Le Mistral

The Mistral stopped today. These are the legendary winds that rush through Provence from the Rhone Valley and along the Durance River, which is very close to Eygalieres. They come in 3-day, 6-day or 9-day versions. This one was the full 9-day zinger. It was preceded by several days of cold rain that plagued Jean’s parent’s visit.

The winds blow so hard that plants fall from perches, unsecured shutters clang back and forth constantly; dirt and trash is always in your eyes. It was so strong yesterday that as I was loading cardboard cartons in the back of the Fiesta to take to the recycling, they were blowing out of the open front window. I kid you not.

At Le Jardin d’Anador, Philippe had to back one of his large trucks next to the outdoor section of his nursery to keep the plants from blowing over until he could water them so they would be heavy enough to withstand the wind.

The Mistral is not a bad thing, however. The winds keep the Provencal sky blue and the wine producers love it because it keeps water from accumulating around the vines and keeps the bugs away. Also, as Annick told me when we were heading some plants, it keeps us cool for now. She foreshadowed that in a few days it will be so hot and still that we will look forward to the next occurrence. I have a feeling she is right.