Brian and Patricia left England in June 2013 for what became a 105-day motorhome journey. They travelled through France and Spain to Morocco. Following a 30-day tour of Morocco, they returned to England, again through Spain and France. They give detailed information on their journey, including co-ordinates, on all the places they spent a night, specialising in finding informal places to camp.
You can find equally detailed accounts of three other motorhome journeys they have made in the Fellow Travellersfeature on this website.
For more information, you can contact the Rudds at:
Preliminary notes.
Friday 31st May 2013
Well most of the van is packed.
We've just got the last minute fresh food etc. to buy and load in the fridge.
The tracker company confirmed all is ok to track us while away. The gas is
bought and loaded. I am taking also an empty French gas bottle, which I will
exchange when we get down south near the Alps.
This run all being well, will be
the longest run in the van we have done. It should be five months in all.
France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, back into France to pick up the Tour De
France in the Alps, Spain, Morocco, then home for the end of October.It's a beautiful day today, hopefully it's
the start of some good weather.
Tuesday 4th June 2013
Well the van is all packed and
ready to go. Today is a leisure day. Wewent to Martin Mere with Lily and Rebecca. An absolutely glorious day.
We had a picnic before going in and strolling around looking at all the wild
fowl. We also had a lovely visit to the Otter enclosure, 5 Otters at feeding
time. We had ice creams and bottles of water to cool down. Rebecca and Lily
then ran around the play area until we were ready for home at 5-00 pm. Pauline
had done tea for everyone. Pauline, Bob, Stephen, Rebecca, Marc, Helena, Lily,
Nicky, Katherine, myself and Patricia. A merry little get together. We then
went home with Lily to bath her. Patricia got her off to sleep. A lovely day.
All in all.
Day 1Wednesday 5th June 2013
Pauline, Marc, Helena, Lily and
Nicky all came down to see us off. So we had a bit of a late start. A lovely
send off.We called at Tesco for last
minute groceries and diesel. M6, M1, M25, M20, usual run. It was quite slow,
with busy traffic. It was around 7-00 pm when we got to Deal to pick Charlie up.
Parked up Mrs Elsie on the front at Warner. Just hadsandwiches and a brew. Nice to catch up with
Charlie face to face. She is now a quite beautiful young woman. Chatted until
around 9-00 pm, we then dropped her off so that we could head into Dover and
get parked on the front before dark. Just four vans were parked up when we
arrived, also a caravan.
Day 2 Thursday 6th June 2013
Dover Esplanade
Awake totally around 7-00 am.. Not
a very good nights sleep. Large diesel engines chugging away during the night,
they disturbed me, not sure what time, but didn't get off to sleep again, just
fitful sessions.
Tricia was awake around 6-45am.
Now having a brew. It's a beautiful sunny blue sky morning. The ferry is booked
for 12-00pm, so no rush.
Quiet morning, put £1.50 into
parking meter, for 90 minutes. It's free overnight, 6-00pm until 9-00 am.
Sorted out and then rolled down the road to the port. No problems, straight in,
DFDS ferry.
In lane 43 behind a new Elldis.
The driver, who turned out to be Mike from Nelson with his wife Wendy and dog
pointed out I had left my lights on from last night. We had a chat for a while,
they are off around France and popping into Switzerland.
Quiet crossing sunny, but breezy.
First call at Gravelines for toilet emptying. Called at Lidl for water, but
they only had 1.5 litre bottles, got 6 off. Called at Super U, again only 1.5
litre bottles, so I got another six. Just to put us on until we can fill up on
an Aire.
Now parked at Grande Fort
Phillippe. Surprised it wasn't full, a few spaces left. The Aire at Gravelines
seemed to be quite full.
Tricia put together a gourmet meal
of, sausage, burgers, beans and mash. Quick and easy and plugged a hole. We
hadn't eaten much today, just breakfast and a packed snack on the ferry.
Quite windy, the roof window keeps
flapping, so I closed it down.
Another UK Rapido alongside of us.
No other vans arrived after us. Now washed up and having a brew and cake to
round off tea.
Changed time on clocks, we are now
1 hour ahead of UK. Had a read for a while then got off to bed early
Day 3 Friday 7th June 2013
Up around 8-30 am. A good night's
sleep, just what was needed. The wind seems to have dropped this morning. The
sun is out, with a little hazy cloud. A squad of people running along the other
bank of the river, training it looks like. Buggering their knees, is our
interpretation, they should be on bikes, a lot more sensible option.
Our neighbors in the next van are
from the UK, not met them yet, they have the full layout for breakfast, with
knapkins etc. The English on the road ! It turns out our neighbors are Peter
and Molly, from Devon. They are off to Slovenia and Croatia to meet an
organised tour. Their van was also a Rapido, two single beds , with a rear
toilet across the back.
The wind has picked up again, 70
deg F in the van.
Decided to try some chips for
dinner, from the local chip stall, about 40 yards away. I asked for a Petite
Frites. I got a great pile of chips, glad I didn't ask for a Grande Frites.
Cost was 2 Euros.
Went for a stroll around the
village after dinner. We met a little old lady, Frans, she said her name was.
She invited us back to her house. Had a chat, a glass of coke and a biscuit.
Got a photo with her. She drooled over photographs of Lily.
She lived alone, she said. 85
years old. Her store cupboard was stocked with tins of chicken and pasta, all
stacked up neat. Also tins of fruit, bottles of Martini, she had it all
organised. She came out to the road and waved us off until we disappeared
around a corner. Lovely and trusting lady.
Walked around past the monument
near the pier walk. Did 1.5 miles in all. Quite windy and sunny.
What a small world, Patricia
spotted David and Sandra who we met on our way back from Turkey last year. They
are parked next place but one. Will have a natter after tea, just said hello
for now. Amazing.
Had chicken curry and rice for
tea. Washed up then popped around to David and Sandra to invite them around for
a chat. We spent the rest of the evening with tea and biscuits catching up and
swapping information. They had been back to England for a month and were now
back on the road. We are passing their place in Spain later around late August.
We may call in to see them if they are at home. 11- 40 pm when we wrapped up
for the night. A lovely evening spent in good company again.
Had a read in bed for a while
before getting down to sleep.
Day 4 Saturday 8th June 2013(
start of day temp 58 deg F )
Awake 8-30 am, a quiet and
peaceful night. Weather looks rather cloudy and grey, breeze still blowing. One
of the units on the fish market has set up a stall and is now selling fish.
They must only do it on Saturday, locals are browsing and buying. River is now
low with the tide out.Had breakfast and
a rummage through the maps and guide books, to check where we are heading
tomorrow.
Walked into the village for a
baguette. We asked the Chemist if he stocked Doctor Bachs remedies, no.
Had a read for a while then had a
walk up to the Super U, it's 1.1 miles up the road. Had a browse for a couple
of things we needed, but no go. Bought some coffee bags to try out.
Still sunny and windy on the way
back. A van alongside us has the Satellite dish up, 4-00 pm in the afternoon.
Made coffee when we got back, but not very good, it maybe needs around 4 bags
per cup instead of one. Quite a lot of motor homes are rambling around.
Had left over curry from last
night, Patricia had rice and cooked meat. We were not very hungry, maybe
because of late dinner.
Got out the Backgammon set after
tea, played all night until 11- 20 pm. I eventually came out winning for a
change, 4 games to one. Off to bed for a read. We could hear some loud voices
in the distance. There was a couple of wedding celebrations came through the
village yesterday, all the cars honking their horns. Maybe it was one of the
celebrations.
Day 5 Sunday 9th June 2013SOD temp 57 deg F
Location Grande Fort Philippe
A quiet and peaceful night, the
only sound was the wind, which has not stopped blowing since we came. Very grey
and overcast this morning, no blue sky in site.
Had breakfast and prepared to
leave. We called at Super U, 70 Euros for diesel, also picked up some
bottledwater. Very busy, we are
wondering, some supermarkets are closed on Sunday, this was busy !
Called at Gravelines service point
to do toilet, then onto A16.
A25, we stopped on the St Eloi
Aire de Service for some dinner. Then 1km down the road to junction 13,D 948 then N38 around Poperinge and Ypres to
Langemark-Poelkapelle, where there is an Aire, 12 Euros for the night. We only
wanted water, so popped in, filled up, fired the water pump up, then away.
Just after we crossed the border
into Belgium we spotted a strawberry vending machine near a farm, so we stopped
and bought a punnet, 2.8 Euros.
