Winter sun

Today, having had a big hike yesterday, we decided we’d drive to a nearby lake and do a low level walk. The tourist office has suggested we visit Port Titi, which was once a fishing village on the lake.

We started in Oye-et-Pallet, a small village at the top of the lake. The early part of the walk took us through pastures and up into the woods.

It was a well defined path, and made for some easy walking, which was quite welcome.

Occasionally the path would open up with amazing views across the lake. There is actually a hike that takes you all around the lake – about 20km – but today we plumped for the shorter 6½ km circular walk.

As we turned toward the lakeside we took a short detour to Port Titi. It was a small village of old painted buildings, some in bright, cheery colours, whilst others looked a little more rustic. We think it is now most likely used as summer residences.

The village was very tranquil, and we took time to just sit and enjoy the views and the lapping of the waters edge. It was a lovely moment, probably quite different we thought to the hustle and bustle of the summer months.

The last part of the walk led us to a beautifully made footbridge, that took us around a wetland area which was full of water birds: moor hens, coots, grebes to name a few. It was delightful watching them playing and chatting in the winter sun, calling to each other, and maybe saying ‘Look at those humans walking by in the winter sun’.