Yes, HadleyH, it's us. Glad we fed your enthusiasm, and we're still around to help you plan your trip!

Many of us came over from the AOL boards back in the late 90's when there was a bit of turmoil. Where have you been the last 10 years? Lonely Planet? Frommer's?

Thank you, St. Cirq .. I know I can count on you! it's been wonderful to read your reports again, learn what all has occurred in your life over these past years, and feel that you've come through it still in great spirits. I do believe it was you who first made me aware of the Dordogne. Two previous times I'd tentatively planned a trip, neither panned out. Honestly, I'd decided I'd never get there. Then I proposed a trip to my daughter and her family, something in the US. Imagine my surprise when an email from her began .. Mom, have you ever been to the Dordogne? That's all it took, of course!

I know it sounds crazy, kybourbon, but I've not attached myself to any other board. I loved the France board so much and hung in there till the bitter end. Some things had changed in my own life and I began to travel to England primarily. First a study program at Oxford, them a literature festival I've loved. Meanwhile the years rolled by and I was enjoying various parts of that great country too. Occasionally I'd read on various boards but simply never seized upon a community like I'd experienced with France AOL boards. Had no idea what I was missing!

I don't know if I had an itinerary for the Dordogne 10 years ago - but I do now. I've sent it to over 1,000 people on Fodors. If you would like a copy, e-mail me at StuDudley@aol.com & I'll attach a copy to the reply e-mail.

Stu Dudley

I just dropped in to say between StuDudley, St.

Sorry, hit a wrong key - anyway St. Cirq, StuD made our trip to Dordogne incredibly fun, easy and most of all - memorable. I thanked them then and will again...esp. Stu's itinerary!

We talk about that trip probably more than any other in France and I believe it is because we rented a car - a car gets you lost - so you find undiscovered places; it gets you to meet locals in out of the way places, and as aggravating as it can be, it puts a "real" touch on a place you've just been reading about for years.

Have a great trip; we sure did!

We were in Dordogne in 2011. Fourth trip to France, have many ideas

Thanks Stu .. just sent you an email requesting your itinerary.

Moneyburns .. Love that name and is it ever true? I totally agree that having a car is the way to go. It's definitely a spoiler. We will be in the Dordogne for a week and will definitely rent a car. I'll be there with my daughter, her husband and their two children, 12 and 9. I introduced my daughter to France at age 12 and it was a great trip. No Internet, barely any travel books back then, cannot imagine traveling like that now. We've not told the children yet .. they're going to be SO excited!!

Movehershakeher .. These names are so clever! Feel free to share your ideas, I'm all ears .. or eyes. I've spent time in several areas of France and really love the countryside, but never have I been in the Dordogne. I'm trying to read all I can online now, but need to bone up on history too. The area is rich with things that interest me, but I must also leave time to just absorb the beauty, natural and man made. Often those are the most lasting impressions for me.

I'm going to love collecting ideas from all of you!