Went to look for Tynecot war
cemetry, which I found with the sat nav by entering Tynecotsveg. Sure enough
there it was across the fields. Quite an enormous place. We were taken back by
the number of unknown soldiers. An incredible loss of life. There is a small
exhibition at the entry, coming in from the car park. We looked for family names,
but amazing, there is not one. All our family names must have avoided it all,
quite unusual we thought.
From there we decided to head for
the Free Aire for tonight. Mesen Messines, only two places, near the church.
Luckily, no one there, so straight in and got the tea on. Steak, Jersey
potatoes, sugar snap peas, followed by the strawberries we had bought this
afternoon. The strawberries were lovely and sweet.
We were just washing up, when a
large truck cum campervan came around the corner into the Aire. No way could he
park in the Aire designated places, so he got in at the front of the church.
We popped out for a walk after tea
and got chatting with the couple from the big truck,Joop and Elge from Holland.
It actually looks like a
refrigerated lorry, which has been converted into a camper van. Big green
windows on the side, enormous.8
cylinders, 15 Tonne. They can't go on camps, it's too big. 1000 litre water
tank. I'm glad I don't have to fill it with diesel.
The church near us, has a crypt
where Adolf Hitler was treated in the first world war apparently.
Played dominoes for a while before
getting down for the night.
Day 6 Monday 10th June 2013SOD Temp 59 deg F
Location N 5045.830E 00253.883
Awake 7-15 am with church bells, I
thought they weren't going to stop. Quiet night, but a little noisy this
morning, there is some building going on near us. Well it wasn't building, it
was trimming the hedges behind us. Really loud hedge trimmers, they looked like
they were petrol driven, also a big cherry picker trimming the high parts.
Not really in any rush to get off,
we are chilling out and getting into the trip slowly. Popped into the church
for a little look around. Nice church, I went down into the crypt. Apparently
where Hitler was treated in the first world war.
We went to have a look around
Kemmel Berg, the hill has a couple of monuments to the slaughter that was done
around there. Popped into a shop for bread, very nice bread too, sliced up for
us. We parked up for dinner at the bunker, an ex cold war military site, now a
tourist attraction, but only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, it was closed. Went up
the cobbled hill to the two monuments to French soldiers. One monument is an
ossuary with over 5000 bodies there.
We chatted with a couple on bikes
who were touring locally, using a house guest site on the internet. Cuts the
cost of travel with free accommodation. We decided to drive into Ypres to
survey parking for visiting Menen Gate tonight. I found a lovely quiet street
around 100 yards from the Gate. Just the job. Had a brew then popped into the
Chemist just up the road and ordered an item for pick up tomorrow. Had a look
at the Gate, quite incredible the slaughter that took place around here.
Different political times, no real power of people at all, just gun fodder and
lambs to the slaughter it seems. Difficult to comprehend it all. Bought two
postcards, one for Auntie Jenny, one for Uncle Frank, both are getting on a bit
now.
Had a snack tea before walking
down to the Menen Gate. Quite a lot of people there for the service. Quite
moving hearing the last post played. The ceremony only lasted 10 minutes, but
was definitely worth coming for.
Went back to the Aire at Mesen
Messine for overnight. Joop and his truck had gone. He must have a travelling
workshop in his truck, because we could see a work bench, ladders tools etc.
when we passed it this morning. Had a snack, Tricia wrote out the post cards
ready for posting tomorrow. Off to bed early.
A peaceful night until the morning
traffic startedpassing, the bells
cracked off a little later this morning. Seems like the street is a popular
turning point for local traffic. Popped into the church again before leaving, a
coach party of around forty people had just finished their visit, so it was
quiet again inside.
Set off for Ypres to pick up item
at chemist, 18.5 Euros. Had a ride to Passchendaele. Parked in the street at the
side of the church, again we popped into the church. Rather austere I thought.
Also didn't notice a mention of any memorials to troops at all. A little fair
was being assembled across the road from the church. Back to the van for
dinner. I filled up two 5 litre containers with water from the graveyard
alongside of where we parked. Quite novel coin operated watering can service,
similar to supermarket trolleys. So people can use watering can and then
replace it.
We decided to go and have a look
along the coast before heading further inland. Westende Baden had an Aire in
the book at 5 Euros per night. But when we arrived, the Aire had been closed
and the whole area was under renovation. Satellite Simon found us a camp site
just up the road. 16 Euros per night, not too bad, so we booked in.
It was lovely sunny and warm when
we pulled in, but it clouded over later. Not cold though.
Put chairs out for a while,
sitting and having a brew. Just had showers before tea. The site seems quiet
and laid back. Boules, childrens playground alongside of us. Reception,
toilets, club and swimming pool about 40 yards away. Motor home facilities
behind the showers. We can stay until tomorrow afternoon if we like, no rush to
get off early we are told. Got settled in and showered. Tricia cooked tea, a
bottle of beer, a glass of wine.
Patricia felt unwell later, so no
messing I decided to return home in the morning on the first ferry.
Day 8 hereWestende
Badenreturned home
Day 9 travel to dover
Wednesday July 3rd 2013miles 20,116clocked at home I think
Well after a little three week
interruption and heading back to the UK, we are now back in Dover waiting for
the ferry tomorrow. Patricia is fine. Pauline is coming with us for a month,
then flying back from Gerona in Spain.
Decent run down, no problems.
Watford Gap for dinner. A Rapido parked alongside us when we parked up. Picked
Charlie up, then parked up at Warner near the beach for some food. Had a natter
and catch up then dropped her off, to head back to Dover. Esplanade parking,
another five vans with the same idea. A lovely evening. Just sorted out in van
and now winding down for the night.
Day 10 Thursday July 4th 2013SOD Temp 63 deg Fmiles
Dover Esplanade
Alarm on for 6-30 am, but I was
awake at 5-45 am, a gang of young lads chatting and laughing just across the
road. I thought they may have been a bunch of dossers and drinkers, but they
all looked pretty casual and smart. They were English also, for a change.
First brew of the day, a lovely
day too by the look of the weather at the moment.
Ferry at 10-00am. All smooth
boarding, usually o.k. with DFDS ! Smooth crossing. Bought the Times and
Guardian for a balanced read. Pauline bought a Scrabble game for £1, usually
£10. They were off loading them, a superb bargain. We also bought some small
soft toys for Lily, £1 each.
Headed straight down to Grande
Fort Philippe. Luckily again we had a place waiting for us.
The plan is for a lazy afternoon
and then head off tomorrow. We had dinner and then went for a short walk to
show Pauline the little town we always use for starting in France.
When we got back to the van we had
a chat with Colin and Sandra, a couple from Shaw near Oldham. Colin had built
his own van, which looked very professional on external view. They were heading
back to the UK after a six week tour.
The chip stall was open again but
we mistimed it for tea, we assumed they weren't opening. Actually opened at
7-00 pm. Pauline then introduced us to the joys or problems of Scrabble,
depending on your view and if your winning or not. The weather has been warm,
but again breezy. Cloudy and bright.
Up late because Pauline was on a
winning streak and didn't want to stop while ahead.
Day 11 Friday 5th July 2013SOD
Temp 64 deg Fmiles 20,550
Grande Fort Philippe
Up 7-00 am with the alarm, grey
and overcast. Breakfast, then got sorted for off. Dumped at Gravelines, then
onto A25 heading around Lille. A23 around Valenciennes. D934, to Le Cateau
Cambresis, stopped for dinner. The Aire was full, we just squeezed in a corner.
Onto Catillon Sur Sambre, on the canal, but full, so our plan to stay there was
changed. So we headed on, to, E44, N43, onto Charlesville Meziers. But decided
to try a France Passion site at Girondelle.
Well we made a good decision, a
lovely small village with the sun blazing, just what we think of when we
picture France. Called at the property, the owner guided us around the back
where the parking place is for four vans. Set up and got table and chairs out.
Spent the rest of the day chilling out and chatting. Had tea outside, salad and
potatoes. I had a beer. A French van pulled in as we were having tea. Sheep,
chickens, ducks, geese all running around in the garden alongside us.
A small house is being renovated
just across from the van position, it looks like it is on hold at the moment.
