was to be done over 2 days through London.

Not long after I registered, there was an email asking for women to offer to be walk leaders and run walks so that those who had signed up would have some support and training. So, figuring that if I offered to do that, it would keep me accountable, I volunteered and it's truly the best thing I ever did.

Starting with hour long walks and a small group, I ended up with a team of 18 fabulous women, all but two of whom completed the walk in style and without aches and pains. This group came together because of their commitment to this walk and if not for it, would probably never have met.

The fabulous EEG at the end of their 60k walk

 

 

When we finished I was asked "so what now?" It seems that in the course of training these wonderful women had got the walking bug and weren't very keen to stop. My commitment was to walk with them once a month so the East End Girls (EEG) walking group was born and still continues now.


 Since 2006, we've walked nearly every month, some of us went off to Peru, yes, in 2007, I got to fulfill and dream and walk the Inca Trail and I took 3 of my wonderful EEG with me.

From left to right - Gemma, Heather, Teresa and Christine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then in June 2008, we were asked to record a walk with Claire Balding for the Radio 4 Ramblings programme so off we went to the Lakes were we enjoyed the most stunning weekend of Lakeland weather culminating in a wonderful walk and broadcast. 

Teresa and I at the cathedral in le Puy en Velay ready to start our Camino

Also in 2008 but this time, the end of September, Teresa and I having discovered our interest in the Camino de Santiago de Compostella started to walk this amazing path. We decided to start it in le Puy en Velay in central France and to date have completed 4 sections, hoping in 2012 to complete two more which will take us to the French/Spanish border.. It's been a fabulous experience so far. We've met wonderful people and walked through parts of France I'm not sure we would never have found otherwise.We had Christine join us on the third section and we have at least 5 more to do once we get to the border so it will be a few years yet before we walk into Santiago de Compostella although only just yeserday, we were discussing the need for a few days holiday there at the end to enjoy the achievement.

As a walking group we have completed the Capital Ring, the Thames Path and much of the London Loop and completed the Pink Ribbon Walk on the South Downs in 2009. We have plans to walk the Norfolk Coast Path, Hadrian's Wall and the Grand Canal among many others. Our problem is the time to do it and if someone would sponsor me to spend the rest of my life walking, I'd be very happy.

Cathy, Nicola, Marina, Geraldine, Lindsey, Cajsa, Zara, Teresa, Kathy and Pauline on the Capital Ring

The completion of the Thames Path - Cajsa, Chris, Me, Teresa and Kathy

Pink Ribbon Team - Lindsey, Cajsa, me, Gemma, Teresa, Chris and Vanessa.

 

I cannot now imagine life without the East End Girls. These women are the best I know and ,I would trust my life to them. Walking together, we've got to know each other so well.  As we pound the pavements and explore new areas we've shared the ups and downs, being there to support each other through all sorts of life experiences and the bonding that's happened as a result is a very strong one.

So 5 years after it all began, it seemed very appropriate to celebrate still walking together.
We did so by taking 5 days off and heading off to Les Cesiers in Burgundy to walk, talk, chill and eat and drink and just enjoy each others company.

Noisy, fun loving and 'mad' but wonderful women

Emergency bathroom repair

...so no walk.

Everything was heading in the right direction, I was  going to lead the last walk a week before heading off to the USA but then the bathroom decided to leak and decisions had to be made very quickly to move us on and our walk date was the only time we had. Sad but true.

See you all in September ladies.