Flying in Provence

Dear All,

As usual, we have been very busy this past week with school and work. Nicolas finished a round of tests and to his relief got high marks in French and math. Nathaniel is starting to speak more French with his teachers at school and it appears that he has absorbed more than we thought during our time in here. Joe submitted his papers for peer review and welcomed a visiter from the BYU MBA Program at ITER.


This Saturday, Joe was able to go flying around our area with a friend from church. After waiting for some fog to clear, they tookoff from a small grass airfield just north of our town. One of the first things they saw was this small church built on the precipise of a cliff above the town of Gap.

Unlike some areas in France, the topography of Provence is very diverse. It includes many valleys, rolling hills and mountains.

Just a few minutes away, you arrive at the base of the French alps.

Joe passed over the "Gorge de Verdon", or the French version of the grand canyon. This area is known for eagles that nest near the tops of the cliffs. As they passed over, Joe was even able to get a glimpse of one soaring between the canyon walls.

Many of the mountains in the French alps are above the treeline and are barren except for grass and a few small shrubs.

They passed over the Lake of Saint Croix. Several weeks ago, we had rented paddle boats from this small village. The lake does not allow motor vehicles, which makes it a peaceful and pristine place to swim.

The fields on the plateau near Valensole are typically full of wheat and lavender in the summer.

The fall colors are just starting to appear in the mountains.

Flying between the peaks is a little bumpy due to the updrafts created by the mountains. This was particularly noticeable by whoever was sitting in the back seat.

Several of the mountain peaks are topped with observatories and radar installations. They were also able to wave at the occasional hiker.

 After flying, all the families got together and had a nice lunch. We then went on a short hike in the hills above Volx to an area filled with the aroma of wild thyme and Rosemary. The kids enjoyed chasing each other up the mountain and throwing acorns.

Bonne Samain,

Joe, Julie, Nicolas, Elyse, and Nathaniel