View preview6aabde8899974 flipbook.
South of France in SeptemberSouth of France in September
A Travel Book by Mark Smith
Table of contents South of France in September 4 Travel Day 1 (Thu), Evening meal at The Oak 6 Travel Day 2 (Fri), Stopover in Troyes 9 Travel Day 3 (Sat), The long haul south 14 First Full Day On Site (Sun) 17 Day 2 (Mon), in the South of France 20 Day 3 (Tue), in France 24 Day 4 (Wed), in the "Big Brother House" 29 Day 5 (Thu), or is it Deep Space 9 35 Day 6 (Fri), "Big Coat" not needed today 39 Day 7 (Sat), The birds have flown the nest 45 Day 8 (Sun), One week on 52 Day 9 (Mon), Animal day today. 57 Day 10 (Tue), Is that rain on the horizon? 63 Day 11 (Wed), A day with no Seestar to edit 69 Day 12 (Thu), Tourist day 77 Day 13 (Fri), Going home on Saturday,not this week 83 Day 14 (Sat), Saturday is Transit Day 89 Day 15 (Sun), Multi Penguin feeds 94 Day 16 (Mon), is it really the last week? 100 Day 17 (Tue), who said there wasn't an 'F' in Hot 105 Day 18 (Wed), We've Got Drizzle 109 Day 19 (Thu), Chilly one this morning 112
22 footprints 2 countries 25 days 1,974 kilometers A 25-day adventure by Mark South of France in SeptemberSouth of France in September August 27 – September 20, 2026August 27 – September 20, 2026
©Mapbox ©OpenStreetMap 1,974 kilometers
51°20'19" N 0°31'39" E Day 1–2 Travel Day 1 (Thu), Evening meal at The Oak Aug 27–28, 2026 in England, Chatham So, the holiday has finally begun! Jo put the laptop away, and work is now officially tucked away in the cupboard. After a morning of playing Jenga trying to get everything into the back of Celine (the car, if you didn't know), we locked the door, then double-checked it (I'm sure Jo checked again on the camera ), and set off down the A1. As usual, the M25 was a bit rough, but we made it down to a little village called Walderslade, which was just a couple of miles from our Travelodge for the evening. We had looked for a place to eat, and Google suggested "The Oak" as a possibility. It was a Greene King pub, so we knew it wasn't going to be Michelin-star food, but the reviews looked promising and we hoped it would be okay. We were actually pleasantly surprised! The food was nice and hot, and the service was friendly, even with the odd IT issue. Plus, it was a decent price. The people-watching was hilarious —a group of people were trying to move tables around to seat a massive number of kids together to enable some sort of "child control" that absolutely never happened. God only knows which child belonged to which parents; I'm not sure even they knew! From there, we headed to the Travelodge, which was a pain as it was at the M2 services, and we went round and about just to cover the few miles it was from the pub. In the morning, we discovered that the back road into the services that says "No Entry" is actually how you get in. Oh well, we'll know for next time! Now, the Travelodge itself is no 5-star experience; it's been there quite a few years and it's basic. However, it was clean and was only £40 for the night, so it was definitely great value for money. 6
We were out early in the morning to catch LeShuttle, which was ridiculously quick. We ended up on a train 90 minutes earlier than booked! We didn't even get time to stop for duty-free or a wee; we drove straight through customs and straight onto the train. By 07:06, off under the English Channel we go... Joanne Smith And I'm tagging along for the ride! Time Cloudy Altitude 6:39 pm 21 °C 109 m Just done a 4 hour drive, refreshmentsJust done a 4 hour drive, refreshments definitely requireddefinitely required 7
Just a little mixed grill & good old scampi & chips to test the menu.Just a little mixed grill & good old scampi & chips to test the menu. The Oak, not a bad village pubThe Oak, not a bad village pub The Oak has quite a big floor space (library picture)The Oak has quite a big floor space (library picture) Where we sat in the Oak (library picture)Where we sat in the Oak (library picture) 8
48°17'46" N 4°7'50" E Day 2–3 Travel Day 2 (Fri), Stopover in Troyes Aug 28–29, 2026 in France, Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres ..,..We're out of the tunnel Bonjour, and off the train! I think we were only the fourth car from the front, so there was no messing about getting off. What a speedy trip! Now, of course, there's "that hour" that disappears when you go through the tunnel, so it was 08:45 coming out of Calais. We were now about four hours ahead of schedule, so what else do you do at that time of day? Go to Lidl in Calais and buy some pastries for breakfast, while also grabbing chilled beer for the coolbox and a few bottles of fizz and Aperol that we happened to have 15% coupons for! Still having time to kill... "Oh, let's go have a nosey around Auchan!" It's always good for a bargain and the elusive rum baba that comes with a miniature bottle of rum. As if! We did find the rum baba, and maybe a few 5-litre kegs of beer for our beer machine at home—on special from €18 down to €13 (the UK price is £32, so you just can't refuse a bargain!), although I have no idea where it's all going to fit in the car. After an hour in Auchan, we headed down to Troyes (pronounced "Tw-a"). We always have a plan on arrival: refuel at E.Leclerc, have a quick scout round E.Leclerc for any offers while stalling for time until we check in to the B&B (it is a hotel, just called B&B), shower, crack open the cold beers previously bought in Lidl (that's why you bring a coolbox to France! ), and chill The evening plan is one that's taken years to perfect, but it works a treat. At 5-ish, we walk down to V&B, a weird pub-like place in an industrial/retail area that not only serves lots of beers but also sells bottles, spirits, kegs, and glasses (see attached pictures). Then, 19:00 hits, and we head over the road to "Wok 10" (letting the initial queue get seated first). This is a stunning buffet restaurant that serves lots of different 9
foods, either hot or cooked right in front of you—everything from snails to chips, and lobster to crème caramel. It's just great! Then it's back to the hotel, ready for another daybreak start. Joanne Smith Same bar..same great beer..same great service.. same great meal...what's not to love! Time Cloudy Altitude 6:40 pm 21 °C 112 m V&B's Bar SideV&B's Bar Side
The Draught beer options at V&B Bar and ShopThe Draught beer options at V&B Bar and Shop Sunshine andSunshine and Smiles , shameSmiles , shame about theabout the model, but youmodel, but you can't have it allcan't have it all I believed it to be aI believed it to be a smile , the first ofsmile , the first of manymany A little dessertA little dessert optionoption The infamous "Wok 10" restaurantThe infamous "Wok 10" restaurant 11
First true beers in FranceFirst true beers in FranceThe sun setting with a little rainbow inThe sun setting with a little rainbow in the distancethe distance It said it was cloudy and rain, me thinks itIt said it was cloudy and rain, me thinks it got it wronggot it wrong
Sunsetting over the shops.Sunsetting over the shops. The last of the first days French sunThe last of the first days French sun Shame about the lamppostShame about the lamppost
44°36'53" N 0°50'9" E Day 3 Travel Day 3 (Sat), The long haul south August 29, 2026 in France, Paulhiac The sun is just breaking the horizon, and we're on the road south! It's about a 7-hour run with roughly an hour factored in for fuel and breaks. I'm on the first two-hour stretch, with my copilot handling breakfast and beverage service. We got a few pictures on the way, but honestly, seven hours of driving isn't the most exciting read. Jo did manage to get a true loony behind her, who we think must have been on something. He was swerving across lanes and seemed to think that flashing his lights at a Yorkshire bird driving a pocket rocket at 130 kph (ISH) would intimidate her into moving into non-existent, empty lanes. He was wrong . After several driver swaps, refueling, and mastering the French service station coffee machines, we made it down to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the biggest town near our destination. As per the spreadsheet, we had the first couple of days' shopping list made and a refuel stop planned, so Lidl and E.Leclerc got hit first. It would be rude not to take advantage of both shops' discount stickering, which we discovered is a great way to help us answer the age-old question: "What shall we have for tea tonight?" Once the car was creaking under the load, we headed off for the last 30-minute drive to the site to get checked in, unpack, and maybe have a beer! Clear day Altitude 25 °C 119 m 14
We're on the road to the southWe're on the road to the south Artistic sunriseArtistic sunrise behind usbehind us We made it toWe made it to E'LeclercE'Leclerc Beer and Stickers, whatBeer and Stickers, what more can you ask for on amore can you ask for on a Holiday shopHoliday shop There has to be a daftThere has to be a daft selfie on our arrivalselfie on our arrival The organised upThe organised up packing, every bagpacking, every bag has a room as per thehas a room as per the spreadsheetspreadsheet Just in case we haveJust in case we have a VERY wobbly tablea VERY wobbly table to prop upto prop up
Not a bad view for the next 3 weeksNot a bad view for the next 3 weeks 16
44°36'51" N 0°50'11" E Day 4 Peace and tranquility at the pool first thingPeace and tranquility at the pool first thing Oh how busy the pool is earlyOh how busy the pool is early doorsdoors First Full Day On Site (Sun) August 30, 2026 in France, Paulhiac First full day on site, nothing exciting today, a chill by the indoor pool for a few hours then a spot of lunch followed by a few hours by the outside pool, and not forgetting that truly English tradition of washing your transit smalls I agree [Holly] Joanne Smith Me too! X Time Partly cloudy Altitude 10:26 am 22 °C 128 m
Nice pool, shame about the legsNice pool, shame about the legsI wonder who does a beer and a bookI wonder who does a beer and a book in the afternoonin the afternoon And book No 1 is well underway byAnd book No 1 is well underway by Mrs S.Mrs S.
