Another Day in the Pays Basque - Another Walk

When we landed in the Pays Basque it was 

nearly 90 degrees fahrenheit.

That did not keep us indoors.

Even though our lovely Basque gite did not need air conditioning.

Because of its thick walls it was cool and comfortable throughout our stay.

But we felt we had to get out.

With only a week to share between the country

and the towns and the sea....it was imperative to discover what it is that makes

the Pays Basque the Pays Basque.  Have you ever seen a Basque fence post?  Now you have!

The walks were not dissimilar in topography and flora from many parts of the U.S., surprisingly.

Although shooting through my sunglasses to get a good filter on the sky and clouds made it all seem

quite magical.  Like something out of a storybook.  As coming upon this Mother Cow and her NEWBORN(!) calf was, too.  (Mama was not thrilled about Mr. Paradis, for some reason.)

The vast vistas seemed magical, with the volcanic peaks in the distance

And you know - those lights at the ends of tunnels - evoke out-of-body experiences.

The roadways were covered in prickly chestnuts, which we collected and pocketed.

And after just a little more traipsing.  We ended up in the pleasant village of Sare.  Where the Autumn 

"Fete" was going on.

We had to join in.  Of course.  Walking makes a person thirsty!