Fontainebleu memories

As Fontainebleau melts in the distance I want to share a few memories:

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Polish party of 3
Leaving Poland over a month ago Polish is the last language I expect to hear; but on the second day in Fontainebleau we are lucky enough to find ourselves bouldering with a Polish couple.

Coming over from London Ada and Grzes bring their 2 month old baby daughter Nela and pushing a pram stroll into the thickest collection of boulders in France. Instantly in love with their travelling approach, we spent several days enjoying their company and generosity before the pressure of time forces us to leave Fontainebleau.

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The Irish crew

Perched on the top of my conquered boulder I look around for other climbers. Drifting up an adjacent rock face I hear the sounds of familiar accent. But which... Irish!

Exchanging a few words on the way up Jane arrives at the top, sits and rolls a smoke. From our castles in the sky we briefly chat while her companions each climb up and join her.

Standing on the top Jane, Sonia, Kevin and Seamuus look around then ask: "how do we get down?" hmm. Unfortunately this being one of the steepest boulders the traditional descent is by shimmying down with feet on one boulder and back pressed up against the other. Peering over the edge the girls are not eager and look for other possibilities. 10 minutes later and with the aid of two 'crash mats' all 4 are safely back on solid ground - No broken legs, no tears and the only comment: "I'm not going up there again!"

The day proceeds and by its end we have a BBQ invite. A quick shop for meat turns into a mission and once at the checkout we have enough food to feed a third world country not to mention sparing no expense on cocktail umbrellas and gold plated cutlery.

Arriving at the caravan park we settle in for the evening with a beer in one hand and tongs in the other. The BBQ is a fantastic success, and with full bellies and 4 pork chops still sizzling we invite our caravan park neighbours from across the way to join us. Bringing a cask of wine they accept and glass by glass wine and conversation runs rich late into the night.

Waking at a respectable hour we gather our belongings and repack the van. Waving goodbye the van grumbles and we're on our way.