David's Diary: Saturday, August 11, 2001

Chevreuse, France

Jocelyn and Karalee made our now traditional Saturday morning visit to the market at St. Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. After shopping they made a visit to the Chevreuse tourist information and we decided to take a hike and have a picnic at Chateau de la Madeleine. The chateau is perched above the village of Chevreuse and is highly visible from the valley. Every time we see it our desire to have a look has grown and today we are going to satisfy our desire.

Chateau de la Madeleine

When we first got there the Chateau was closed, but we found a shady spot and had a traditional French picnic with baguettes, paté, cheese, and cold cuts along with some fresh vegetables. After lunch the chateau was open and we paid a visit. It is a medieval fortress that protected the valley of Chevreuse. The origins of the chateau date back to the 1300s. Like most medieval fortresses, Chateau de la Madeleine includes a fresh water well (so deep that we could not see the bottom).

The "Boys" With Fresh Haircuts

After our walk and picnic at the Chateau we returned to the village of Chevreuse. Allen, Kevin, and David were overdue for a haircut. We found one place in the village that could take us in. Communication was via a couple of sample books where we each picked out our new look. The staff was helpful and a lot of hair got left on the floor. All three of us look and feel lighter in our new looks.