Saturday 29th August
Some days seem rather minor but end up having huge impact later on. Saturday 29th of August may prove one of those days.
After our breakfast and the normal morning ablutions Maggi and I drove down to Grand Frais in the Polygon Mall on the edge of Cagnes to stock up on food for the next couple of days. We returned and as we pottered around the garden I looked up and saw two heads peer over the gate. The younger of the two indicated that he wished to talk about our property.
He had obviously found out about our home. He had spoken to Nathalie and Olivier, because he knew we would be at home. He knew the price we had put on the house. I also felt he had toured the property before I showed him around. He didn’t take long and only had a skirting view of the place, but at the same time seemed very interested. He gave me his telephone number and indicated that he didn’t want to go through an agent.
Our visitor and potential buyer works for an architectural practice in Lausanne Switzerland. Maybe this is a good sign.
The rest of the day remained uneventful.
Sunday 30th August
Just after 9 am we set off to walk down the banks of the River Loup to the sea. To arrive at the river you descend steeply from our house to the main road that runs east to west around the outside the village. We turned off and walked past the few houses at the entrance and some parked cars. We then we entered the National Park and the path to the sea.
This walk gives shade for most of the journey and so makes it ideal on a warm summer’s day. As we arrived early only a few cars had arrived in the parking area and the early walkers we passed seemed to all have dogs. However when we arrived at the rock-climbing area 4 or five families had already made camp and several kids had started their ascent of the rock face.
The path lies on the left bank of the river. At one point a warning sign reminds you of the danger of falling rocks and advises you to turn back. Like many before us we carried on. Along this section of the path which has more awkward footholds where your feet feel less secure Maggi slipped. I don’t think any permanent damage occurred but she did walk with a slight limp for the rest of the walk. I suggested that we cut short the trip. She emphatically said no.
We decided to have a break in Villeneuve-Loubet and found a patisserie where they sold cold drinks. Moving on through Villeneuve we came across an Italian market selling cheese, hams, olives etc. it all looked very nice but we didn’t stop to buy.
After Villeneuve the route winds around you have to cross back and forward and then you come across a short section of roadway and pavement.
We stopped at a picnic table in the park to eat our sandwiches and watch the others running or playing with their dog.
After the park you go underneath several roads including the A 8 motorway. From here you follow alongside the hippodrome on your left and the River Loup on your right until you emerge out at the promenade.
We promised ourselves that we would have a swim on arrival. I had carried out summing gear along with the picnic from the house, but both of us chickened out when faced with the prospect of stripping off and fighting with a towel to protect our modesty.
Instead we simply walked back through Cagnes to pick up the bus to go home.