Sorted things, washed up, got beds ready for crashing out. We then sat in the
evening sun as the day wound down. A couple came walking past, a quick
"bonjour" got a reponse, " hello would be more appropriate",
in accented English. When the couple walked back, they stopped, to ask us some
questions,they said. So we ended up
chatting for a while. Hans a Dutch guy and Debbie, an Australian, English lady,
were staying at the bed and breakfast, which we had visited for the France
Passion. We think they had been at the Vino, particularly Debbie. Typically up
front Aussie, no airs and graces. One question stuck with us, "how can you
afford that" pointing at the van. So we explained. But they were a nice friendly
couple. Debbie a swimming instructor, Hans not now working, awaiting a
pacemaker being fitted. A nice little interlude and a little fun and banter, to
end the night. They are visiting a property left to Debbie from her first
marriage, being valued by estate agents. Interesting.
A lovely night enhanced by a
lovely couple stopping for a chat, we wished them well.
Day 12 Saturday 6th July 2013SOD Temp 68 deg Fmiles 20,606
GirondelleN 4950.678E 00423.484
Awake 8-25 am, no alarm. There is
not a cloud in the sky, sun shining. Peaceful night, cocks crowing to start the
day. Had breakfast outside in the morning sun.Packed and on our way. Maubert Fontaine on the D8043, where we picked up
Diesel at the Intermarche. Stopped at Rimogne to pick up a baguette. Onto the
A34 around Charleville Meziers, N1043, then onto the D964. Had dinner at
Moulins St Hubert. The heat building up now.
I set the sat nav to find the Aire
at Stenay, only around 8 miles down the road, I had planned for an overnight stop.
Luckily, when we arrived, I rolled into a space just waiting for us. Facing the
canal, boats anchored in front of us, very picturesque.
I spoke to a young Irish girl who
was in a Hobby van near us, she confirmed the other side of the water was also
parking. We had a walk over the bridge to see if it was a better situation, but
decided to stay where we were.
8 Euros for the night, toilet,
showers, wi fi in the tourist information building alongside of where we are
parked. Not a bad stop at all. Boat owners and van people all drinking, eating
and chilling out in the sun, very nice.
I sampled the wi fi to clear mail
and pick up the Tour De France news. Chris Froome now taken the yellow jersey
in the Pyrenees.
Text from Nicky, asking where to
head for when he sets off. He sails for France next Saturday. Had a shower
before tea, poured a beer. Had chicken, rice and salad for tea sat in front of
the van. Tricia and Pauline showered after tea. I had a look at TDF highlights
on internet. Had a chat with Clement and his grandson Oliver from Belgium, they
spoke very good English. We then sat out and enjoyed the evening coming down. I
had a Bourbon and lemonade. Some big bugs, like Lancaster Bombers flying
around.
A lovely easy day, made by the
simple appearance of blue skies and sunshine. Hopefully more to follow.
Day 13 Sunday 7th July 2013SOD Temp 69 deg F
StenayFranceN 4929.447E 00511.051
Awake 7-30 am, blue skies and
sunny again. Brew and diary updating for yesterday.We decided to stay another night before
moving on. Had toast and boiled eggs for breakfast.
I put the chairs out in front of
the van, under the shade of a small tree. A good place to sit and watch the
comings and goings of the day. We had a walk around the town for a while, very
hot, but not so bad in the shade. A couple of boulangeries open, but we didn't
buy any bread.
I had a chat to a guy from N
Ireland who has a Hobby motor home towing a motorbike. His name was Shane
Ferguson, with his lady. He was early retired from being a television
technician. He bought his van new in Germany, he saved a lot he reckoned.
Had dinner then Patricia and
Pauline spent the afternoon knitting and brewing. while sat in the shade. I
wandered around the tourist info place, used wi fi for Tour De France updates.
Browsed around the painting exhibition. The two ladies who had done the
painting, were sat chatting, one doing some water colour. I wasn't very
impressed with what I saw. No particular style to anything, paint everywhere
with all colours. A couple of guys were fishing, catching only small fish it
seems.
We are surrounded by French vans,
Itineo on one side and Rapido on the other, eventually some communication
happened. No French spoken by us, no English spoken by them, but we had some
banter, an exchange of Wine and Bourbon for a drink. One guy from Belgium,
Stephane, had videos on Youtube, which I pulled up on my Samsung phone.
They had been chatting full gas
all afternoon and to be truthful it did get a little intrusive and spoil the
peace. But they were obviously enjoying themselves. Eventually we got chatting
with them. I got a photo of our French friends. Patricia and Pauline popped off
for showers. Our French friends all retired at 10 - 00 pm, so we luckily had a
peaceful half an hour before getting off to bed. It was very welcome, they had
been jabbering at full volume, all day.
Day 14 Monday 8th July 2013SOD Temp 68 deg F
StenayFrance N 49 29.447E 00511.051
Alarm on for 7-00 am. A lovely
peaceful night. The sun is shining and the sky is blue again, looks like
another glorious day. We are off again today. Had breakfast and then sorted
toilet and water. Our neighbours, Stephane in particular, came out to wave us
off. Nice touch, he rushed out of his van to shake hands and wish us Bon
Voyage.
Set the Sat Nav for the
Intermarche, but it had moved, to where we didn't find. Onto the D964 headed
for Verdun.
It was only a short run, around 35
miles. We stopped at an Intermarche, but changed our mind and went to the Lidl
next door. But there was no bread there, so I had to pop back to the
Intermarche for a baguette. We got Salad stuff and fruit also.
We parked up at a cemetery for
dinner. Had a quick look at the war part and got some photographs before
leaving. Went to Fort Vaux, but detoured off the road along a narrow tree lined
route which we saw signed, Fort De Souville, We had got to the road at the
other side before we realised we had by passed any sites, so carried on to Fort
Vaux.
Patricia is not too happy with
tunnels , so she sat out in the sun, while I went around Fort Vaux with
Pauline. To be truthful, I found it exactly what is was, some cold, wet, old
tunnels. Lot of history of WW1, but I wasn't impressed. Patricia backed a
winner on this one.
Had a ride to the Ossuaire De Douaumont.
There is a pay part, but it looks like we saw enough of the quite impressive
memorial to not bother about that. Really impressive, lots of parking, a well
constructed monument, well worth seeing.
From there we headed back to our
France Passion site for the night, a toffee factory, Dragees De Braquier. Lots
of space to park. A french van turned up just as we arrived. They were looking
for a toilet emptying place, none here. I spent some time in trying to help
them. They seemed rather shambolic, no sat nav, no map book, no Aires book, no
France passion. Just a big old map and a pile of tourist leaflets. I eventually
gave up, after directing to two Aires, which I'm sure didn't register with them
at all, they seemed in fairy land. A quiet night after tea. I strolled down to
the gate with Patricia around 9-30 pm. Pauline was texting Bob. I had a beer
sat on the lovely warm steps of the offices, just across from our van door.
Some celebration were going on
somewhere, fireworks and loud voices. It was really quiet later. I had trouble
dozing offthough.
Day 15 Tuesday 9th July 2013SOD Temp 69 Deg F
VerdunDragees Braquier
France Passion SiteThey make toffee
A beautiful day again. Just a few
workers coming into the factory. Had breakfast, sorted and then on our way to
Langres. A walled town with an Aire and supposedly picturesque medieval
streets. Onto the D964, stopped at Dieue Sur Meuse to pop into a Boulangerie
for a Baguette. On past St Mihiel, Commerc, Sorcy St Martin, Vacouleurs,
Montbras, Greux. Around Neufchateau onto the D74.
We stopped at Bezoilles Sur Meuse
for dinner. A beautiful little pull in place, right on the beautiful lily pad
covered river. I pulled out the chairs and we had an excellent dinner break.
Got some nice photographs also.
The Dragon Flies from the river
had a liking for Pauline, a couple mating on her shoulder. Four Belgium vans
pulled in and formed a wagon train circle, they must be expecting Indians.
There was also a caravan, being pulled by a red van. The road bridge crossed
the river just near us, so a little traffic noise, but all in all a lovely
stopping place, logged for maybe a future over night stop if needed.
D74, all the way to Langres.
Passing through lots of typical French, sleepy roadside towns. Not seeing many
people at all. Lots of rolling fields, all baking under the afternoon sun. Lots
of hay being dried and also rolled ready for storage.
When we arrived at Langres, the
Aire was closed, a good parking area closed off with large pieces of rock. All
the space empty, services available but no parking. Doesn't seem sensible. So
we parked up on the large car park just around the corner.
We had a walk around Langres with
high expectations of a nice place. Sadly disappointed, not at all what we
expected. We visited the large church. A rock band was doing a sound check
outside for the evening session. Walked onto the walls behind the church, where
there was a good view over the surrounding country. A funicular railway lifted
people up to the high level, from lower down.
