Pottered around on the internet first thing, to ensure that people knew my plans for the day: to reach Liausson.

We were camped on the opposite side of the valley from the ruins of Château de Malaveille which sat perched like a pimple on a massive outcrop of granite. Despite there being a myriad of little streams, they were all dried up. Attempts to find a spring at Le Mas Canel found only a pymp that didn’t work; a fire hydrant and the locked-off village supply. It was only when we crossed the seiwd-up bed of the River Salgou that a small rivulet had clear spring wayer in it. So we stopped; boiled it up just in case, and had a cup of tea.

At this point were about 4k from Lake Salagou, when Topsy started limping. Yesterday we had  gone over some very rough quarry tracks, forrestry and 1k of road. So I suspectvthat this had been too much for her little pads. So I put on her rather tattered bootie that I had kept from the previous time.

This qas fine until we found more water in a stream entering Le Mas de Clergues. Gave Happy a shampoo to remove yesterday’s orange Bauxite dust. The wretched animal then went and rolled in some more! This time a deep maroon colour. Topwy meanwhile haf gone for a paddle and soaked her bootie. So needed a sock change!

I had great difficulty in stoppung all this slipping down her foot. What uktimately worked was to tape her 2 pairs of kiddies white socks to her leg, then use gaffer tape to secure the boot to these. I hate to admit it,  but this tape that my friend Adrian had insisted that I take (and which I had refused on weight grounds) has come in useful. At least I didn’t have to carry it for the first month!

We fonally rea hed Liausson at 6.30PM. I tried to video our arrival and soun record it, but I don’t think it went very well! I greeted John and Di my hosts and for the comfort of all concerned, I dived into the shower. Di very kindly offered me use of the washing machine, as myself and the dog’s kit has acquired an aroma that I had becone oblivious to!

Severak beers and a glass of fizz later we sat down to an excelkent meal with wonderful things called vegetables! My staple diet of baguette, camembert and saucissob-sec, with intermittent tomatoes; has not included the luxury of vegetables..

Many thanks to all who have sent in good wishes through my Facebook page. Much appreciated