When the local wildlife, aka Lenny the lizard, start eyeing up your beerWhen the local wildlife, aka Lenny the lizard, start eyeing up your beer As the sun sets on the first of many wonderful daysAs the sun sets on the first of many wonderful days Maybe not such a threat after allMaybe not such a threat after all
44°36'52" N 0°50'9" E Day 5 The sun is just coming up behind usThe sun is just coming up behind us As the sun rises you can still see the moon, so out with the SeestarAs the sun rises you can still see the moon, so out with the Seestar Day 2 (Mon), in the South of France August 31, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Time Clear day Altitude Video 9:12 am 18 °C 124 m
The moon just hanging around in the morning, good time to calibrate the SeestarThe moon just hanging around in the morning, good time to calibrate the Seestar The bar itself, I'm sure it will be wellThe bar itself, I'm sure it will be well frequented during our stayfrequented during our stay Little tour of inside the bar before theLittle tour of inside the bar before the tourists ruin the photo'stourists ruin the photo's
The bar is nice but we do prefer to sit outside in the shadeThe bar is nice but we do prefer to sit outside in the shadeA little closeup of the Person Silk Tree,A little closeup of the Person Silk Tree, it's very photogenicit's very photogenic The patio outside the bar area, with it'sThe patio outside the bar area, with it's lovely treelovely tree
A Light lunch, a little tuna steak and salad, yummyA Light lunch, a little tuna steak and salad, yummy Seestar setup ready hopefully for some clear skies in theSeestar setup ready hopefully for some clear skies in the early hours of tomorrow, let's seeearly hours of tomorrow, let's see As the sun sets on another perfect dayAs the sun sets on another perfect day Be rude not to spend another afternoon in this horribleBe rude not to spend another afternoon in this horrible weather reading and nappingweather reading and napping
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 6 Day 3 (Tue), in France September 1, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Tuesday turned out to be delightfully packed. The morning kicked off with reviewing last night's Seestar captures—three solid keepers out of six, which is a great hit rate for stargazing out here. After a morning cuppa, we made the classic mistake of heading into Castillonnès for market day on an empty stomach. That was followed by an essential supply run through E.Leclerc and Lidl (with a bit of tactical wine reconnaissance ahead of Thursday's Foire aux Vins). Back at base, fitting the haul into the fridge was a masterclass in high-stakes Jenga, rewarded by a quick, refreshing salad for lunch. The afternoon called for a quick stop to christen François's brand-new pétanque court, followed by the obligatory dip, a shaded poolside nap, someone devouring yet another book, and a cold pint or two on the way home. The evening finished off with a lovely tea and then listening to all the birds and watching the planes fly by. Set the Seestar up for another night of astrophotography and see if we can get some footage of the Galactic Core, one day maybe . Hols Appreciate it Cloudy Altitude 26 °C 128 m 24
The Seestar did it's thing overnight 1of3 good shotsThe Seestar did it's thing overnight 1of3 good shots 3of33of3 2of32of3
Early morning trip out to local market town, Castillonnès, very picturesqueEarly morning trip out to local market town, Castillonnès, very picturesqueGrocery Shopping in E'Leclerc, this oneGrocery Shopping in E'Leclerc, this one is just for Hollyis just for Holly Definitely too early for a beer so just aDefinitely too early for a beer so just a stroll round the townstroll round the town
Now that's what you call a piece of cheese, & on special, must beNow that's what you call a piece of cheese, & on special, must be nearly free thennearly free then It's that time of day again, AI'd beer for aIt's that time of day again, AI'd beer for a different lookdifferent look Finally on to Lidl for the basics, who elseFinally on to Lidl for the basics, who else has beer in the chiller with the sandwicheshas beer in the chiller with the sandwiches Now who REALLY NEEDS a paella pan thatNow who REALLY NEEDS a paella pan that sizesize
Day 3 complete, as the sun sets watching the planeDay 3 complete, as the sun sets watching the plane flight paths, mostly to Alicanteflight paths, mostly to Alicante Might as well watch the congested skies overheadMight as well watch the congested skies overhead 28
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 7 Day 4 (Wed), in the "Big Brother House" September 2, 2026 in France, Paulhiac As per normal first thing to review the Seestar's results which to be honest not the best as it was cloudy during the night. Also tried to film a time lapse over 5 hours of the Galactic Core at sunset, that was a disaster, new plan required for tonight. Few pictures on the way to the morning pool session and a couple of artistic attempts around the pool, almost mid morning nap time . Lunch here always turns into an interesting concoction of "stuff" from the fridge mine was salad leaves tossed in a shallot dressing topped with sliced tomato, burrata, olives, croutons & an egg with a side of a ham, Comte and tomato slaw, sounds weird but tasted great, Jo went for a more standard rice and mixed bean salad topped with an egg and burrata. Afternoon shade by the pool as the temperature is definitely rising and no one wants to burn, then it will be drip, read, sleep repeat .... urgent update..... Just discovered Mandalorian & Grogu released on Disney+, turns out this new noise cancelling headphones are stunning for listening to a good shoot em up. The evening has been yet another chilled out time listening to the birds (well using the merlin app to add new ones to our life list ) watch the sun set and set the Seestar up for what looks to be a clear night Cloudy Altitude Video 27 °C 128 m 29
Seestar's last night's cloudy attempt - Eastern Veil NebulaSeestar's last night's cloudy attempt - Eastern Veil NebulaSome more site pictures, the top of theSome more site pictures, the top of the hill to the pool (lilas des Indes)hill to the pool (lilas des Indes) Seestar's Butterfly Nebula, not idealSeestar's Butterfly Nebula, not ideal conditions last night.conditions last night.
The view back down the hill, our chalet is in the distant bottom leftThe view back down the hill, our chalet is in the distant bottom left A morning cloud picture, nothing like UK cloudA morning cloud picture, nothing like UK cloud More of the plum trees by usMore of the plum trees by us
Artistic shot of pool and SaunaArtistic shot of pool and SaunaBit more atmospheric, or is it a mucky lensBit more atmospheric, or is it a mucky lens Another artistic pictureAnother artistic picture
Does make the pool very tropical and lushDoes make the pool very tropical and lush As the Sun sets over the treesAs the Sun sets over the trees It would also appear that the bookworm couldn'tIt would also appear that the bookworm couldn't sleep through Alan Carr and Stephen Fry,sleep through Alan Carr and Stephen Fry, Everything stops for a bit of Star wars in the sun.Everything stops for a bit of Star wars in the sun.
