Caves and Cliffs

From the depths to the dizzying heights, we sure do have good leg muscles.
Yesterday was the Big Day where Freya faced her fears and braved the imposing Gouffre De Padirac, an immense underground cavern discovered in 1889 by a French potholer named Edouard Martel. We walked 103 metres down an incredible staircase then travelled by canoe along an underground river. Very Raiders of the Lost Ark. We saw the Pendeloque, a giant limestone stalactite 60 metres tall before embarking and touring the enormous vault of the cave by foot. Gaudi must have been inspired by the weird and wonderful shapes of the limestone formations. Being in the cave was strangely peaceful and I understand why they are often called underground cathedrals. Fortunately we were wearing raincoats as we walked under cascading water and were dripping wet. The highest point of the cave reached 94 metres, only 5 metres of rock separating it from the surface.
Hope no-one digs a hole in the wrong place one day. The French aren't exactly known for sticking to rules and regulations.
Anyway Freya was an absolute trouper and maybe even enjoyed herself. The promise of chocolate mousse and frites worked a treat.
Today we went in the opposite direction and climbed the cliffs of Rocamadour. Another medieval castle and village, this time built into a sheer cliff face. More picturesque stone cottages and views, all dripping in history. We explored the village, visited the famous Black Madonna, climbed to the absolute top of the castle where even James said he felt uncomfortable! After surviving the Italian Autostradas, nothing scares me! I could have walked along the edge blindfolded.
We drove back to our hideaway and spent the afternoon eating stinky goats cheese, drinking vino and watching the naughty teenagers shrieking loudly in the pool.