Salamander Weather

Walkers fully kitted out for the rain at the start.

It's been warm and damp lately -- perfect weather for salamanders. Not that I've seen one recently, but I've been keeping an eye out, even though they are mainly nocturnal. The thought occurred to me that I should be looking for them on our walking club's annual autumn hike. It made me realise how much of what you see on the ground at this time of year is either black or yellow, making salamanders very difficult to spot, even if they are ambling across the forest path.

One end of the Chateau du Grand Pressigny.

The wet and windy weather reduced the numbers on the walk to about 40 people. Last year it was 109. But the homemade cakes and range of drinks mid walk and at the end were very much appreciated by those who did walk.

Walking through the grounds of the Museum of Prehistory (Chateau du Grand Pressigny).

I got to wear my new waterproof trousers, purchased for €4 in Noz, and I am delighted with them. They were very comfortable and did the job nicely.

The view over the village of Le Grand Pressigny from the chateau terrace.

For part of the walk I was alone in the forest, with no one visible in front or behind. It was very peaceful but I didn't see any wildlife. I was not worried about losing my way once I realised that Dominique had zoomed around on his dirt bike in the morning and marked the route carefully with spray paint.

The forest is criss-crossed with tracks, but Dominque's arrows showed the way.

Once back at the salle des associations I scoffed several pieces of cake and glasses of cider along with other walkers. Some of them had come from as far away as Tours because our walks are well known as taking in some lovely scenery, and our refreshments are very good. I was the only anglophone present.

Walkers enjoying a chat and refreshments at the end of their 11 or 15 km circuit.

I made spiced pumpkin mini muffins as my contribution to the cake.

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