October Outings

October can be such a beautiful month and we have had many sunny days.

I like to take the metro down to the lakeside in Ouchy and enjoy watery scenes.

Sparkles on the lake

I liked all those chimneys and the mosaic decorations on the side of the roof.

One day, I took the train to the small lakeside town of Rolle.

I met a friend who lives in a nearby village.

This is the 13th century Rolle Castle.

It was a windy day and the lake was full of white tips to the waves.

The slopes behind the castle are covered in vineyards.

We walked all along the lake front and had lunch in a lakeside café.

The group of trees are growing on an artificial island on the water.

The island is called l'île de la Harpe, located on the territory of the municipality of Rolle,

in the canton of Vaud.

It was built in 1837 and was named after the political leader Fédéric-César de la Harpe

after his death in 1838.

Walking back to the castle  after lunch.

There were posters of creative photography all along the lake.

This one was my favourite and is the île de la Harpe in the winter months

when the trees have lost their leaves.

The town hall or meeting place (maison de commune) in the village of Tartegnin.

I like the clock tower and the profusion of geraniums.

Horse Chestnuts were falling from the trees in the lakeside parking

and we couldn't resist picking up lots up to bring home and enjoy their shiny rich colour!

My daughter and I went to a spa for two days, staying one night.

It's called Les Bains de Lavey

and the hotel is set in a beautiful park.

This is one of the lovely views.

The Chestnut Tree leaves were showing their autumn colours.

Tree shadows and fallen leaves

Walking through the shade of the trees

In-between our water activities, it was lovely to walk in the park.

There are several metal sculptures, like this one, which reflect the surroundings.

Mountains that surround the spa.

We certainly had a lovely time there, including a massage and watching a

lights show from the main pool at night.

There were illuminated dancers, acrobats and projections with clever lighting effects

on the trees surrounding the different pools.

There are relaxing rooms with colour therapy and sounds of nature.

I enjoyed the outside jacuzzi and the hammam

and generally bobbing about in the thermal waters!

You can see a link to this thermal centre HERE

So October, so far, has not been without outings.

As long as this beautiful weather lasts, there will be more!

Regular walks in my neighbourhood are still showing late blooming flowers

like these lovely deep pink anemone or wind flowers.

A late afternoon walk showed me some beautiful autumn leaves

illuminated by the sinking sun.

They remind me of a stained-glass window.

A wild rose and rose hips

Shiny red berries and Black-eyed Susan.

Now the cooler days are here, I feel like doing some crochet work again.

It's always fun to create colour combinations

and one of the dahlias from my balcony garden inspired this little mat.

I hope that you are all enjoying sunshine and lovely autumn days.

Our temperatures vary between 15-18C.

The rains will come and grey days too, but in the meantime let's enjoy the now!