Painting, sketching, making new friends, eating fabulous food, the experience goes on. The painting recap will wait for the weekend. However, I thought I should at least try to summarize the other events of the week.
We have done more walking on area trails and visited sights. One of those is St. Avit, a small 11th century church ruin about 2 kilometers from here. In the late afternoon and evening the light is unbelievable. We also have returned to some of the trails that come into Montcabrier as alternatives on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route honoring St. Jacques. These trails are peaceful walks through forested hills with occasional swings through a farmer’s yard.
This week Sally had a reservation for a walker on Tuesday night. Marie Cecile called in the afternoon to say she had a toe injury and wasn’t sure she could make it. Sally arranged to meet her at a road close to her location and Marie Cecile came to Atelier de la Rose. Her foot was quite painful so she decided to stay two nights and then return to Paris, prematurely ending her hike. Although we were sad for her injury it was a pleasure to get to know her over breakfasts and dinners for two days. She is a social worker working with homeless people in a Paris suburb, likes literature, movies, and is interested in North America so we had much to talk about. Perhaps she will pay us a visit in Seattle when she comes to Canada to visit a cousin?
Marie-Cecile
We visited Chateau du Bonaguil for some sketching and painting. It is a big castle sitting on a hillside overlooking a picturesque village. Our vantage point was across the valley.
Chateau du Bonaguil
Thursday we returned to the Fumel market. Jean got a vinyl table cloth to use for an art drop cloth and I got a photo vest with lots of pockets for plein air painting. It was only 10E. Okay, it’s a woman’s size XXXXL, but who cares? I’ll get used to the zipper being backwards. I also picked up some new sandal/shoes at the local department store. My Coleman hiking shoes developed a large hole in the sole after little use. I won’t be buying those again. My first pair lasted two years, but the last two pair have both had construction problems.
Tonight more hikers will be staying with us. That means we get to practice our French and make new friends.
Paul
Travels With Picasso 
Another nice visit with you, Paul and Jean. Thanks for sharing.
I agree — the shadows are terrific. Has it only been three weeks? Seems you’ve been living this idyllic life for much longer.
So thrilled to see another post and many pictures covering a wide array of sights. Your friendly neighbors look real friendly or are they looking for a treat? Sounds like fun, shopping for needed items and finding some unique finds that support your hobbies/work. I am happy that you are enjoying company, scenery and each other. Thanks again for sharing!
Always nice to hear from your adventures in southern France. Mine are less romantic as I have to handle the fact that the new shower in the studio is now clogged. So, I am waiting with anticipation to the visit of the plumber. Oh, waht a joy!
To remain on the topic at hand, I do particularly like the first picture of your shadows against a wall while you were trekking. This is great. I am also impressed that you seem always to know the name of the flowers that come your way.
I hope there is soon to be a report with the art that has been created this week!
Hugs from Paris