Somewhere up there is the Galactic Core just teasing meSomewhere up there is the Galactic Core just teasing me Seestar's set, even if the picture is a bit wonky it's levelSeestar's set, even if the picture is a bit wonky it's level 34
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 8 Day 5 (Thu), or is it Deep Space 9 September 3, 2026 in France, Paulhiac OMG, it was a late one last night! We stayed up until an actual 11 o'clock and were back awake by 04:00... Both the Seestar and Samsung S21 Ultra really delivered on the night sky photography (see below!). We were off to the Lidl wine festival right at opening time to stock up on home supplies for Christmas , planning to head back for a quick game of pétanque before the sun started getting silly hot again. Well, maybe the morning didn't quite go to plan. It turns out that getting, paying for, and sorting 53 bottles of wine from Lidl takes a little while! Then, of course, we had to have a nosey around E.Leclerc since it's practically next door. We scored a huge côte de bœuf reduced to €8 and two massive fresh tuna steaks reduced to €7 each —so that's three days of dinners sorted! By the time we got back, the sun was absolutely beaming down, so the pétanque got a rain check, so to speak. Since we missed breakfast yet again, it turned into a brunch day. Jo managed to find some "stunning" (her words, not mine ) oyster mushrooms, so she cooked up a batch of "mushroom stuff" for her next couple of lunches. Then, we headed off early to the pool. Because it was only 12:30, there were only three other people there! Jo has swapped books again and is now working through Hollie's Christmas present books (I think it is the September one), while I'm settling in for the final half of the Mandalorian & Grogu film. 35
Pool time is now complete. It got too hot to stay out, even in the shaded area, so it's time to retire for the afternoon to the highly shaded "Refreshments Lounge" . Cloudy Altitude 28 °C 128 m So with a lot of patience, shutter open time & some editing the Shot that has eluded me for yearsSo with a lot of patience, shutter open time & some editing the Shot that has eluded me for years
Another shot a bit later with slightly different settingsAnother shot a bit later with slightly different settings The first shot before I got the hang of what to doThe first shot before I got the hang of what to do The Seestar has beenThe Seestar has been delivering as well with thedelivering as well with the butterfly nebulabutterfly nebula And a 3 hour shot of theAnd a 3 hour shot of the Andromeda galaxy finallyAndromeda galaxy finally hit the markhit the mark Not sure where it'sNot sure where it's going in the car,going in the car, think one of us mightthink one of us might be flying homebe flying home
The blue skies are ridiculous, even the planes vapour trails are evaporatingThe blue skies are ridiculous, even the planes vapour trails are evaporating In the shade at the bar 35 degreesIn the shade at the bar 35 degrees at 16:45, 18:00 is supposed to be theat 16:45, 18:00 is supposed to be the highhigh Cooling refreshments for healthyCooling refreshments for healthy bodybody 38
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 9 Day 6 (Fri), "Big Coat" not needed today September 4, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Well, if the forecast for the next few days is correct, we're going to be hitting the high 30s. The official survival plan? Lots of water, claiming whatever shade we can find, and committing to doing absolutely nothing. Last night's Seestar session went stunningly well. The sky was completely cloudless all night long, so I've included a couple of pictures today. Today was another major chill-out day, so I thought I’d do a little photography. I've added a few more pictures of the site (the plan is to post a few every day so you can build a picture of the place). I've also been trying out some more "arty" things that I'll put on here soon. I even got some stunning video of a bumblebee and the local housemartins flying the nest for the last time, though lots of editing work is required on those! For lunch, I had a hunk of tuna with a little side salad, and Jo had that mushroom mix again. After lunch, it was definitely pool time. It hit 39°C today, meaning a mandatory dip in the pool every 30 minutes was required. Naturally, it was far too hot to walk all the way back to the chalet in one go, so we had to have a "pint stop" on the way back. (Gotta love autocorrect changing pit stop to pint stop—but who am I to argue with technology? ) Tea is going to be a late one tonight with this relentless heat. Although, Côte de bœuf 39
is on the menu, so that will definitely be nice! Clear day Altitude 29 °C 128 m Just a little nebula which is part of a bigger one, can't beJust a little nebula which is part of a bigger one, can't be greedy trying to get the big onegreedy trying to get the big one This is the "Witches Broom" Nebula, think it actually looksThis is the "Witches Broom" Nebula, think it actually looks like it's name for a changelike it's name for a change
This is the lobster claw nebula, don't know about you but all I see is a pink cloudThis is the lobster claw nebula, don't know about you but all I see is a pink cloud Oh, the obligatory book by the poolOh, the obligatory book by the pool The Housemartins going mental firstThe Housemartins going mental first thing this morning (more to follow onthing this morning (more to follow on these)these) The road down to the bottom bottomThe road down to the bottom bottom camping pitchescamping pitches
Housemartins home, look at that blue skyHousemartins home, look at that blue sky From the bar down to the outdoor poolFrom the bar down to the outdoor pool From the bar up to the "Top Field"From the bar up to the "Top Field"
The snack bar patio opposite "The bar" shocker thereThe snack bar patio opposite "The bar" shocker there Now that's a Tuna steak, none of thatNow that's a Tuna steak, none of that tinned stuff. Never seen a tuna like this attinned stuff. Never seen a tuna like this at home.home. The bar patio and just in the distance onThe bar patio and just in the distance on the left is the outdoor patio for thethe left is the outdoor patio for the indoor poolindoor pool
The obligatory sunshine and feet picture 39 degrees and perspiringThe obligatory sunshine and feet picture 39 degrees and perspiring
44°36'51" N 0°50'11" E Day 10 Day 7 (Sat), The birds have flown the nest September 5, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Just like every morning this past week, today started with a 04:00 wake-up to inspect the Seestar footage. Last night was another fantastically clear one, and I captured some great footage of different nebulas than I’d found before! Although, after 90 minutes of editing, a further two-hour "rest time" was definitely required before the obligatory two cups of tea. The overnight temperature was pretty cool (10°C), but by 09:15, it was already touching 20°C again. In other news, I'm sad to report that the huge flock of house martins has finally migrated to wherever they are going next. There wasn't a single one flying this morning! It's a good thing I got some great video of their final feeding frenzy before they left. After that, it was a wonderfully "boring" routine day: pool, lunch, pool. I also did some artistic photography and took a few more pictures of the site so you guys can see more of it. Lunch was shared with a grasshopper/cricket (said evil beastie is pictured below!). Since it was just so hot today, we bypassed the shade at the bar and opted for the fans and shade back at the ranch instead. We even had an early dinner at 19:30—well, early for here anyway! 45
While preparing dinner, we were treated to the hilarious sight of a Frenchman trying to drive his car along a VERY steep grass embankment after unloading his bags. Tonight, we are having a cozy little TV night with a glass of bubbles. I'm getting ready for another star-filled morning and more sitting by the pool tomorrow! Clear day Altitude Video 33 °C 128 m This is the Lagoon Nebula, apparently only 1 of 2This is the Lagoon Nebula, apparently only 1 of 2 that can be seen with the naked eye(I couldn'tthat can be seen with the naked eye(I couldn't )) This is C2 the Bow Tie nebula, can't see it myself,This is C2 the Bow Tie nebula, can't see it myself, but it looks goodbut it looks good This "emission" nebula is apparently 160,000This "emission" nebula is apparently 160,000 light years deep, big thenlight years deep, big then
We had a little grasshopper join us on the table for lunch, he wasn't going anywhereWe had a little grasshopper join us on the table for lunch, he wasn't going anywhere Just for those big kidsJust for those big kids that never grow upthat never grow up Looking up at the Pool areaLooking up at the Pool area Looking down from theLooking down from the pool to the middlepool to the middle shower blockshower block Bit of an arty picture,Bit of an arty picture, some old farmsome old farm machinery by themachinery by the middle shower blockmiddle shower block
2nd arty picture2nd arty pictureLooking back up at the showers, they do a good job ofLooking back up at the showers, they do a good job of blending them into the landscapeblending them into the landscape As you walk down from the middle showers to the veryAs you walk down from the middle showers to the very bottom camping pitchesbottom camping pitches
The right hand side is all tree covered tent pitches, nicely shaded in this heatThe right hand side is all tree covered tent pitches, nicely shaded in this heat More camping pitchesMore camping pitches The green spaces opposite the camping pitches, loadsThe green spaces opposite the camping pitches, loads of spaceof space
