Canoeing on a river sourced by the fifth largest natural spring in the World. You betcha! We were up early trying to get the whole crew out the door to venture south a brief distance from Sarrians to Fontaine de Vaucluse. The villages along the way bring to life the saying, “It’s not the destination but the journey” Ancient Ramparts, Bridges with overflowing blossoms of color, sidewalk cafes with the locals greeting the morning... Just lovely. The funniest part of the day was our drive with the kids laughing and deciding to engage the locals. As we drove through village after village they rolled down the car window and shouted out gleefully... "Bon Jour, Bon Jour, Bon Jour!" We need to work on that long '"o"', but they get an "A" for effort and enthusiam.
We arrived at the beginning of the Sorgue River to the crystal clear water and a collection of lime green canoes. From there the eight of us traveled via three canoes for two hours and covered eight kilometers (about five miles) on the glorious river to Isle sur la Sorgue. The young man, named Roman (like that!), at the beginning who placed us in our canoes mentioned we might lose a child or two. Gratefully we arrived at our destination with all accounted for and lots of radiant smiles! We were transported back to our launch site.
From there we headed back to Sarrians for swimming and baseball, real and fantasy, at the villa. Mont Ventoux to the East was a highlight driving back, as the clouds bubbled over it as if to frame this memorable day in Provence. Back at the villa, while the kids play, the adults engage in reading and our technology fixes and, well, vino.
Here is some information about the River Sorgue... which photos cannot begin to capture. This would be a great spot to sit and ponder for a bit... or have a glass of wine from one of the cafes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorgue
So grateful Steve and Renee invited us to their villa and that we have this time with them... amazing beginning of the trip. I have to pinch myself that we are really here! And what a blessing to have these special friends that we will always be able to treasure these memories.
