The Backpack Press

Autumn has been warm and sunny here in the Barguelonne valley. The landscape in this part of southwest France, lower Quercy, embraces me in just the right way. Have you ever found yourself somewhere you have never been before, but felt at home, centered, or just right? It was love at first sight, and walking around this “paysage” has deepened my appreciation of this beautiful part of France.

The topography of the area features limestone ridges and plateaus that run parallel to each other, divided by fertile river valleys. Green cups of heavily cultivated fields are tucked into the folds, like thousands of greenhouses. These “serres” are unique growing regions, each with its particular sun exposure and soil characteristics. In viticulture that’s called terroir, which I discussed in my post about a local vineyard.  The pastoral ambiance is everywhere, but with remarkable variation.

On Saturday a friend invited me out hunting. A native son…