Tourist info paints a rather
better picture than what we saw. Only consolation was, it was a sunny walk.
Back to the van to find the Aire
for tonight. Corgirnon, about 7 miles along the N19. I was amazed to find
places available when we arrived. Just two vans, 1 French, 1 English. All full
facilities, shower, electric and toilet, 5 Euros. Excellent.
Had steak, potatoes and salad for
tea. Had a walk around the miniature railway area just up the road after
tea.All in all, a lovely little area.
Got a few photos while out walking.
Day 16 Wednesday 10th July 2013SOD Temp 69 Deg F
CorgirnonAire N 4748.421E 00530.178
Quiet and peaceful night. On a
quite lovely little Aire. 5 Euros, for 1 night. Full facilities, electric,
shower and toilet. Toilet sorted and topped up the water.I found a pair of glasses while sorting the
toilet. Not the French guys, but they belonged to the English guy. Who was
touring the area, he had been looking for them, he said. Obviously needed
glasses to find them.
Got onto the N19 to pick up the
D460. While travelling along the D460, we encountered a policemobile radar set up. They had a good look at
us, I did think they had come after us, but it was a car. I didn't think I was
speeding anyway, but you never know.
At Champlitte we picked up the D67
to head for Gray. Around Gray and onto Besancon. Quite busy around Besancon,
then onto the N57.We started climbing
higher around here, coming into the lower mountains heading for Pontarlier.
Stopped for dinner around 19 miles from Pontarlier.
A lovely sunny day again, which
slowly turned to cloud and quite heavy thunderstorm atmosphere. Just as we were
going around Pontarlier, we saw our first lightening flash, luckily it was also
our last. We had a little light rain on the D67B heading for Switzerland.
Through La Clouse et Mijoux,
Verrieres de Joux where we crossed the border into Switzerland. A first for us
all. Just a cursory glance at us and a wave through at the border. The plan was
to visit St Sulpice, park up, have a walk around and head back to France. But
when we parked, I had a walk down a road to see where we could park for longer.
When I returned, there was a lady talking to Patricia and Pauline. She turned
out to be a local lady, Claire Lise Bowidenet. She had been passing in the car,
seen the van and stopped to suggest a good overnight place for us. It turns
out, she has a motor home also, so was sympathetic to our situation.
Although we hadn't planned to
stay. The place was so good, we changed our mind and decided to over night
there. The place was just across the river, alongside an old bridge, where it
looked like the river had been diverted away from. A picnic bench was there
also.
Having a walk later we spotted her
house, with the motor home parked at the side, as she described in very good
English. Not a lot to see, but the scenery and architecture of the houses, we
had noticed the changes as we came to Pontarlier and into Switzerland.
With me not having slept well last
night, we decided to have an early night and get up early to head for Annecy
before weekend. We had been quiet all day, but just as we all got into bed, we
had some boy racer screaming along the river bank road near us, then we had a
car parking near us, slamming doors and voices talking. Not sure what they were
up to, but it soon quietened down and all was peaceful.
Day 17 Thursday 11th July 2013SOD Temp 64 Deg F
St SulpiceSwitzerlandN 4654.466E00634.042
Alarm on for 6 - 00 am. A little
cooler this morning, due to being around 2,800 feet high. A quiet and peaceful
night. We actually had condensation on the windows this morning. Had breakfast
and sorted then off, up the hill out of St Sulpice, which is down in a valley
surrounded by the mountains. Late sunrise and early sunset.
D67B out of Switzerland. Onto the
N57. Stopped at the Intermarche, at Les Hopitaux Vieux, which was nice and
convenient, for diesel and a few groceries. Further down the N57 we crossed the
border into Switzerland again to Vallorbe on the N79, Le Pont on Lac De Joux,
which looked like a lovely little place.
Alongside Lac De Joux, Vers Che
Aron, Bas De Bioux, Le Brassus Le Chenit, Bois D'Amont, La Cure.
Onto the D984Cto St Genis Pouilly,
where we picked up a short run of motorway taking us to Valleiry, D23, Vers
Then N201 down into Annecy.
The Aire at Annecy, as usual was
full, so we parked up and waited. Patricia and Pauline went for a walk, while I
sat and waited for a space. Surely enough, late afternoon, someone moved, so I
got the van in a parking space.
It was really hot when we arrived,
so hot the step on the van was like a frying pan. So nothing to do but sit in
the shade, chill out and watch the vans come and go that were not able to get a
placein. A shame really, just people looking for somewhere for the night.
I chatted with a guy from
Edinburgh who rolled in, I couldn't understand most of what he said. His name
was Alan.
Had tea, then had a stroll along
the lake. People swimming 9-00 pm at night. A beautiful setting on the lake. I
sat chatting with Paul and Debbie from New Zealand, based at the moment in the
UK. Good chat, they are well travelled. Patricia and Pauline chatting near van.
Off to bed 11 - 00 pm.
Day 18Friday 12th July
2013SOD Temp72 Deg F
Annecy AireFranceN 4553.437E00608.341
Quiet night, just sound of passing
traffic at early morning. Some early morning moaners going on at our Dutch
friend, rather ignorant they were too .Lots of shouting, not the best way to
ask someone to do something.
We are going nowhere today, except
into Annecy, so no rush doing anything. Had breakfast and sorted a snack to
take with us. Walked 100 metres down the hill from the Aire to the bus stop.
3.9 Euros for the three of us. We picked the wrong stop though, Hotel De Ville
would have been fine, but we went to the next stop. No problem, just walked
back beside the lake and crossed The Pont Des Amours bridge, where we got some
photos. Also a nice photo of The Palais de I'sle, the old prison building,
quite picturesque. Probably not so for the prisoners.
Annecy is a quite busy place,
especially in season. Today was no different. People everywhere, cyclists
dashing around. A few groups of children on the grass, possibly from school. It
had been market day, so the narrow streets where filled with vans, all now
loading their wares ready for leaving. The street cleaners were also in washing
down the streets. All quite busy.
Patricia bought a pair of trainer
socks, her toes were rubbing slightly on her shoes. 4 Euros cost. We also got
two bottles of water 1.30 Euros each. It seems that the main pass time is
sitting in cafes and restaurants, paying inflated prices for food and drink. We
just had a walk around and observed the scene. Not sensible to be spending 40 -
50 Euros on a single meal, when your travelling for weeks and weeks. But if
that is what people want, then no problem. Pauline had a chat with a little old
lady, who I nearly knocked over, I wasn't able to see her just behind me.
We popped into the Italian church,
which was nice and cool. We then found seats near the restaurant and tripboats. Sitting watching the world go by,
while having a snack.
Strolling back along the lake,
dodging around all the semi naked people lied on the grass and soaking up the
sun. Some were swimming in the lake, which seems to be a popular pass time.
Arriving back at the Aire, the
temperature had been creeping up slowly, so nothing to do but sit in the shade
and chillout.
Had pasta, olives, peppers, in a
herb and tomato garlic sauce for tea, excellent. Diane, our New Zealand friend,
was playing hopscotch with two little French girls in front of the van.
A double rear wheel motor home,
caused some entertainment for everyone, trying to move around near the Aire
entrance. It seems they were two Australians, shouting instructions,
obscenities and curses at each other. Quite amusing, especially to Paul and
Diane, who obviously have a lot of experience of Australians. The rest of the
night was spent reading, chatting and people watching. The temperature cooled
off nicely for sitting out.
Day 19 Saturday 13th July 2013SOD Temp 70 Deg F
Annecy AireFranceN 4553.437E00608.341
A peaceful night. Just having a
brew and chatting about ancestors, when Diane our New Zealand friend knocked to
say their leaving. A quick chat and photographs before leaving. They are
heading for a Bugati museum.
Our Dutch friends, whom we had
chatted with and lent support to, after their French abuse session, drove off
without any goodbye or indication they were leaving. Ah well, it takes all
sorts I suppose.
Had breakfast and tidied up, then
set off to walk to the Intermarche. Sat nav said, 0.9 miles, but I think it
lied. We had a quite long walk. At one point running out of footpath, where we
came off the road, through an underpass, but ran into a lady who directed us
around some buildings and there it was.
Pauline had stayed back with the
van, a long walk not beneficial for her. Got some basics which we needed, not
too much while carrying. Set off back, passing the stream of traffic going into
Annecy, nose to tail all the way. Not pleasant, all the fumes being pumped out,
that's all we could taste. The temperature had climbed again during our little
expedition, so we were ready for a nice cuppa when we got back.