The bottom shower block after the camping, with the Safari tents just in viewThe bottom shower block after the camping, with the Safari tents just in view More treesMore trees Artistic tree picturesArtistic tree pictures
So much green spaceSo much green space The lake at the very end end of camping pitches, not for swimming inThe lake at the very end end of camping pitches, not for swimming in thoughthough 51
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 11 Day 8 (Sun), One week on September 6, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Well, as we now enter the second week of this three-week holiday, I thought I'd run over a few observations and random thoughts that never really fit anywhere else! The weather: We thought September would mean partial cloud and 22-25°C. WRONG! Brilliant sunshine and 35°C! The moules: The plan was for moules frites as a holiday staple. WRONG! The mussels are the size of barnacles, and the prices are higher than gold with Trump's levies on top. Astrophotography: The plan was to get the Seestar out once, maybe twice, if it was clear. WRONG! I’ve become completely obsessed with the stars. I'm out EVERY night because the skies are so clear, and I'm getting hundreds of stunning pictures. The suntan: The plan was to get the tan topped up by laying on sun loungers all day long. WRONG! I'm hiding in the shade most of the day and still going from a pasty white person to a bronzed Adonis. Being a Sunday, even less happens than on a normal day. So, today's excitement before hitting the bar (which was heaving since the Grand Prix was on) consisted of Lenny the Lizard getting friendly on the indoor pool's patio. This was shortly followed by a flutterby that decided it wanted a rest break on my towel—while I was lying on it. How rude! The pool this afternoon was absolutely heaving; I think half of Holland was taking a dip in the 36°C heat! Despite all the bodies in the water, you just had to jump in every 30 minutes or so to bring your core temperature down. Jo did her usual: read ANOTHER book. 52
I faced a real trauma, the next two nights are forecast to be clear, which means more Seestar action, but unfortunately, I had run out of nebulae and galaxies to photograph! My last resort was to put Gemini to work. So, alongside a new spreadsheet of existing photos, 25 new targets have been located. Dilemma resolved! Finally made it to get the beer and a grasshopper decided he needed a beer as well, he didn't understand the Yorkshire principal buying drinks in rounds so he had to find his own refreshments Clear day Altitude 31 °C 128 m The Triffid nebula, maybe a bit of an old name forThe Triffid nebula, maybe a bit of an old name for the Gen Z onwardsthe Gen Z onwards The "Pacmanx nebula maybe another oldThe "Pacmanx nebula maybe another old reference but easier to remember than NGC281reference but easier to remember than NGC281 The Triangulum Galaxy, guess there's a triangleThe Triangulum Galaxy, guess there's a triangle somewheresomewhere
The "Helix" nebula, apparently one of the closest to earth, still a few miles awayThe "Helix" nebula, apparently one of the closest to earth, still a few miles awayThe infamous petonque that François &The infamous petonque that François & "The boys" built in June"The boys" built in June Just berries on a very spikey bushJust berries on a very spikey bush outside our chalet, no editing, I thinkoutside our chalet, no editing, I think I'm getting betterI'm getting better Yellow flower, no editing straight off theYellow flower, no editing straight off the DSLR, think it's a weed but it lookedDSLR, think it's a weed but it looked prettypretty
Lenny, not sure whether the hand of god is friendly or notLenny, not sure whether the hand of god is friendly or not The beginning of another already, all theThe beginning of another already, all the Seestar's adventuresSeestar's adventures Beautiful little flutterby , shame aboutBeautiful little flutterby , shame about the legs, guess who's that isthe legs, guess who's that is
The Standard beer in the bar picture, and for a change, not my legThe Standard beer in the bar picture, and for a change, not my leg Same Grasshopper looking mean cos we wouldn't share the beerSame Grasshopper looking mean cos we wouldn't share the beer The grasshopper that spooked Jo by getting very friendly.The grasshopper that spooked Jo by getting very friendly. 56
44°36'47" N 0°50'5" E Day 12 Day 9 (Mon), Animal day today. September 7, 2026 in France, Paulhiac After the trauma of trying to find some new targets for the Seestar yesterday, it came up trumps—7 of the 9 targets turned out really good (the other 2 were a bit boring ). I have a plan in place for tonight, so hopefully I'll get a few more good ones in the bag! Shopping day today to top up on fresh produce. Wine stocks are still holding strong ! Normally food shopping gets a bit tedious, so we set ourselves a challenge: what yellow-stickered bargains could we find? There are two reasons for this: I’m tight. We can never decide what to have, so the discount stickers pick what we make our meals from! E.Leclerc was a hit this morning—€24 for a haul of bargains (see the picture), and only the rum baba was full price at €4. Just to really jazz up the expedition, we called into Aldi. In summary: what a s#@t hole! Won't be venturing in there again. To finish off, we visited one of Jo's favourite tat shops, GiFi (think B&M on steroids). We somehow managed to buy only things we "needed" —you could so easily come home with a van full of "stuff". Today's photography tour focused on the various animals on-site. And yes, I did use AI to remove the wire fences from the pictures—it just looks so much better! Tomorrow will probably be more shots of the site itself, although I’ve photographed a lot of it already, so we'll see what else I can dig up. Currently, it’s 13:40 and we’re sat around the pool with only five other people. It’s lovely, and a scorching 29°C! So a full afternoon in the shade at the pool, when we got back at 18:00 36° outside 33° inside, so it had to be Fan, Beer and Nuts . 57
Tonight's tea from our haul this morning we have a carpaccio starter then a stir fried beef and vegetable main course, one pot cook in the Ninja out on the veranda. Time Partly cloudy Altitude 11:01 am 23 °C 134 m The Eagle Nebula, 5700 light yrs away, known for "TheThe Eagle Nebula, 5700 light yrs away, known for "The pillars of creation" zoom in you can just seepillars of creation" zoom in you can just see The Ring Nebula, this is a planetary NebulaThe Ring Nebula, this is a planetary Nebula
The "Blinking planetary" nebula, something to do with your eye wandering when youThe "Blinking planetary" nebula, something to do with your eye wandering when you look at the centrelook at the centre What a haul of stickersWhat a haul of stickers Mirach's Ghost, as it's rare to seeMirach's Ghost, as it's rare to see both as they hide each otherboth as they hide each other normallynormally
The goats watching everything going on, not escaped yet this holidayThe goats watching everything going on, not escaped yet this holidayThe little bunnies are spoilt as they have air conditionedThe little bunnies are spoilt as they have air conditioned hutchhutch They came running thinking I had food, 5 seconds saw noneThey came running thinking I had food, 5 seconds saw none end went back to their hayend went back to their hay
The chickens & Chicks are also air-conditioned so you get "happy eggs" from themThe chickens & Chicks are also air-conditioned so you get "happy eggs" from them 6pm and still a tad warm6pm and still a tad warm The second lake they have decent sized fish in itThe second lake they have decent sized fish in it
Beer and nuts in the shadeBeer and nuts in the shade 62
44°36'53" N 0°50'9" E Day 13 Day 10 (Tue), Is that rain on the horizon? September 8, 2026 in France, Paulhiac So it's a Tuesday and your on holiday what do you do? Well in this house you what everyone else thinks is mad, let's get up at silly o'clock and see what Astrophotography has been captured by Seestar AGAIN then download all the images, edit them all, select which ones to post and then have 2 cups of tea, look at the clock and go 06:30 what shall we do today . Interesting weather this morning, about 08:15 a mist descended across the site all of a sudden, still 17°c though, one advantage of having the indoor pool, it's still lovely in there watching the world go by out of the windows. So as you do while lying around the pool, you research "stuff", I just figured out how to get FindPenguin to create a photo book of all this journey, we're not half way and it's already 59 pages (& costs €58 ), however it will do it as a free PDF, me being me, play some more and I've turned it into flipping page ebook that anyone can then read online without apps or anything so even the dinosaurs can see our story. Full details once the trip is complete. So after a light roast pork and jacket tatty, we thought it would be rude not to support François with his late night pool might, so off we trundled to the indoor pools for a dip a visit to the hamam and the sauna, where we met Colin (his better half, I think Eileen had flown home) what a shocker he was from Leicestershire so after the pool we all sat with François till midnight (yes you heard that right midnight) discussing a random french card game that made no sense and how he could sell the sight to astrophotography geeks. So a gentle stagger back to the ranch and time for a nap. 63
