Clive & Giselle fed us really well last night and we came away with about 30 lettuce plants. We also sorted out borrowing a cement mixer and wheel barrow while they are on holiday in exchange for picking their fruit and freezing it for them.

I started the day strimming while Breezy cleared out the hot air vent box at the front of the outbuilding. In the heat of the day we set about making a box to cover a gas bottle on the outside of the building. Having got it in place and reconnected the stove it gives us a little more room inside. Every little helps.

Gas Bottle Box  Gas Bottle Box

Storms threatened early afternoon so we planted out the lettuce in the garden just as the heavens opened.Lunch of beef casserole and rice. Enough left over for dumplings tommorrow.

As we were heading down the valley for dinner with Peter & Alison before the footy we showered and planned where we needed pipes placing through the concrete floor as part of the preparation.

Fab food and company with Peter & Alison before going to watch the footy final in the bar at the Auberge. Not a great match so we left before extra time to go to bed. Still don't know who won.

As we were expecting another lorry load of materials this morning we got up at the crack of sparrows to make space in the barn. All the woodwork unloaded the day before needed hoisting up to the first floor. Only took two hours and at the end of it Alison and Peter called by so Breezy put the kettle went on while I sorted out the delivery truck which arrived at the same time.

The early morning was really misty and "close" with a heavy dew, just waiting for the sun to break though and turn the whole valley into a sauna.

Boiled egg breakfast and we set about the floorboard delivery getting it all up to and into the barn, (again up onto the first floor). Hey presto the valley tuned into a sauna just as we finished carting floorboards around and started on the joists we had delivered. I was getting a tad concerned about the weight of materials we were loading up on the first floor so we decided to cart the joists round the back and cover them up with a tarp.

Late lunch at gone 3pm and we flaked out. Breezy took a dip in the stream and I had a shower.

Lastly a few email, varnish the outside table and chill out before heading to Clive and Giselle for dinner.

After a very stormy night with the wind howling, we woke up to a reasonable day weather wise, clearish skies but very muggy.

We were expecting the delivery in the afternoon so aimed to prep areas in the morning ready for it's arrival.

After brekky in the sun, I had a bit of a tidy up and Al being the techy one of us got the internet up and running, fingers crossed that is the end of it now, all should work for the rest of our stay, famous last words.

We levelled an area outside the main barn door to accommodate the cement which was the priority to get it up the hill and protected from the rain.

Clive turned up shortly afterwards with news that the delivery would be here in the morning. He has been a star and lent us his motor bruette which has been invaluable in helping us get the materials up the hill. Not to mention his continuing advice.

11.30am the truck arrives which is a huge relief and unloads all the materials next to the ballast BRILLIANT.

Al and I set to shifting the cement up the hill with both the muck truck and the motor bruette (MB).

We managed to get a quarter pallet loaded straight onto the MB which saved a lot of lifting and time.

By 2pm we had all the cement up and covered plus the insulation.

Time for a quick butty before heading to Salau as there was problems with the reinforcement order which we needed to seak to someone about before the next truck arrives tomorrow.

That was sorted out pretty quickly and then it was back up for the shifting of the decking with the MB.

After we had decided how to get the wood loaded it did not take too long. I think this was helped by the fact that the horse flies were after Al and the last 2 trips the midges were really after him so we were moving quickly!!!!

Literally got all the wood into the barn zoomed into the hot showers as it was so hot and sticky before the rain arrived. I think someone was looking down on us today. One of those days that things all seemed to work.

Roast chuck is in the oven and a casserole cooking for the week end, glass of wine in hand, music playing and all seems good

After a brief stop to say au revoir to Dad who was on his way northish to see the Pages with a couple of nights stop over on the way. We traipsed back to Pau for Al's new X ray on his knee. Sweltering hot day and we were wilting with no air con in Vinnie!

Got to the hospital and luckily not too many people to find out that actually they just wanted us to collect the x ray and not have a new one….bah humbug a bit of a wasted trip. By which stage it was 12.30 so all the mattress shops were closed.

We gave Clive R a ring (Stevie's Dad) who we knew lived reasonably nearby and so we popped in for some refreshing drinks, see their pad which they have done wonders to and also catch up guess it is 7 odd years since Clive stayed at the chalet. Lovely to see them and looking forward to their visit to the barn.

A quick stop at Maccy D's for internet just in case it does not work on our return, bought a bit of food and back to Salau.

We were pooped after a very hot day in the van and it was really just some delicious prawns, merguez bangers with salad and a bit of left over cheese and collapse into bed.

What a corker of a day. Not a cloud in the sky all day which was fantastic so that Dad could see it at it’s best.

Bit of a bad start with the internet playing up again saying we had the wrong satellite so need to call Nordnet again this afternoon.

Our plan was to take a picnic lunch up to Cirque D’Anglade but that was hampered because the work force were full steam ahead repairing the road so we could not get up to the mine.

We decided to head up to Cascade Bege which we had never wandered all the way up to as we did not really want to drive anywhere.

So we collected Dad and parked back at the barn before heading off with a picnic lunch, beer and walked up to the cascade.