Had an excellent pasta dinner,
made last night and chilled in the fridge. I then carried two chairs down to
the lake side, for Patricia and Pauline, knitting and reading, sat in the
shade. I returned to the van, to wash my feet, they were black underneath from
the dust on our walk.
Just after dinner, I had walked to
put some rubbish in the bins, when a UK van came rolling in. I had a chat with
them and advised parking for a while to see if a place becomes available. This
they did and sure enough, someone left and they were in. The couple turned out
to be Jim and Irene from Newcastle in their Auto trail Scout. The nearside
mirror had been bashed off in an accident, luckily no other damage was done.
Jim had Gaffa Taped a small mirror on as a temporary measure. We had a few
chats through the day with them. Jim had worked on Oil rigs in India and the
States. Lived in Spain for a while. A bit of a revolutionary politically, I
nicknamed him Red Jim the Revolutionary. They were UKIP supporters, fed up with
Labour, Tory and Lib Dem, anti EU and open immigration. A lovely couple.
It's unusual for a small Aire, but
we have seen more aggro here than anywhere we have ever been. One issue with
the Dutch man, one issue with the guy I call Napoleon, a little arrogant
annoying twit in an Estorel van, one a guy who couldn't get on the Aire, so
proceeded to make a big exhibition of taking photos of all of the vans, then
one guy came screaming in last night, parked in the service area, then stormed
off with grey water spraying all over the floor in his wake. He was annoyed
before he arrived it seemed, with the manner of his entrance, much too fast for
safety. There are children on the Aire. Maybe it's the heat getting to them
all. It must be stressful for some people, enjoying travelling in a motor home.
If so, all I can say is, don't do it. More space for us to enjoy.
Then again we have two lovely
young French children, who have spent lots of time chatting, especially with
Pauline in front of the van. The children Diane the NZ lady was playing hopscotch
with. Elisa and Romana Thomas from Epinal near Remiremont Paris They had a tin
of chalk and did pictures on the ground, I got a photo of the drawings.
Our Nicky hasnow crossed the channel and is on the way to
Dijon. Our Marc returned my text with the message " We're with SJ and Mike
in Bretherton, weather lovely, Lily loving it, motor home here we come. "
, which seemed to indicate all was well and he likes motor homing, so one is on
the agenda. Good stuff.
We had been told of a firework
display in Annecy, but it turned out to be across the lake. Music and
fireworks.We watched it from the lake
edge, a nice end to the evening.
Day 20 Sunday 14th July 2013SOD Temp 70 deg F
Annecy AireFranceN 4553.437E00608.341
A lovely quiet, peaceful night.
Awake 8 - 00 am. Just had breakfast. Cleared the van garage for bikes access.
Text from Nicky, in motel in Dijon, bound for Annecy today. Had breakfast
sorted out and then got Patricias bike out. This has the pannier rack on. The
plan is Patricia and Pauline will get the bus to Annecy, I will go in on the
bike and bring back fruit etc in the panniers. I headed into Annecy, waited at
the Hotel De Ville bus stop for ages. Eventually I went looking for them. I
found them chatting to Jim and Irene, on the bridge just down the road. They
had taken their time and walked in, no buses today. Ah well, you live and
learn.
We shopped around the market,
which was quite busy. Oranges, Cherries, Strawberries, Nectarines, Apricots and
Radish. Also a Baguette, small loaf and a cake. All packed into the panniers.
It was good fun trying to extract
the bike from the market, all the market vans had now blocked the streets for
loading up. A little patience, weaving in and around vans eventually extracted
us from the chaos.
I was back at the van in around
three minutes on the bike. Patricia and Pauline again walking back. I washed
and sterilised all the fruit and vegetables when I got back. Jim spotted me and
mentioned about Spain, where a lot of fields are sprayed with manure etc.
Exactly the reason I take the trouble to sterilise all fruit and vegetables,
before they even get put into the fridge.
Our little French girls that
Pauline had spent a lot of time chatting to, had left some lovely welcoming
drawings on the van door. A nice little surprise. A well earned dinner for the
ladies, then I carried the chairs down to the lake side, for them to chill,
read and knit. I pottered around, chatting and riding down to the island on the
way into Annecy, to see if I could spot Nicky on the way in.
No Nicky all day. We had tea and
waited for the firework display later. Lots of cars parking anywhere that they
could. All to get a view across the lake. It turned out to be a quite
spectacular show, quite impressive. Myself and Jim walked back to keep an eye
on the vans, because everywhere was deserted on the Aire and car parks around
us. A thiefs golden opportunity, while everyone was distracted. But all was
quiet, we pulled out the chairs, chatted and enjoyed the finale of the show over
the tree tops.
We finished the day chatting with
Jim and Irene until late. We also helped a young Spanish couple squeeze their
van in, they went for a walk after, leaving their children in the van, not
recommended we think.
The day had gone and no Nicky and
Katherine. Just as we got in the van around midnight, a text came in from
Three, the telephone company, saying services would be down from 6pm 13th July
to 8am 15th July. What a useless time to let people know that. A full day of no
services and then they let you know. This now explained why Nicky hadn't
arrived. He had not received our text with our location gps in it. So having
waited two days to meet up with him, Three blew it out of the water. The
traffic all day was chaotic, so I expect they had a slow journey in.
Day 21Monday 15th July
2013SOD Temp 69 Deg F
Annecy AireFranceN 4553.437E00608.341
Awake 7 - 15 am. Popped out for a
bottle of water from the tap, for a brew. We had boiled a kettle last night to
cool down for mixing some milk this morning. We have run out of carton milk, so
we mix powdered milk when needed. We need to contact Nicky this morning.
The Aire is a hive of activity
this morning. It seems everyone is sorting vans for leaving. Some seem to be
really new to motor homing. Anyway, got the van sorted. Exchanged e mailaddresses with Jim and Irene. Had our last
brief chat and then we were off. We went into Annecy along the D1508, around to
the East side of the lake onto the D909, to look for Nicky and Katherine. We
had no communication from them at all since they were in Dijon. All we know is
they booked a camp on the east side of the lake. So we called in at every camp
along the east side. No luck at all, not in any of them. One camp looked a
little ramshackle. One camp was really tight getting in and out at Menthon St
Bernard. It got so late doing this that we stopped for some dinner on the
Southern end of the lake. A beautiful little pull in, turquoise lake and
mountains all around.So off we went
again, D1508 to Ugine, Albertville. We spotted a Carrefour supermarket, so
pulled in to get some supplies. We didn't expect any being open because of
Bastille day yesterday. Public holiday today ?
D1090, D1006 past Aiguebelle,
Epierre to St Jean de Maurienne, where we decided to stay for the night. I had
decided not to cross the Col du Glandon so late in the day. We will leave it
until morning.
St Jean du Maurienne, is a not too
inviting town I always feel. It's in a lovely setting, with mountains all
around, but it always seems rather grey, dilapidated and uninviting. Quite a
few ski lifts on the mountains, so it must get winter tourist trade. But
probaby not a lot in summer.
A few vans parked near the service
point. We always park in the big car park a little further up the hill. A
couple of vans also with us across the car park.
It had been hot all day, when we
arrived at St Jean, there was also a strong wind blowing, quite welcome it was
too. I had a ramble around to see if any Frites anywhere, not a thing, a few
closed restaurants.
The little walkway up to the
supermarket across the road, is now blocked off. A development of flats is
being built. The building on the other side of the car park, is now finished,
clad in wood, I'm not sure what it is.
We had tea and decided to get off
to bed early, to get up early in the morning. Still nothing from Nicky and
Katherine.
Day 22Tuesday 16th July
2013SOD Temp 70 Deg F
St Jean de MaurienneN 45
16.756E 006 20.815
Alarm on for 6 - 00 am. A peaceful
quiet night after the local lads had retired for the night, football, car
radio, dog barking, motorbike buzzing. I awoke around 11 - 30 pm last night,
thinking I heard a bump. So I got up to look at the wing mirrors and see along
the side of the van. All quiet. I must have been dreaming.
Had breakfast then sorted the
toilet and made an early start to cross the Col Du Glandon. Stopped at the
Intermarche at Ste Marie de Cuines for a couple of things. D927, to top of the
Col at 1,925 metres, beautiful drive. Lots of cyclists on the road, of all
shapes and sizes.
It was a little bit of a tight
shuffle at the top to get the van in, but we parked up and had a walk around,
got some pictures and as usual, we were asked to photograph some of the
cyclists at the name sign.
