Looking out our front window we are faced with the steep incline of a mountain wall, our own western extension of the Alps. From where we sit in the valley, the rising incline looks almost like an inhospitable green ocean. On Saturday, however, a family from church showed us what it’s like to live in the mountains, with wild animals and six kids. We rose 638 m/2093 ft via paved switchbacks to arrive at Col du Chat–The Cat’s Mountain Pass.

When we arrived, Poppy said she felt tired, truly a rare occurrence. The lady of the house asked her if she wanted to go lie down and remarkably Poppy went with her to one of the children’s rooms where she went on to have a two hour nap!

The party didn’t stop when Poppy did though. We carried on eating, chatting, and having a wonderful time relaxing in the home of this incredibly warm and welcoming family. Our American friends Adam and Bonnie and their kids added a further layer of fun.

After lunch, the ice cream came out. All of the ice cream came out. For dessert, Bonnie had made gooey delicious caramel chocolate awesome bars and we had made a rhubarb pie. This was my first time having rhubarb and I have to say that it wasn’t all that bad.

Being full up on good food, we headed out into the green unknown to explore the surroundings. The man of the house showed us around his garden where he pointed out his nascent rhubarb.

One of the boys stopped to point out sanglier tracks. Wild boar!

And like a good gentleman, he picked up Poppy in case the wild beast still be lingering in the wood.

Upon our return from the trek, there remained only one thing to do: dress up like princesses.

Henry got cuddled.

Our Saturday on the mountain was simply amazing. We are blessed by the stream of warm welcomes we continue to receive here. As the language barrier is getting increasingly smaller–praise God!–real friendships and pleasant memories abound. Merci, famille Meriaudeau!