32 degrees at least so we welcomed any shade on the way up but there was a slight wind which made things not too hot. We took Dad to the sculptured rocks first which we always like and then on upwards to the waterfall where we sat and enjoyed the views and Dad and Al enjoyed a beer!

We found a good picnic spot near the river and with a little bit of shade, home made pate sandwiches, nectarines a bit of dark choocy and a bottle of rose all devoured very quickly!

A slow meander back down to the barn and we sat outside the barn and had some juices before taking Dad back down to the auberge to do some internet. We went to Seix to get some meat for the BBQ as the meat at the moment with the heat is only lasting 2 days 3 maximum.

I called Nordnet who say tomorrow the internet should work again with carrier 2. It was apparently a general problem today not just us….not sure we will see what happens.

We picked Scottish Annie up on the way back as she was hitching home after work so good to have a brief catch up with her.

Dad was having a little siesta so we went back to the barn and prepped dinner with the brazier ready, mozzy coils ready and the BBQ fuelled for a smokey night to keep the midges away.

Really hot showers needed to add cold water!!!

I collected Dad from the auberge where he was sipping Perrier and rehydrating after the walk.

Well we were so lucky a midge free night so we sat outside with fizz and bananagrams before supper. On to melon and local cured ham to start with, then BBQ chicken and guinea fowl with lots of veggies and roasted sweet potatoes which were delicious. Plenty of rioja from our Spanish trip and some very gooey cheeses.

Back to the revenge on the Cribbage board and Dad stormed to victory this evening before a final few hands of Rummy. We had the oil lamps lit, candles galore and managed to sit outside enjoying the starry night without any bitey things FANTASTIC. Dropped Dad back and then we headed back up to the barn and to bed.

A really wonderful few days with Dad, thanks for coming to visit Dad we loved having you with us, great fun.

Lunch in the Sun with Dad…Perfect 

Woke up to quite a bit of low cloud which shifted very quickly and it was soon really hot.

We decided since Dad was arriving at lunch time not to do the final strimming and be too hot and sweaty, instead we moved most of the wood up to the first floor area as a start to clearing out the barn so we can get on with the next stage of prepping once all the materials arrive.

We had half an hour to spare after that and preparing lunch to make a mesh window for the front window. Very quick and easy and now we have 2 mesh windows in the outbuilding which creates a good through draft at night so we don’t get too hot.

While I went to fill up with water, drop off rubbish and collect Dad Al fettled the cutlery drawer gluing the partitions in place. Another little tick off the list.

Dad arrived safe and sound after his 3.5 hour trip from Mazamet and it was lovely to see him looking so well and relaxed.

Up to the barn and to show Dad some of the progress since he was last here which was 2.5 years ago with Mum so quite a lot of changes.

We sat outside and had smoked duck salad and cheeses with some of the Spanish Alverino wine we had bough back. Could very easily have had a siesta but no ceck chairs to relax in!

Dad and I wandered up to the Cascade Leziou just 10 minutes away to walk off lunch and decided to walk back along the river to the auberge. The path was some what overgrown in places and Dad in his shorts had a few nettles to battle with. A beer at the auberge was needed at the other end.

Al collected me, he had mended the water butt connection whilst we had walked  back down.

Hot showers and then we joined Dad for dinner at the auberge. We had a few drinks beforehand and some bananagrams before dinner and then the Cribb board and cards came out after dinner. Al stomped into victory. We are in need of the rules as there are quite a few things we are unsure of….

A big list for St Girons. We were up early and away. We saw Henri at the end of the piste so we gave him our cheque for the 14^th July celebrations which we have decided to go to this year since we are about.

We stopped at Le Forgue and the good news is that the driver will deliver all the materials onto our land and not at the end of the piste. A huge relief., the lady helping us has a place above our barn so was more than helpful and persuading with the driver. Picked up a few bits and pieces before chucking 2 loads of washing into the laundrette, 34 minute cycle gave us enough time to go to the agri shop for plumbing connections and insect deterrents!!!.

Collected the clean laundry and hoping the cloud lifts so it will dry when we get back.

No luck with a  mattress which was a pain so we are back to the lilos for sleeping for the moment! A big food shop where we bumped into Lee who was stocking up as well.

On the way back we stopped to do the recycling and somebody had obviously cleaned out their workshop as there were loads of paints and varnishes so we sifted through and chose the ones which were still usable and useful and loaded them up in the van.

We got back to the barn and managed to get the clothes on the line before sitting down at 3.30pm for lunch!!!

We decided to get some more shelves up in the tool store which was more problematic than we thought with trying to drill into stone and the rocks breaking so we ended up srewing up to the ceiling which was easier maybe not quite so secure but OK.

Water butts also proving problematic with washers not fitting well and fiddly connections. In the end the hose was attached with no leaks and after failing to attach to the outside of the barn a tap as the rock kept crumbling again. W opted for 2 stakes with a piece of wood holding it together to put the tap on which was so much easier.

The BBQ came out again and we had BBQ chicken for supper and managed to eat outside  as the midges had gone to bed by the time we got around to eating at 930pm. Starry night lovely.