Here we met two great lads, Duncan
from Cardiff and Simon from Pembrokeshire, who heroically, were doing the Cols
on their bikes. Both Rugby Union lads, heading for Annecy eventually.
We dropped of the Col on the D926,
the alternative route crossed the Col de la Croix de Fer. Again lots of bikers
coming up from this side, in fact lots more, hundreds and hundreds. D526, past
the reservoirs and dams at Allemond, to hit the main road at Rochetaillee.
D1091 towards Le Bourg d'Oisans, where we started hitting the Tour De France
craziness. A small motor home camp was set up at the first island. We thought
we would try going up Alpe D'Huez to assess if we could get parked anywhere on
the mountain. Up and up around every switchback, vans were parked, some in
absolutely crazy positions and inclines. Loud music ( sounded like noise to us
) was blasting at some encampments. Just glad we were not near them. Eventually
we arrived at the village where a Dutch couple advised us there was parking
near the Aeroport. As we got near there, the police had things organised. They
had set up temporary parking in a big field over the back of the village.
Excellent, this is to be our home for a few days.
I had brought the portable
satellite dish with me, specifically to set up for the Tour. I played around
all day with it, but no signal at all. I ended up getting French terrestrial
TV, with a bit of news on it.
It's fun watching all the
different set ups and things that motor homers do. We had finally got in touch
with Nicky and Katherine, their telephones had been out for a few days. O2 and
Three, not very good at providing overseas service. We have saved them a place
to camp and park.
Pauline twisted her ankle, so sat
for a while with two frozen sausages strapped to her ankle. Which seemed to
help in reducing any swelling. Had tea and washed up, I wiped tonight, Pauline
being invalided out. Had a short stroll with Patricia before getting down for
the night.
Day 23Wednesday17th July 2013SOD Temp 60 Deg F
Alpe D'HuezN 45 05.280E 006 05.353temporary TDF parking in a field.
Awake 7 - 45 am. Peaceful night,
but a pitter patter of rain in middle of the night woke me up. I was hoping it
didn't turn into a deluge, which wouldn't be helpful with all these motor homes
parked in a field.
Someone had moved the table and
chairs we had put out for saving a space for Nicky and Katherine, so I moved
them back. Sun is blazing again. I got out the bikes and had a sort out in the
garage. Went for a ride into the village, which was quite manic with bikers, cars,
vans, people. It's quite chaotic when the tour is in town.
On the way back the motor on the
bike certainly helped on the hills. I sailed past one young guy, who was all
kitted out like a pro. He looked at me in surprise. I pointed at the battery
and said, " motor ". He laughed.
Got back and had some dinner. The
weather was very changeable, cloudy, showers of light rain and the sun breaking
through.
After dinner I walked down to look
out for Nicky and Katherine coming up the Alpe. They called to say they had
come in on a closed road, so had to drive back in and loop through Le Bourg
D'Oisans.
It became a little chilly when the
showers of rain came in, so I sheltered under the eaves of a lodge just before
the hill coming up into the village.
Here I chatted with three Belgian
guys and their father in law, all had very good English. They were looking for
turn one, of the 21 on the Alpe.
While waiting around here, I
watched all shapes and sizes of cyclists coming up the hill. Some looking good,
some looking really bad, some walking, some cheering, some shouting, one with a
music box blazing away. Recumbents, bike scooters, all kinds in fact. What a
glorious celebration of achievements for them all.
Nicky eventually made it into the
village, but they had been diverted away from the main climb where all the
cyclists were coming up.
We made contact just in front of
the Tourism Office, on the guarded island created for the tour. I think they
were glad to have got here after all the diversions. I was supposedly guiding
them in, but things had changed on the road as we went to the van. I lost the
route, we eventually made it and got them parked up and a brew on.
A nice pick and mix tea of all
sorts we had in, Nicky brought their cool box in and emptied bits and pieces. Spent
the night chatting. It was raining outside, which delayed putting up the tent.
I went out with Nicky in the light rain to put it up. Got back in and had a
small glass of Nickies Belgian beer, very nice.
Finished off around 12 - 00
midnight, to get off to bed.
Day 24Thursday 18th July
2013SOD Temp 61 Deg F
Alpe D'HuezN 45 05.280E 006 05.353temporary TDF parking in a field.
Good nights sleep. Awake around 7
- 45 am. Still overcast. Patricia and Pauline did bacon, egg and beans for
breakfast, everyone approved. The weather was still overcast, with showers
occasionally.
Nicky and Katherine set off around
11 - 00 am to walk into the village to have a look around, we would meet up
later.
We walked down around 1 - 00 am.
Lots of people walking in for the Tour. We got down just too late for the Tour
Caravan coming through, with all the advertising and freebies. They were all
just finishing off for the day and parking up. We met up with Nicky and
Katherine. Patricia and Pauline stayed on the route to Col De Saren. Myself,
Nicky and Katherine walked down to get a spot at the top of the climb. We got
near a bar with the Tour on television, so could get some feedback on events.
After the first climb, we moved
around to the final run in straight, around 600 metres from the finish. We had
a French commentator on the PA system, who was at fever pitch all the time. How
he maintained it, I don't know.
After the finish, where Chris
Froome increased his lead on the yellow jersey, we walked back. I was ready for
a cuppa too, when I got back.
Chicken, rice and salad for tea.
All a bit shattered. There are one or two vans leaving already.
Day 25Friday 19th July
2013SOD Temp 68 Deg F
Alpe D'HuezN 45 05.280E 006 05.353temporary TDF parking in a field.
Awake 7 - 45 am, sun shining and
blue sky peeping through the clouds. Just woken Nicky and Katherine with a
brew. All just having a natter before getting sorted. All had breakfast
together.
Nicky and Katherine packed up the
tent. Put some cool blocks in the freezer. All sorted and on our way for around
10 - 30 am. They were going on their way, a different direction than our plans.
Got some group pictures with lovely clear mountains behind.
Well, we finally left the lunacy
of the Tour, but not after taking two and a half hours to get off the Alpe. The
traffic was jammed all the way to the island at the bottom, leading on to the
main road through.
The traffic was backed up all
along this road also.We headed about
eight miles down the road and then pulled up for dinner, it was after 1 - 00
pm.
Just before Livet on the D1091
heading to Vizille. At Vizille we the turned South on the D113 towards La Mure,
skirting past some beautiful lakes. The road is quite up and down along here,
climbing and then descending. We had a coffee stop around 4 - 00 pm just
outside of Ouet en Beaumont, not too long, because the day had been delayed. We
had scheduled staying at Mirabel aux Baronies for tonight, but that was
changed.
Nicly had been delayed also, we
got a call they were around twenty miles off Gap, they had stopped at an
Intermarche.
From La Mure onto the N85, Route
Napoleon. Some beautiful scenery, but driving is concentrating on corners,
climbing, descending etc. Passed through Laye and into Gap, where we stopped to
do the toilet at the small Aire, just before the Intermarche down the road.
Here we decided to call it a day and get settled for the night. A France
Passion site was just down the road at La Roche des Arnauds, so off we went.
Our Satellite Simon delivered us to
the wrong farm, two little boys and their dog were looking at us in amazement,
wondering what we were doing there. Their mum pointed us up the road. Turning
around in their courtyard we headed out.
We found the FP just in time,
several vans turned up just after us, two actually stayed, it supposedly only
accommodates two, but the French don't bother with rules we have ascertained.
Patricia and Pauline popped in to
the farm house, the lady their had a baby, her grandson with her.
No produce at all just Cherries at
the farm, so parking up, we had tea, steak, rice, potatoes, peas and sweet
corn, all very welcome after a long and frustrating day. The farmer stopped
around for a chat in very good English he had acquired while working in England
years ago.
We decided for an early night and
an early start. I started reading Tyler Hamiltons book disclosing cheating in
cycling.
Day 26Saturday 20th July
2013SOD Temp 64 Deg F
La Roche Des Arnauds( just
outside of Gap )N 44 33.297E 005 59.165
Alarm on for 6 - 30 am. Looks like
it's a sunny day, sky clear, occasional whispy cloud.
Had breakfast, got sorted. Popped
in to see the farmer, Bernard Coppel. We bought some jam 4 Euros and eggs 2
Euros. We were introduced to Didier, who worked on the farm. A lovely guy, who
seemed to have a small mental problem, also a little ritual with his hands.
We also met a lovely German girl
on a learning and work scheme, Bernard called her a " Woofer ". They
were going out to work in the fields.
