Spent an agreeable night at l'Ambroisie's backyard. Woken early by the crows. They are telling us it is time to leave.

So we did. We found a wonderful spot, again through Park4Night. A privately owned Country House where animals run free. And indeed, the animals run free! What a heartwarming sight. Upon arrival, We where immideately greeted by the Peacock, shortly followed by an enormous but friendly dog. Guiness, the Irish Greyhound.

Le Relais du doubs is a cosey bed & breakfast run by a nice couple that only recently acquired the castle. They have 10 acres of land, both farmland and forestry, overlooking the Saône. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed and entirely what we love. Not too tidy, creative and free. This is illustrated by the free running herd: dogs, pigs, ducks, chicken, pigeon, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowls all mixed happily. What a wonderful scenery.

We spent two nights here. Partly because we needed some small repairs to our van, but also we needed to catch up with our content. And last but not least, we are allowed to make a fire! We brought our large Dutch the Windmill souppan along with us, and also our firepot and our tripod. So we came prepared.

Souptime

It is nice to be able to build your own little fireplace. We asked the owner three pieces of wood, and we could pick at will. The man has ten acres of forest, so there is plenty available. He has never seen a froe, so we get the chance to learn him about cleaving firewood. He is delighted for he only chops with an axe. And that is always dangereous. A froe is much saver.

With all the wood chopped it was all too easy to prepare a good fire. We stuffed all our leftover veggies in the pot and an hour later we enjoyed a good hot vegetable soup.

First glimpse of Spring

The further south we drive, the better the weather becomes. The sky is clear for the first time. Only two days ago, we camped in the snow, and now it is already an agreeable 15°C.

We go for a walk and do some filming. We even air our drone. Not bad shots. Birdhouse Alert!

Given the opportunity we will for sure return to this magical place!