The hills are alive with the sound of digging

We are now at the end of July so the next big event here in Rennes les Bains is the annual spit lamb roast of the largest treasure hunters association on the 8th August. Normally fuelled by a bit of alcohol the hunters share their latest theories with the world!

I have had complaints from some visitors to Rennes that each time they go for a walk in the woods here it gets more and more dangerous as there are more and more holes to fall in to on the surrounding hills. There has been allot of mining around here over the years, gold, jet, lead, silver etc, but what are they digging for now?

Trebhor Cooper, who is midway through writing his book about his discoveries is convinced that he is on to something big involving a famous mathematicien, whilst the Flemish / Dutch forum under the able direction of 'Indiana' Klaas van Urk and 'Iron man' Kurt Impens' are working in a completely different location. All I can tell you is that they all spend a lot of time in the woods around here and even though Wouter de Bour provides a three course picnic lunch for them with a choice of menu, I'm sure that they know more than they are telling me!

I have just had Manolu who he the youngest and bravest representativeof the Swiss / German group here and with his girlfriends brother he spent allot of the holiday underground perhaps going boldly where no man has gone before.

Which brings us nicely onto the topic of Bugarach.

2012 is the year when in some people's opinion there will be a 300 metre tidal wave that sweeps us all away, leaving behind only those who communicate with the aliens who arrive by UFO to Bugarach. (I promise you I am not inventing this, but when you live here you certainly don't need to watch television to be entertained). I have not invested in a rubber dingy and have not been asked to build an ark yet, but maybe if I cut down all the trees in the woods it will be easier to find the treasure which is hidden there somewhere?

There seem to be more and more 'experts' who are convinced that the body of Jesus Christ and or Mary Magdalen are burried here in the valley and with other people telling me the treasure of the temple of Jerusalem, the treasure of the Cathars, the treasure of the Knight Templars are all here as well, I can't understand why with all the gardening I do, all I've found to date in 8 years are a few old cintime pieces and a few nails, but trust me there is 'gold in them hills'!

Otherwise, for the more uninteresting mortals like myself, the folklore festival is sadly over for another year, we had three great groups who sang and danced for us last week. You see, the world comes to Rennes les Bains.

It is the village fete on Sunday 2nd August, with a lunchtime meal, cycle race and live music and on the 8th we have the 6 hour running race. Normally this is earlier in the year when it is a little cooler so as usual I think that I will just buy a 't' shirt rather than do the running!

I will do my best to keep you up to date with the latest news as it comes to my dining table.

yours

André