Woke up to glorious sunshine again and no luck with the internet so we abandoned that idea and decided to make an area for washing up underneath the tree. We have been balancing washing up etc on a plank and each time things nearly fall off and break so we set to.

We used some old wood for the surface that Al had recuperated from the Chamonix bus stop which has had huge repair works going on and lots of wood being skipped and made some box legs.

All seemed to work quite well and we now have a stable work area for washing up, prepping food outside etc. All these little things make a difference in making life easier on the day to day living.

Another 2 minute job was to make a parasol holder for the parasol. Quite quick just making a hole in the tree stump to accommodate the parasol so now we can have lunch outside without beijng too hot which the last few days it has been.

We decided one last go at the internet so while Al tweaked things I did a bit more strimming creating clearer paths up the barn. Strimmer not running brilliantly but enough to do a bit more.

Went to help Al with trying to tweak the satellite but after getting excited with the right tone on the second carrier we could progress no further. Will this ever work again. We are now thinking maybe we were just really lucky the first time with it working so easily.

Good roast chicken sandwiches for lunch.

Back down to Salau we went to try and get hold of Nordnet but no mobile reception so we opted to go to Seix and buy a phone card so we can use the phone box if we have no reception. We bumped into Serge and Ginette who we rented their apartment off who were up for the Coprop meeting. They were as chatty as ever and seemed on good form.

Finally I got hold of Nordnet and then wish I was fluent in French. To find out that we need to reset the modem as they have changed something, not quite sure what but at least we have made contact and can hopefully progress as it is becoming a bit dull now!!!

We saw Adam on the way back who dragged us into the bar for a drink and then Peter joined us too. Holland had just won the football so people were in good spirits! 

We were then on to showers, kebabs, cous cous and broccoli and Al's luck continues on the Bezique front…not amused now!!!

We woke up to a glorious day again and decided we best set to again trying to sort out the internet before midday so we could call them if need be. Lots of frustration and getting nowhere in a hurry and a bit over hearing the old razor sound from pointing and not getting the satelite. So we decided we would head down to Salau and contact Nornet the satelite providers and collect the ladders. 

Firstly we needed to get the roof rack on which we had got second hand over the winter. Thought this would be a 2 minute job but the screws were just a bit rusty so the whole thing took a lot longer. Anyway, the 3 roof rack bars are now on and means getting supplies should be easier.

In the meantime, the first of the schoolkids had arrived on their way to Cascade Beze. The teacher had passed by a month ago and asked if they could picnic by the river, which we had said no problem. Did not quite expect well over 100 school kids to descend!!! The noise fo the river was louder than the kids though!!!

We left them to it and headed off with list of things to do before midday.

We saw Clive and Giselle who are very busy working on Raymond's house and making good progress, they seem on good form. Raymond then gave us a guided tour around his place which is enormous, he is converting it into several apartments to rent out but it looks small form the outside but as soon as you go inside it is vast. Lots of work to be done and I think Clive is full time on it until next summer.

Tried to touch base with Nordnet who were not very helful on the helpline and said to ring technical assistance who were already on lunch!!! So no further forward.

We had a quick coffee with the Dutch couple and Rene and Anuk were there too so caught up with them, no ladders as yet but collected some post.

Won't bore you with the continual internet pointing, no luck, tweak this tweak that no luck so abandoned that for the day and decided to move the small log pile from the side of the outbuilding to prevent beasites living in the walls, slightly concerned as we have had 2 mornings of finding ants on the mezzanine so want to get rid of them asap. 

We popped back down to the village to collect a door and a couple of windows that Clive had snaffled for us and loaded them into Vinnie to take back up. So then we had a couple of beers with Clive and Marian (who's mother used to own our barn) before trundling back up the piste to have roast chuck, herby roasted potatoes and broccoli for supper.

We saw Henri and his wife and dog on the way back so had a chat with them and he gave us the go ahead to put a postbox up, just now need to see the postlady at midday one day when she passes so she know who we are and where the post needs to go!!!

Once we had whacked the chicken in we both had showers. We have moved the shower point down to the front of the building, just saves a lot of time, lacks the privacy but by the time we get to shower most folk have gone down the piste and are having dinner, well that's what we hope anyway!

Al's luck seems to be in on the old Bezique front I feel it has to change sometime soon!!!

Started the morning by making a good old list (on one sheet of paper).

Decided to completely clean the outhouse where we are living before unloading the van. Considering the inside of the building is only just over 3m x 3m it did not take too long. Unpacked the van sorting out food and stuff to stash away in the main barn out the way. Started a list of things that we have to take back to the chalet in Chamonix ready for the winter.

Connected all the solar stuff together so that we can start recharging the battery and get the satellite working for internet. Breezy got some strimming done as the donkeys have not yet arrived to keep the grass down.

The rest of the day was spent getting really frustrated with the satellite kit. There is only so long that you can listen to what sounds like an old electric razor through an earpiece while tweaking a dish. The idea being that when in the correct position the noise changes to a continuous beep.

No luck so gave up. We wanted to get down to Salau to see if our new ladders had arrived at the Auberge and catch Clive before he finished work on Raymond's house for the evening but we were too late.

Showered under the tree at the front; added to the list of things to do and had a trout supper.