Hols You’d love to have a go on that! Don’t pretend Hols I love this Mark Smith Getting plenty of photography practice in here, it's great fun Joanne Smith He has to do something while I'm reading! Clear day Altitude Video 30 °C 119 m Now we might actually get some rain hereNow we might actually get some rain here after 10 days of ridiculous heat, no Seestarafter 10 days of ridiculous heat, no Seestar tonighttonight Stephen's Quintet, This namesake of mine had to beStephen's Quintet, This namesake of mine had to be includedincluded This is "The Hidden Galaxy" because it's behind aThis is "The Hidden Galaxy" because it's behind a dusty area of the galactic equatordusty area of the galactic equator
The "Sculptor Galaxy" a starburst galaxy as it's making lots of new starsThe "Sculptor Galaxy" a starburst galaxy as it's making lots of new stars The snack bar patio areaThe snack bar patio area As mist dropped on a Warm September MorningAs mist dropped on a Warm September Morning The "Cigar Galaxy" another starburst galaxy, the core isThe "Cigar Galaxy" another starburst galaxy, the core is 100 times brighter than the milky way100 times brighter than the milky way
The view from the snack bar patioThe view from the snack bar patio Just a bench, so why not take take a picture of itJust a bench, so why not take take a picture of it Jacqueline's Lime bushes around the patio areaJacqueline's Lime bushes around the patio area
Not for us Gen X's but maybe those Gen Z's (H&J)Not for us Gen X's but maybe those Gen Z's (H&J) The bottom camping area, this time turningThe bottom camping area, this time turning right from the shower blockright from the shower block The 2nd lake full of big fishThe 2nd lake full of big fish
One solitary mushroom I found on the site, so why not photograph itOne solitary mushroom I found on the site, so why not photograph it So it said rain tonight, that seems to dwindled again, let'sSo it said rain tonight, that seems to dwindled again, let's see what the night actually bringssee what the night actually brings 68
44°36'53" N 0°50'9" E Day 13 Day 11 (Wed), A day with no Seestar to edit September 8, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Oh, the trauma and loss! No astrophotography edits this morning, as it was a cloudy night... What can you do in this kind of scenario? Go back through the old RAW images still on the Seestar's SD card and reprocess them with today's technology! It was too late to post on yesterday's footprint, but we went to the "night in the pool" from 20:00 to 22:00. They opened the indoor pool at night with some ambient lighting and had the sauna and hammam running. It was very relaxing! Afterward, we sat in the bar talking for a couple of hours while François tried to teach us and Colin (a friendly English guy we met) how to play the most random card game that the French love, called Belote. Jacqueline was very competitive playing against three guys! The three of us could not understand how to play it at all. (I've put the overview in the gallery.) The other game being played was Triominos; it seemed more straightforward but was played very seriously. The French really do seem to take their gaming seriously! ♣♦♠ The rain... we actually had some rain last night! Not a lot, and it fell somewhere between 00:30 and 04:00. We had the window open and never heard a thing, but we did find that the towels we’d forgotten on the drying rack were a bit soggy this morning. We had a light lunch—a tomato and mozzarella salad—and then headed back to the 69
outdoor pool, where we are currently all alone... After a few hours of sun it was back to the ranch for a bite to eat and an early night, well Jo anyway she was sparko by 20:00, I of course had to set up even more Seestar, I am so running out of targets, so far 125 different points of interest. We shall see what the morning brings. Clear day Altitude 30 °C 119 m The indoor pool at nightThe indoor pool at night 70
How to play Belote, can youHow to play Belote, can you understand?understand? Night picture on our way back, rather than all white lightsNight picture on our way back, rather than all white lights they use colour , looks much nicerthey use colour , looks much nicer Triominos our sort of game you can understand it fromTriominos our sort of game you can understand it from one pictureone picture 71
One of the two puddy tats on guard duty, like hell, was coming for fussOne of the two puddy tats on guard duty, like hell, was coming for fussOld images run through with today'sOld images run through with today's enhancingenhancing The planet Mars, not the chocolate, oneThe planet Mars, not the chocolate, one of the first images takenof the first images taken
Not a bad Pelican nebulaNot a bad Pelican nebula A Light lunch of Tomato and MozzarellaA Light lunch of Tomato and Mozzarella Playing with Gemini to see what it couldPlaying with Gemini to see what it could do, I'd say pretty realisticdo, I'd say pretty realistic
Brits out in the sunshine, how different the weather is out here, 1 min. it looks like this then....Brits out in the sunshine, how different the weather is out here, 1 min. it looks like this then.... A mad Englishman alone in the poolA mad Englishman alone in the pool The waterslide as their was no one around the pool IThe waterslide as their was no one around the pool I could take any pictures I wantedcould take any pictures I wanted The whole pool to ourselves of an afternoonThe whole pool to ourselves of an afternoon From grey cloud to this in less than 5 minutesFrom grey cloud to this in less than 5 minutes
The Jacuzzi looking up to the RestaurantThe Jacuzzi looking up to the Restaurant You might think, odd picture ofYou might think, odd picture of mushrooms, but at 100x zoom it's notmushrooms, but at 100x zoom it's not badbad The Jacuzzi and a Yorkshire Mermaid inThe Jacuzzi and a Yorkshire Mermaid in the backgroundthe background
Proper nice, were going for kebab style but skewers we got were rubbishProper nice, were going for kebab style but skewers we got were rubbish 76
44°40'50" N 0°53'41" E Day 14 Day 12 (Thu), Tourist day September 9, 2026 in France, Monpazier So, after 12 days of sunshine and doing, well, not a lot, we thought we would finally venture out and be "tourists." This morning started off a tad cooler. Because of the beautiful clear skies, we woke up to a whopping 4°C! Mind you, the forecast has today pegged as a "cool" day—a mere 24°C! Medieval Markets & Golden Mushrooms Right, we've just made it back from a quick tourist trip around Monpazier and Château de Biron. Market Strolls: Monpazier is probably the closest reasonably sized market town to us. It's an old medieval town, and the architecture still perfectly reflects that. Being out of the main tourist season, we didn't expect a full market, but it was pretty close to it! The stalls had a bit of everything: the "Cooked Chicken" van, fresh fruit and veg, handmade jewelry, clothes, and those horrible wicker bags! Striking Gold: Hallelujah, we struck gold! One stall had the elusive girolle mushrooms we’ve been keeping an eye out for since we arrived. Golden color, golden price tag: €30/kg. Naturally, some of those had to come back with us for Jo's lunch. Château Treks: Afterward, we nipped down the road to Château de Biron. We had a quick look around, but as it’s quite steep walking and that fierce sunshine kept coming back, we decided we didn't want to be the "English idiots out in the midday sun!" Back to "Reality" Now we are happily sat in our usual spots under the mesh sunshade with the entire pool to ourselves. What a life! 77
Hols Not bad fashion sense for an oldie. Did auntie jo dress you? Mark Smith Thanks from thats very positive from the fashion guru Hols You’re welcome. Always happy to help and praise those in need Mark Smith Oh, definitely in need Time Clear night Altitude 9:00 pm 17 °C 198 m Camera setup for the night skiesCamera setup for the night skies The Saturn Nebula, strange colours, but I see theThe Saturn Nebula, strange colours, but I see the Saturn ShapeSaturn Shape This is the flaming star nebula, was expecting aThis is the flaming star nebula, was expecting a little more flame but we have take what we canlittle more flame but we have take what we can getget
This is the Tadpoles Nebula, I suppose you have to give it some kind of nameThis is the Tadpoles Nebula, I suppose you have to give it some kind of name Just a little old streetJust a little old street This is unusual as an emissions nebula asThis is unusual as an emissions nebula as the bright star is the brightest of Orion'sthe bright star is the brightest of Orion's BeltBelt
Honest I'm only looking in the windowHonest I'm only looking in the window A wide angle of the main market squareA wide angle of the main market square Some may not agree with Foie Gras, but to support a dedicatedSome may not agree with Foie Gras, but to support a dedicated shop, it must sellshop, it must sell
The Artisan Boulanger window, certainly grabs your eye to the shopThe Artisan Boulanger window, certainly grabs your eye to the shop Some odd person eating a croissant againSome odd person eating a croissant again
The Yorkshire war cry can be heard for milesThe Yorkshire war cry can be heard for miles The obligatory feet in the sunshineThe obligatory feet in the sunshine Just a dinky little house, Chateau BironJust a dinky little house, Chateau Biron The market goes down all the side streetsThe market goes down all the side streets
