Sunday at La Fabrie we went for a hike after lunch. It was perilous at times, with Laars almost falling off a snow bridge and being swept away in the rushing river. But we finally made it to our destination: the waterfall. 
Breakfast at the Fabrie means a huge bowl of hot chocolate - Van Heutens! - and toast with butter or jam or cheese.
Then it's outside for some morning exercise. Here we are taking off for parts unknown. Or at least, a field not currently occupied by cows.
Laars got stuck on a fence. That rat is always getting stuck somewhere.
But we eventually escaped with all of our stuffing, and went inside to have lunch. Poor William, we only left him a little tiny piece of cantal cheese. And lots of fried potatos with garlic, and potted duck; it's unlikely he starved.
Not far from Lake Pavin is the Super-Besse ski station. Our friend William is in charge of the tubing run there. Looks fun!
We had our pick of tubes, but while they varied in colors they were all the same size. Too big.
So to be safe we were given helmets. These do come in different sizes, but the range is limited.
Eventually we thought it best to have company!
We tried to take the trail that goes around Lake Pavin, but it was closed for too much snow. It's mostly melted now.
The trail on the shady side is open about 1/4 of the way around, so we went as far as we could.
The lake itself is frozen over. There were a bunch of scientists in the middle working on something, but we didn't go all the way out. I'll write more later after work.
There's not too much going outside and exploring in the winter. I hate being cold and wet! Let's make nachos for dinner instead. I seem to have everything I need.
There we go. Some recyclable foil for easy cleanup. A carefully arranged single layer of plain tortilla chips (no chip without cheese, no cheese without a chip!), onion greens, cilantro, chipotle pepper bits...
Adding the cheese always draws a crowd!
In the toaster oven to get nice and melted.
And there we are! A little hot sauce on there, an ice-cold beer; and dinner fit for kings! Bon appetit.
