On my way home after my two Sunday stone stair step sojourns, I decided there was one more thing I had to do before I came in: walk down to the boat slip on the Lot River in front of the Chatette.
It's such a pretty spot.
I honestly couldn't remember the last time I just walked down to visit.
It was time!
The sun was just sneaking over the causse, so there were pretty reflections to be had.
It also seemed that everything was green-green-green, or greener that green as I sometimes say!
I also checked out the channel that runs from the lavoir to the river and the canal that carries it across the land to the outlet. It has always fascinated me.
In doing so, I had a shock.
Another one of our huge trees that had been clinging to the bank had lost its battle with the water and winds.
It had tumbled into the Lot.
We've lost so many. I am attached. At least, I didn't name them.
Needless to say, we have a huge erosion problem with the land that is beside the river.
I'm sure the flooding earlier this year didn't help.
I decided to sit a while, even though the grass was wet. I even thought about putting my feet in, so I could squiggle my toes in the river moss that covers the boat slip stones.
Instead, I sat back and remembered all the years of here, coming up on 20 years in February of 2022.
With that bank running the length of the Chatette and more; I feel each loss in a personal way. Back in the early days, we had what we called "the tree" because it was so beautiful and particularly photogenic. I used to tease that "the tree" screamed just as much as the Eiffel Tower because I took so many photos of them both.
Honestly, it never crossed my mind that we would be losing trees.
Many of my friends and I, mourned the passing of "the tree."
I will never get used to losing them.
The one that is in the river right now was less of a solitary star on the bank than "the tree!" It: blended in well with other trees; served as a great backdrop for many photos; and, even sported a rope swing with a seat that has hung most of the time since the Chateau Cadrieu Madistan Festival began.
The new village walking path is going to follow along the bank of the river. I'm hoping that maybe with this new project; there will be some stabilization of the bank.
Being back "on the river" was grand for me, even in the sadness.
As with the roadside stone steps, I'm resolved to go down more often and enjoy our special space.
Happy Monday!
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