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 15 Day 13 (Fri), Going home on Saturday, not this week September 10, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Seestar Update As usual, we had another perfectly clear sky last night, which is why the temperature dropped to 4°C overnight! Last night's plan was for 'VdB' registered stars. These aren't big, bright nebulas or galaxies, but rather small clusters. They are really interesting when you look up some of their facts, even if they aren't quite as "pretty." Weather Today... With the overnight temperature plunge due to the clear skies, it was a cold start. However, the cloud-free day means we're looking at hitting 26°C today, and it will keep climbing over the next week! Present Giving We are British, which means we like to actually thank nice people (we don't just complain like "other cultures"! ). François, Jacqueline, and their team have looked after us so well, so we got them three bottles of the local Crémant de Bordeaux to share and celebrate the end of the season. We put it all in a nice gift box with a card written in our best rough French. (Although, the usual war cry was heard again at the price of the box and card—they cost nearly as much as the fizz! ). They were so grateful, it was an absolute pleasure. Plus, they are still stuck with us for more than another week! Chill Time While the temperature rises (it's now 19°C at 11:00 AM), we are having a chill session by our private pool. We did a little artistic photo shoot on the way back from the pool, had some lunch, and then headed straight back out to the outdoor pool as it's now 83
a glorious 25°C! Well as per normal the weather forecast was a bit flakey, it said max 25, actual at 17:00 31°c so we have had to retire to the bar shade for rehydration. Time Clear night Altitude 8:51 pm 18 °C 128 m Last night's sunset, just caught at the right timeLast night's sunset, just caught at the right time and right angle.and right angle. This is the Lochness Nebula, 2 blue starsThis is the Lochness Nebula, 2 blue stars This is a blue reflection nebula only 800 lightThis is a blue reflection nebula only 800 light years from earthyears from earth
Apparently this reflection nebula looks like a shark, I can't see it in this imageApparently this reflection nebula looks like a shark, I can't see it in this image This a little known Raspberry NebulaThis a little known Raspberry Nebula near the head of Orionnear the head of Orion Astrobin.com quote "soft, blue haze asAstrobin.com quote "soft, blue haze as starlight scatters off interstellar dust"starlight scatters off interstellar dust"
Our private poolOur private poolJust a stack of wood, thought made aJust a stack of wood, thought made a change from Galaxies & Nebulachange from Galaxies & Nebula And sun terraceAnd sun terrace
This is how much the ground is cracking, however young Lenny the lizard, likes the hidingThis is how much the ground is cracking, however young Lenny the lizard, likes the hiding holesholes Back with the obligatory feet picture, 1 other person at theBack with the obligatory feet picture, 1 other person at the pool at the momentpool at the moment Lunch didn't photograph well so here's pudding "Rum Baba"Lunch didn't photograph well so here's pudding "Rum Baba" The main chicken run, (the chickens are currently in the airThe main chicken run, (the chickens are currently in the air conditioned run, & Joconditioned run, & Jo
weather forecast said 25°c this thermometer is in the shade 31°Cweather forecast said 25°c this thermometer is in the shade 31°C 88
44°36'51" N 0°50'9" E Day 17 Day 14 (Sat), Saturday is Transit Day September 12, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Saturday morning on site, and it's obvious that some are packing their cars, caravans, and motorhomes for the trek home... but not us! We've still got another week to go. The hardship of staying in 30°C heat is going to be so traumatic, I have no idea how we are going to cope. The starscape is running out of undiscovered twinkles. I would like to say the bookstore was running a bit thin; however, we have more books with us than the Bodleian Library has on its shelves! The Seestar has done its thing following the plan I set last night, with all bar one coming out very nicely. For some reason, Vega—one of the brightest things in the sky —only managed 30 seconds out of an hour of footage! But, as normal, I have listed a couple of the nice ones here. Time for the daily weather bulletin! It's definitely become a religion to complain about the UK's weather; here, it's just listing how bloody hot it gets to make everyone back home jealous. Clear nights give us a cold start (normally around 7°C), but the sun soon ramps it up to 30°C, and today is no different. After such a busy start to the day of two cups of tea, a fruit breakfast, and putting the Seestar back on charge AGAIN, we headed to the pool. As it was a balmy 10°C, we passed the French and Dutch in layers and fleeces. Not us, we're from Yorkshire! Big coits dun't come out 'til snow's on t' ground! The plan after the morning pool session is a little chuck around on the pétanque court before it gets silly hot again. We shall see if we make it... ...We made it to the pétanque courts, but it was too hot, so we just tried to take some 89
artistic photographs. I also did some macro flower photography, but that's on the big camera, so you'll have to wait for those until I download them. Our private pool had a few invaders after we arrived, how rude, we left them to it late afternoon as we needed to listen to Jazz.FM while resting our werey legs on the comfy sofas , in proximity of the rehydration point it is 33°C so you have to look after your skin Time Clear day Altitude 1:17 pm 25 °C 127 m Andromeda Galaxy, apparently the last night itAndromeda Galaxy, apparently the last night it can be seen in the same sky with the milky waycan be seen in the same sky with the milky way California Nebula, Apparently long exposureCalifornia Nebula, Apparently long exposure pictures it looks like California, not todaypictures it looks like California, not today The star is "Gamma Cassiopeiae" I just liked theThe star is "Gamma Cassiopeiae" I just liked the pretty red nebulapretty red nebula
This is a nebula found in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way galaxyThis is a nebula found in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way galaxy Petonque, trying to do some artisticPetonque, trying to do some artistic shots, these 3 are unedited, think moreshots, these 3 are unedited, think more practice is requiredpractice is required The flaming star nebula, tried this beforeThe flaming star nebula, tried this before it was rubbish, this is betterit was rubbish, this is better
Shot 2 of 3Shot 2 of 3What a surprise our private outdoor pool today, not evenWhat a surprise our private outdoor pool today, not even a towel over a loungera towel over a lounger And 3 of 3, they have potential, just not quite there yetAnd 3 of 3, they have potential, just not quite there yet
A Chilly 33°c at 16:30A Chilly 33°c at 16:30 Sunset Dinner, Veal Steak, PotatoSunset Dinner, Veal Steak, Potato Wedges were planned but roastiesWedges were planned but roasties come out bettercome out better The "Cool Evening" brief obviouslyThe "Cool Evening" brief obviously never made down here as 32° atnever made down here as 32° at 8pm I say is still a little warm8pm I say is still a little warm
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 17 Day 15 (Sun), Multi Penguin feeds September 12, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Morning chores as normal! The Seestar needs its morning attention, and I did just a little video editing of H&J's takeoff from Manchester Airport. I thought it was quite unique, especially since they still insist on having phones switched off on planes! Last night's sunset was one of the best. It seems that as the nights get longer, the sunsets get better. Weather bulletin... Yep, still hot and still no rain! However, the forecast does predict cloudy skies tonight, so the Seestar may get a day's rest We shall see! Day by day, there are people packing up since the site closes next Sunday. There are still quite a lot of people here, but you can definitely see it thinning out a little. We headed up to the pool for a leisurely late-morning dip (well, 10 am). François was having a slow morning too, as he was just finishing up cleaning the pool. For today's pre-lunch activities, I thought I'd try taking some artistic pictures again out on the pétanque court, along with a flower by our chalet. I actually remembered to take a kneeling cloth this time so I could get low down and see what I was photographing Much less "point and hope"! Lunch was definitely the least healthy of the holiday as we were clearing out the fridge: toasted paninis topped with mustard, chicken, bacon, and cheese, finished off with some Italian herbs and pepper. Absolutely delicious! 94
Now, let's play "guess how many people are at the pool"... .... Oh dear there was 1 man there, don't like to use the phrase but seemed a bit of a weirdo he was swimming round the pool in a full size scuba mask then he lay in the jacuzzi with a hat on . 14:00 posting time in the Dordogne, at least Tunisia gets an extra hour . Hols This is my favourite time of day Joanne Smith What will we all do when he has to go back to work in a week or so? ...Oh yeah, he doesn't now he's retired! Mark Smith Already said, it's gunna have to be "The retiree Diary" A weekly summary of everything I had forgotten I'd done in the last 7 days Time Clear night Altitude 8:38 pm 22 °C 128 m Completely unedited sunset fromCompletely unedited sunset from last nightlast night This is the Bat Nebula, still can't seeThis is the Bat Nebula, still can't see itit This is another part of the veilThis is another part of the veil nebula, always comes out nicelynebula, always comes out nicely The Question Mark Nebula, I canThe Question Mark Nebula, I can see this one, the dot at the bottomsee this one, the dot at the bottom is at 07:00is at 07:00
The Maia Nebula, haven't found many blue NebulasThe Maia Nebula, haven't found many blue NebulasSunday morning and François is takingSunday morning and François is taking it steady this morning,it steady this morning, Looks like summer is staying with us.Looks like summer is staying with us.