Onto the D994 to Veynes, where we
stopped to top up with diesel 81 Euros, called at the Bank, 150 Euros, Pauline
100 Euros. A Baguette from the Boulangerie. The Garmin Sat Nav gave us two duff
locations for the bank, Patricia spotted the actual bank behind some trees.
On to Serres where we stayed on
the D994,L'Epine, Ribeyret, Rosans.
Where eagle eyed Patricia spotted a service point outside the municipal camp
site, right on the roadside, this was an excellent facility not showing in the
Aires book. Toilet done and water topped up off again. One van called in while
we were there, but was too impatient to wait while I finished off. Stressed out
motor homer again I suppose. The temperature was climbing now, so it was really
hot in the sun.
We then weaved through the gorges
following the river past St May. Here we pulled over for dinner. The Crickets
were deafening as we sat at a picnic table. We discussed if it was some power
lines close by, but no, it was Crickets.
Sahune, Les Granges, La Bonte, Les
Piles, Aubres, the villages rolled by. Into Nyons, where we called at the
Intermarche. Temperature running at 34 Deg Con the chemist shop sign, warming up nicely.
D538, Mirabel, D 938, Vaison,
Malaucene, around Carpentras, Pernes Les Fontaines, L'Isle Sur La Sorque, to
Fontaine de Vaucluse, where we looked at the Aire, it seemed a nice village,
but the Aire was too convoluted for me, just like the Camping and Caravan Club,
so we headed to Gordes2 Aire. Excellent, no hassle just park up and relax.
Chairs out and table.
Washed up all fruit. Had tea outside as the sun set, what a
beautiful evening. I had a Bourbon and water, watching one van doing the
satellite shuffle for an hour. The moon was peeping through some whispy cloud,
I got some photographs of the van silhouhetted. A lovely hot and steamy day in
Provence.
Day 27 Sunday 21st July 2013SOD temp 74 Deg F
Gordes - ProvenceN 43
54.047E 005 11.708
Awake 7 - 30 am, sun shining a
foot thick, as Patricias dad used to say. Had breakfast outside of the van, a
lovely morning, a little cooler before the temperature lifted.
Today we visited Gordes, quite a
busy little place. We got the van parked with a little luck, another van was
moving so we slipped in a parking place at the side of a road leading uphill
from the main square. 3 Euros to park, not bad really.
We spent a few hours wandering
around a beautiful little village, which is built up the side of a hill, so
lots of steep streets and cobbled steps. The village has now been taken over by
the usual tourist shops, but ignore that and you have a stunningly beautiful
place. Apparently the moneyed people have moved in, you can really understand
why.
There are several artists in
residence, with a variation of styles. Without looking too close, they seem to
work in Acrylics. One artist was working on a sitting asI walked in, the image of the young lady
posing was quite realistic.
Speaking of posing, a young
Chinese girl, very attractive, asked me to take her photograph with the big
Provence background behind her. So, no problem, she then proceeded to strike
the magazine poses you see from models. We saw similar posing from Russian
tourists in Turkey last year, posing and lying themselves across the ancient
stones. Maybe they are too influenced by the tat western magazines they buy.
She was a beautiful, polite young lady though.
We walked down one street to a
stunning viewing point over the countryside. A young couple came down with two
buggies with children in, they sheltered under the door nearby and then
proceeded to walk back up with the buggies bumping up and down behind them. A
little girl in one of the buggies waved to us as she was going up, bumping up
and down with a smile on her face, lovely.
In summary, Gordes, a stunning,
not to be missed place to visit. But possibly better in a quieter season.
Driving out of Gordes on the way
to Roussillon, we parked under a tree at the side of the road to have some
dinner. I had to move a log which was lying across the hardcore standing
alongside the road. Nice and cool place, in the shade. A small garage and shop
across the road. Butterflies all over the meadow across the road. Crickets
bashing away as usual.
Roussillon was different
altogether. Supposedly a must see place, but I found it did not have a lot of
appeal. Maybe Gordes had floored us. The church was nice and simple, which does
appeal to me. Small, atmospheric.
Here again, a young Chinese lady
asked me to take her photograph in the church. She had spotted a shaft of
sunlight and was lit up perfectly inside the church. Unusual, but quite good.
So I got photos of Patricia and Pauline in the same place.
We passed a couple with cameras
that must have weighed several pounds, enormous lenses on them. Wandering
around taking an eternity to take a shot, then closely examining the image
before wandering on oblivious to anyone else who wanted to take a photograph.
My impression was, we have two posers here.
On our way walking back to the van
I spotted our young Chinese lady again and we started chatting, very good
English. Some more photos taken, her name was Sherry. Again a lovely polite
young lady.
Another motor home blocking me in
when we got to the van, but no problem, the driver was in and moved out for me.
The temperature at this point was 100 Deg F in the van, quite warm.
Back to our overnight place near
Gordes. Put the barbecue on, pork steaks, Couscous and Salad. A beer and a
Bourbon to round the day off. Patricia reading and Pauline knitting as the sun
set. The full moon over the other side of the van, a quite beautiful evening,
after a quite memorable day.
Day 28Monday 22nd July
2013SOD Temp 72 Deg F
Gordes -ProvenceN 43 54.047E 005 11.708
Awake 7 - 30 am, sunny again,
let's see what temperature it reaches today. A van has appeared, practically
parked close enough to get under our awning. Amazing, you can park buses here
with space to spare. Some van owners seem to have a sheep instinct, herding
together. Seems like we have one here.
A late start today, the heat is
slowing everything down. 10 - 30 am when we left for Menerbes. This is the
village that Peter Mayle brought to the world with his book, A Year in
Provence. We found the parking easy and free. A walk up the hill and we were in
the village where most people stroll. We made the effort and climbed some more
hills. On one hill in the village, we met an American couple who were staying
in the village. It looked like they had just been in a swimming pool and were
walking to their accommodation nearby. We had a chat for a while, they were
heading eventually for London. I told them, there were no English in London
anymore. The couple came from near Cape Cod. I joked with them asking if they
were friends of the Kennedys.
The church was being renovated. It
seems to have been run down and not maintained at all. There was work going on here
and there in the village. I would think it has been changed a lot since Peter
Mayle originally found it.
The heat in the sun was quite
oppressive, so seeking shade was imperative.Driving out of Menerbes, I stopped under the first shade I could find.
We parked and had dinner, just at a road junction. At least some shade. A
little old lady was putting her rubbish in the big bin there, as I was dumping
ours.
There was a big commercial
property, just a few yards up the road, chained up and bought by a new company,
Had a drive through La Coste,
Marquis De Sade country, didn't stop. An idiot car driver, with the door open,
while he takes all day to climb in his car, started mouthing at Patricia when
she asked could he close it, so we could drive past. One of my favourite
sayings is that some people don't have the brains they were born with, no
consideration.
On to Bonnieux, again not
stopping. The parking not being condusive to staying. All good, because we
decided to look at Saignon, easy parking, what a little gem of a village. A
photographers little dream. The church was open, but again seemingly a little
dilapidated. A lovely fountain in the centre and the original community wash
room across the road. A hotel in this square had closed, looks like it isn't
getting hammered by tourists, unfortunately for them. But for us, the place
quiet, not many people around, a lovely little village.
We now headed back to Gordes for
the night. We stopped at a few petrol stations for water, but none was
available. I eventually picked some up at a beautiful mill complex, where the
owner filled us up and had a chat. A lovely guy, who had bought it and
developed the business.
Arriving at the Aire, I set up the
external shower and we all had showers. A lot of fun and lovely and refreshing.
Standing on the plastic net carpet we use for covering the stones and sand.
A quick tea sorted out and a
lovely cool evening, the clouds had rolled over, looking like rain, but it held
off.
Day 29Tuesday 23rd July
2013SOD Temp 74 Deg F
Gordes - ProvenceN 43
54.057E 005 11.708
Awake 6 - 30 am with the alarm, we
are heading for Arles today. Not too many vans staying here last night. A young
Polish couple arrived late in a car and proceeded to empty the car for them
sleeping in it, it must have been bursting at the seams.
Got all sorted and on the way. The
old sun is smiling again. Heading for Cavaillon, then St Remy de Provence along
the D99. Past Tarascon on the N570 to Arles. We had been here before, but for
some reason I took a wrong turn in the town and got in a tight little corner.
With a little shimmying of the van, we got out and found the Aire, which was
full, so we parked in the bus lanes, as the French vans had done. We had done
the same last time we were here.
