Simply Beautiful

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Medieval churches. A waterfall. The Alps. Love at first sight. 

Joseph is the beach baby. I love the mountains. The crisp, cool air was like an embrace upon our arrival.

This gorgeous, Provencal village proved a sweet and restful respite in our early days of travel. It's a small village, easy to navigate, and it wasn't crowded, perhaps because of that cool mountain air I'm so fond of. All the shops were still open, but shopkeepers told us they would soon be closing for the season.

We stayed at Le Relais, a lovely, family-run hotel. From our room, we had beautiful views from every window and the waterfall offered bedtime music.  There's so very much to do in this region. Throughout our vacation, my walking improved day by day. But I was still very limited in the beginning. At the same time, there's a twelfth century church above the town--Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir-- that I really wanted to visit. You might recall my observation about medieval villages and steps. Joseph was up for it --not for himself. Going up all those steps posed no problem for him. But we both knew my ascent would be painstakingly slow.

It was worth it.  Stations of the Cross are along the trail, giving us even more opportunity for prayers and gratitude. To be sure, the view alone prompts awe for God's creation.

The chapel holds an air of both antiquity and sanctity. I didn't take photos inside because it's a small, intimate space and people were praying.

More than a hike, something of a pilgrimage, and a beautiful way to start the day.