A few artistic pictures of petonqueA few artistic pictures of petonque Artistic 3 of 4Artistic 3 of 4 Artistic 2 of 4Artistic 2 of 4 97
Artistic 4 of 4Artistic 4 of 4 Tried a few flower pictures, not to badTried a few flower pictures, not to bad This is probably my least healthy lunch (fridge clearThis is probably my least healthy lunch (fridge clear out) but tastes right niceout) but tastes right nice
Three things to summarise 3 weeksThree things to summarise 3 weeks 34°C at 16:30, François says he can't remember a September like this34°C at 16:30, François says he can't remember a September like this
44°36'54" N 0°50'9" E Day 19 Day 16 (Mon), is it really the last week? September 14, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Last night was a bit of a challenge for the Seestar. Some good results, some not so much—I have one of Saturn that looks like a supernova! And in sad news, the mosquitoes won 25-0. I was eaten alive during the evening, and the bites all flared up around 01:30. I was awake until 06:30 trying absolutely every option to calm them down, so methinks a little siesta will be on the cards this afternoon. So, today was our last venture out to the supermarkets to grab the last couple of meals and the bag-in-a-box wine for the mother-in-law. Rather than the hour-long round trip to Lidl and E.Leclerc, we nipped down the road to an Auchan. Only, we got there to find they are shutting for a major refit and are selling everything off cheap—like 80% off! We couldn't get a bag of salad, but we did score a new temperature probe and some skewers (and more). We were back at the ranch for 10:00, unpacked, and decided to rock the routine by heading to the outdoor pool for a morning swim. Since there was nobody there, I managed to shoot some in-water videos; we'll have to see how they edit out! Nearly forgot the obligatory weather bulletin... More blue skies and bloody hot. I should work for the Met Office! (The forecast says 34°C, but it said 30 yesterday and it hit 34 ). We had an early lunch of rather nice French bread topped with mustard, omelette, chicken, and tomato. It sounds random as hell but tasted stunning, all washed down with a 0% beer. Jo had a Spoons-style chilli, rice, and chips, finished off with a VERY rich chocolate mousse. 100
Then it was back to the pool via the woods and the shade, as it's now 35°C. We set up base camp on "our" loungers, numéros trois et quatre, in the shade. Today we actually had people around the pool! "Ronseal man" joined us soon after arrival, along with a French couple with their flask of coffee . At least "the smelly ones" seem to have gone home, and we also seem to have had "Beaker" return to the Netherlands (long story, but think of Sesame Street).... 14:00, time to post! Time Clear day Altitude Video 10:37 am 23 °C 118 m It said it was Saturn, unless aliens have turned itIt said it was Saturn, unless aliens have turned it into a supernova, I think it's made a mistakeinto a supernova, I think it's made a mistake Fireworks Galaxy, Last time I got this it wasFireworks Galaxy, Last time I got this it was rubbish, this looks much betterrubbish, this looks much better Elephants Trunk Nebula, nope still not seeing itElephants Trunk Nebula, nope still not seeing it
Crab Nebula, now this one has come out probably the best from last nightCrab Nebula, now this one has come out probably the best from last night Think the wine might need some organising to get the beer in ohThink the wine might need some organising to get the beer in oh and our possessionsand our possessions
Only we could find a supermarket that was closing for a refitOnly we could find a supermarket that was closing for a refit Might not look up pretty, but tasted stunningMight not look up pretty, but tasted stunning Doesn't that water look inviting, oh look a Yorkshire bird in the waterDoesn't that water look inviting, oh look a Yorkshire bird in the water
I think the 34°c forecast will be out the windowI think the 34°c forecast will be out the windowWell the forecast was wrong again, don't think thisWell the forecast was wrong again, don't think this is 34°cis 34°c It used to be a posh chocolate mousse, it lostIt used to be a posh chocolate mousse, it lost
44°36'48" N 0°50'1" E Day 20 Day 17 (Tue), who said there wasn't an 'F' in Hot September 15, 2026 in France, Paulhiac So this morning—well, last night, actually—I decided that rather than trying to update you on yesterday (as not a lot happens at night), I'll just add it to today's post so they can be released at the same time! Yesterday afternoon into the evening was, in two words, F'in Hot! Over 38°C is just unbearable, as it doesn't falter until dark—not even at dusk. So, we had to ensure lots of "hydration" until then. I'm sure by now everyone is getting bored of my Seestar updates, but I've never seen so many clear nights! So, tonight, rather than going for ten targets, I'm doing just four to let it gather as much data as possible and see what happens... We shall see. Today.....As for the Seestar results, I've put three of the four pictures up. The results look good, but when you look at the facts—zero clouds, and each target got around three hours of view time—they only yielded about an hour of "good" data. The other frames seem to have been ruined by satellites and planes! Oh well, we'll see what I can tinker with for tonight, as the forecast only shows two clear nights left. On the good news front, I got a lovely picture of the moon as it popped over the trees for about 30 minutes. We also got to see the moon right next to Venus—it formed a perfect line straight down the valley from us. I took a picture, but it really doesn't do justice to what it looked like in person. As for today's activities... we are really going to push ourselves and do: pool, lunch, pool, nap, and tea. I wonder how that will pan out! 105
We haven't done badly at sticking to the plan today! We hit the pool (even had a few others join us), might have snuck in a little power nap , and then headed back for lunch. We had our own take on a fish finger sandwich. Jo's was a simple buttered bun/ bap/cob (keeping all regions happy! ) with half a battered fish fillet, dipped in ketchup and mayo. Mine, on the other hand, was a Banksy work of art. I added little salted vine tomatoes, plastic cheese, Dijon mustard, kebab sauce, and a whole battered fish fillet. Tasted lovely! The afternoon pool session was delayed slightly due to some undesirables putting towels on our sun loungers. How rude! So, we had to select others a whole eight feet further from the entrance. We had a quick dip to cool off, sat in the sun to dry, and then retreated back to the shade. Jo already has the noise-cancelling headphones on, so her 40-minute podcast will probably be a little patchy while she "recharges." Hols Sorry someone took your seats!! Mark Smith It's just so not British (They were Dutch) and all they did was throw a ball between themselves in the pool Joanne Smith I did a meditation about letting go of anxiety.. not too sure what it said but by heck was it a good 40 minute power nap! Mark Smith Proper recharge Time Clear day Altitude Video 12:32 pm 30 °C 128 m 106
Whirlpool GalaxyWhirlpool Galaxy 3 hours focused on Andromeda only 433 hours focused on Andromeda only 43 mins of good datamins of good data Triangulum Galaxy 3 hours gazing timeTriangulum Galaxy 3 hours gazing time 77 minutes of good data77 minutes of good data
The moon gave us a quick glimpse last night, not a bad phone pictureThe moon gave us a quick glimpse last night, not a bad phone pictureWhat a masterpiece, banksy versionWhat a masterpiece, banksy version of a fish finger sandwichof a fish finger sandwich Don't knock it till you've tried it, it'sDon't knock it till you've tried it, it's better than a lot of alcoholic beersbetter than a lot of alcoholic beers I've hadI've had The sun does make pretty patterns,The sun does make pretty patterns, and guess who's in the shot againand guess who's in the shot again
44°36'0" N 0°49'60" E Day 21 Day 18 (Wed), We've Got Drizzle September 16, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Good morning all! It's now 08:00 and we have light drizzle. Most would think, "Boo hoo, rain," but here, there are little celebrations. The peak temperature today should only be 24°C (a massive 13° down from yesterday's!). We currently have a 17° start today, so it's actually "nice." A pictorial start to the day... As Jo said, "It's a weird light." I can't say I've ever seen such an unusual orangey light in the morning. The pictures taken are a fair representation of it, though it's not quite as weird as actually being in it. I let the Seestar do its thing, and it got one picture out of the three planned—primarily due to the cloud cover. Now, onto the mosquito attack: I've been bitten a lot over the last 36 hours. Talking to François yesterday, he had also been eaten alive in the previous 24 hours. We're guessing some kind of "plague" of mozzies has hit the area, so we are all on a strict bite zap, cream, and antihistamine routine to keep it under control. We're going on holiday... we're going on holiday.... Hope that came across all childish like! We are officially penciled in for next June and September back here to do it all over again. Urgent weather bulletin: We have cloud! It's actually weather we can survive in for the moment—20°C and comfortable. Although, if you look at the forecast for today, it looks like come lunchtime, normal "Oh my God!" service will resume. Us Brits do love a good bit of weather gossip. Lunch was an interesting affair of fridge leftovers. I had an omelette with mustard and croutons (along with the usual stuff), and Jo had her version of bubble and squeak. 109
We finished off with a yogurt for me, and the other super-rich, super-dark chocolate mousse for Jo. She claimed, and I quote, "I won't eat all of it now." If you haven't guessed, she lied. That mousse was never going to see the magic light of the fridge ever again! Top Gun à la Française: Just as we were finishing lunch, the French Air Force decided to start doing high-speed maneuvers straight up the valley towards us! Where were the cameras? On charge inside, of course. We wouldn't have got them in time anyway, so we just savored the moment and watched in awe. The site is really emptying out now. They store a lot of vans for people, so guests just pack their cars and go. François then takes the vans with the tractor to the storage barn—you can tell he's dragged a LOT of vans around the site! He knew every tight corner, bump, and bend, clearing them off in minutes. Talking to him last night, he said by Friday there will only be 18 couples left on site as everyone packs up for winter, even though it's forecast for more 30°C+ heat next week. I'm predicting a very quiet, lazy afternoon by the pool, and then we'll join François, Jacqueline, and the last of the guests in the bar... Time Cloudy Altitude 1:44 pm 22 °C 115 m 110
Unedited picture of the moon from last night, not to badUnedited picture of the moon from last night, not to bad I see a U-Turn, plane does a U-Turn rightI see a U-Turn, plane does a U-Turn right above us, what's the chancesabove us, what's the chances The obligatory foot picture with notThe obligatory foot picture with not another sole around the poolanother sole around the pool The one star picture from last night, oneThe one star picture from last night, one of the longest collection times andof the longest collection times and probably the worstprobably the worst Is that not a weird light for 08:00, takenIs that not a weird light for 08:00, taken out of the back of our chalet.out of the back of our chalet.
44°36'51" N 0°50'8" E Day 21 Day 19 (Thu), Chilly one this morning September 16, 2026 in France, Paulhiac Good morning all! Well, it might have helped if I had shut the door properly last night. Outside: 4.5°C, inside: 14°C! The emergency heating went on this morning, and we were soon up to a comfortable 19°C with our cup of tea. It was so cold that even the Seestar batteries didn't like it. They normally last well past 7:00 AM, but didn't even make it to 05:30 before running out of go-go juice. She's been plugged in, re-juiced, dried out, and downloaded, all ready to be packed away since we're facing the second cloudy night of this astronomy marathon. Scandalous! With fresh bread and pain aux raisins collected, we spent a bit of time packing up the things we didn't need or use, getting ready for the jigsaw puzzle of packing the car tomorrow. Photo-wise, there isn't a lot to show so far. I've got a couple of nice ones off the Seestar and a beautiful setting moon from last night. I've included the unedited version to give you some context, as well as the edited one for the details. I tried to capture some of the misty trees while collecting the bakery items, but they didn't really work out. I did get some cute kitty pics from last night as the sun was setting, though! The site is really looking empty as more vans pack up to leave. From our conversations, the general consensus is that most people are leaving on Friday, so we'll have a quiet time until we head off on Saturday—although a few newbies have trickled in over the past day or two, so we shall see! We stuck to our morning exercise schedule at the indoor pool (29°C, come on! ), swimming our usual hundreds of lengths. 112
After crushing our "hundred lengths," we headed back to the ranch to rehydrate and get some carbs into our system. As you can see from my lunch picture, it was a masterpiece. I took some fresh bread, seared it in the juices of onions, merguez sausages, and tomatoes, and placed the "toast" in a bowl. Then, I fried a seasoned egg into the mix and poured it all over the bread. It tasted divine—just a completely random mix of "left in the fridge" stuff! Before heading back to the pool for another swimming marathon, I took the big shade sails off the veranda so I could start organising the car layer by layer. You'll see the "first" layer in the picture, but what you can't see is the spare wheel compartment. I found some extra space in there, so it's now full of port, Madeira, and Aperol! One for the Gen Xers: I should have been on The Krypton Factor (Gen Z and above will have to Google it ). Now, take a guess how many people were around the pool when we got there. Yep, no one! These "private" pools are great—all the space in the world. Weather update: today I get to try out my new cloud app. No, not like data "in the cloud," I mean the fluffy white ones in the sky. While it's officially cloudy and 22°C today, our weather station says 25°C, and the picture shows just a bit of fluffy stuff. It's very much a "stick your head out the window and decide it's okay for a swim" kind of day. The plan for the rest of the day is to do very little. We'll probably keep François company in the bar, and then we'll have another random selection of fridge leftovers for tea that you would normally never put together, but will inevitably taste great. Joanne Smith Your 'fridge leftovers' are sirloin steak marinated in soya and honey with fresh veg and tricklore rice I think you'll find! Mark Smith Ok, planned meals that are using the last food left in the fridge 113
Time Partly cloudy Altitude 6:29 pm 23 °C 129 m These 2 are not posers at allThese 2 are not posers at all Freshly baked bread with Balsamic and olive oil,Freshly baked bread with Balsamic and olive oil, just a little starterjust a little starter
Pasta in cream sauce with roast chicken pieces topped with crispy skin, deliciously delightfulPasta in cream sauce with roast chicken pieces topped with crispy skin, deliciously delightful Untouched crescent moon,Untouched crescent moon, looked huge and stunninglooked huge and stunning to the eye, not so to theto the eye, not so to the cameracamera Zoomed in and editedZoomed in and edited moonmoon A bright emission nebula,A bright emission nebula, called the "horsehead"called the "horsehead" nebulanebula Thought appropriate for theThought appropriate for the kitty clan, "Cat's eye" nebulakitty clan, "Cat's eye" nebula The "Veil" nebula never failsThe "Veil" nebula never fails to deliverto deliver
As the mist rose in the morningAs the mist rose in the morning Like a mill pond, justLike a mill pond, just waiting for this gorillawaiting for this gorilla to wreck theto wreck the tranquilitytranquility Found this on the wall by theFound this on the wall by the pool, how it all began here,pool, how it all began here, guessing a fair while agoguessing a fair while ago Now if that's not aNow if that's not a piece of lunchtime artpiece of lunchtime art Now that's packingNow that's packing Some of those fluffySome of those fluffy white thingswhite things Looks like thisLooks like this cloud app couldcloud app could be as riveting asbe as riveting as Flight 24, Jo willFlight 24, Jo will be happybe happy
Your FindPenguins travels in a book.