It was so hot that we decided to
sit out the afternoon and have a walk into Arles later in the evening. So the
afternoon was spent reading in the shade of the awning. An English guy stopped
to chat, he was parked a little further along, in a boxy looking Winnebago.
Had an early tea. A French couple
pulled in alongside of us in a new van, they had been hit by another van and
had some taped up damage on the rear.
We walked into Arles, where a band
playing repetitive Conga driven riffs was playing in the little square surrounded
by cafes. Patricia wasn't feeling too good, she felt a little sick, so we
didn't walk too far. Up and around the Roman Arena. It was cooler with being
evening, but it was still warm and really heavy, so we headed back to the van.
A lovely breeze was blowing off the river. River cruise people were waiting for
their guide to go into town.
The rest of the evening, we just
sat out and watched the world go by. The road is reasonably quiet at night.
Day 30Wednesday 24th July
2013SOD Temp 79 Deg F
Arles On the River RhoneN 43 41.015E 004 37.816
Awake 7 - 20 am. Up and having a
brew. The road past us seems to be a lot busier than we remember. Maybe some
road planning has changed things, quite noisy this morning. I counted 21 vans
parked along the river last night. Quite a popular place. The school behind us
is closed, so all the bus lanes, which are, I think, laid out for the school
mainly, with some for the incoming tourist coaches, can be used by motor
homes.Again the French hog a whole lane
which would easily fit two motor homes.
Had breakfast and set off, sorted
toilet. As I was doing this some young arrogant, ignorant French lads and girls
proceeded to park their car to block me in, even after I had asked them to take
a minute and let me get out. Just lovely, one of my pet hates, total
inconsideration for other people. Always sets me wondering how their brain
functions. ( if they have a brain ) Luckily the car behind me moved so I could
get out. Easily forgotten idiots, like boils on the backside of mankind.
Onto the D570, then D58, heading
for Aigues-Morte. Busy, busy when we got there. The car park we had used last
time now has height bars on it, signsall over no motor homes. It looks like the French have killed this one
off. So off we went. Along the coastal route, which I remember from our last
journey through here, is not one of our favourite drives, in fact in my opinion
awful.
D62 past La Grande Motte, Palavas
les Flots. Heading to Palavas, we stoppedfor dinner at the same spot we had dinner
exactly two years ago. A little pull in and nature sanctuary viewing point.
Flamingoes in the lake in front of us. Lots of small silverfish also.
D185 onto the D612 past
Frontingan, Sete, onto the coastal barrier road down to Agde. Here you drive
past thousands of cars parked in car parks all along the road. All their
occupants over the hill on the beach toasting in the sun. Heading for
Portiragne, where the Aire has no services and no charge. So I decided to have
a look. Amazingly for an Aire near the sea, there was space for a few vans, not
hogged by chocks and satellite shuffle vans. There was a beast of a motor home
parked, a full sized truck converted. I really can't see the pleasure in
driving around in something so big, like an articulated truck. Belgian
registration.
Slipping into a corner, we settled
down for a brew, read and knit. Had Pizza and chips for tea. Sorted beds out so
we just need to roll in and get down. We went for a walk on the beach after
tea. A pleasant little stroll, dipped our toes in the Med. A beach bar on our
left, supplied us with redundant sun beds ( not in demand at night ) for a sit
down and survey the scene session. Two children sand swimming in front of us.
An enjoyable end to the evening. Got a few piccies also. Reading Tyler
Hamilton, “The Secret Race”, a cycling house of horrors. Hopefully those days
in cycling are gone.
Day 31Thursday July 25th
2013SOD Temp 74 Deg F
Portiragnenear BezierSouth East FranceN43 16.527E 003 21.105
Awake 7 - 00 am, a quiet night,
just a little late night music in the distance. Had breakfast sat outside the
van, nice and cool. A Circus entourage started arriving, to set up in the car
park adjacent to the Aire. The police also paid a visit, reminding the French
family near us, that the maximum stay was two nights and they shouldn't have
awning, tables and chairs out. Which is the rule for Aires, but no one seems to
adhere to it.
The family had four children,
twins, a boy and girl, also two other boys, all quiet and well behaved. The
smallest boy did the washing up, with some help.
On the road to Carcassone today.
D612 to Bezier. Called at a McDonalds, which was nice and cool, to get wi fi
and download Paulines flight docs. Just had a coffee each, four Euros. Cleared
all my rubbish spam mail also.
Stopped at a shop for bread, I
also popped into Lidl for 12 litres of water for drinking. D609 to Narbonne,
then D6113 to Carcassonne. We stopped for dinner at the same stop we had used
two years ago. A little folly on the hill brought my attention to it, rolling
in under a tree for some welcome shade.
Here we came across something I
had read about, girls plying their trade on the side of the road. A young girl,
seemed to be parading about so as to be spotted from the road. No business while
we were there.
Arriving at Carcassone, we got
straight onto the Aire. Parked in the far corner near the banking, expecting no
one to attempt to park on our right hand, drivers side. Hopefully enabling us a
little sit out area in the shade of the van. I was wrong, see later.We sat out the heat of the afternoon, had an
early tea and then walked into Carcassonne. The same tourist honey pot we had
seen two years ago, teeming with people. All in restaurants, sat drinking,
eating and watching. See and be seen. Pauline hadn't been before, so we had a
good look around. The church again for me was the nicest part, away from the
teaming hordes, peaceful and quiet.
I was trying to find somewhere to
print off Paulines flight docs, but no success. A nice stroll around and back
to the van, a lovely warm breeze blowing.
Back at the van, we had just
arrived, when a van came looking to squeeze into the ridiculously tight space
we had left on our right. No, no, park elsewhere. As usual, you could park a
fleet of buses in the middle of the Aire. Some van owners have this sheep,
herding mentality. They park in line like everyone else, don't think for
yourself and minimise any hassle for yourself and anyone else.
Anyway, I then moved the van even
further over, to stop anyone else trying. I had a beer and chat to end the
evening
Day 32FridayJuly 26th 2013SOD Temp 78 Deg F
CarcassoneN 43 12.324E 002 22.362
Slept well, although really warm
and sticky, no clothes and no covers on the bed last night. Quite breezy outside
last night, but still this morning. As usual, the French vans disappeared
before the witching hour of 8 - 00 am, when charges are incurred.
Here I go on a rant. I am losing
my respect for French motor homers, mainly I admit because of a minority of them
do not seem to have any brain at all. I have seen lots of totally stupid things
being done. Typically any kind of hygiene regime seems to be none existent.
Impatience on service points, e.g. yesterday at Carcassone, too lazy to lift
the metal grille on the toilet dump, so emptying in the toilets near by, just
because it was busy. I became paranoid at service points after watching them
faffing around, water spraying everywhere, paddling in grey water, over
splashing of toilet water. Sorry to any who don't fit this description.
I was just sorting a few things
out and walking around the van, when I bumped into the awning which I had put
out, but not put the legs up, solely to put some shade on the fridge area.
Result, a cut across the bridge of my nose and a cut down the side. Pauline
having great delight in applying a plaster and taking a photograph. Lesson
learned, always ensure the awning is above head height.
Had breakfast, toileted in the
chaos mentioned above, paid 7 Euros fee, which is not a bad fee for so iconic
of a tourist place. French don't obviously agree with this.
Had a look in the city for
somewhere to print off Paulines flight documents. No go, so we left. D119,
stopped in Montreal, where we got print service at a Tabac, 2 Euros for two
copies, job done and on our way. Looked at some fruit and vegetables at the
roadside but we didn't bother, too dear.
Stopped for dinner at a picnic
site just as we entered the Ariege region, a big sign and information
displayed. I put the chairs out under the trees in the shade, quite nice and
cool.
Stopped at Mirepoix, parked on the
large Aire. Walked in to have a look at the Bastide area of town. A lovely
covered medieval type square, well worth a stop. Pauline bought some little
presents for Rebecca and Stephen.
Filled with Diesel at Laroque
d'Olmes, checking out gas cylinders also. Also checked out gas at Lavelanet
before heading for Montferrier Aire. Only one van on when we arrived.
Washed my face with cold water to
cool down. We started the day with myself and Patricia with dodgy tummies, this
for me creates a low energy situation, so today has been hard work. In the heat
and humidity, very hard work. Had a corned beef omelette for tea and slowly
started feeling a little better, even reading for quite a while in bed. We had
an early night, all feeling tired with the heat etc. Late van arrivals just as
I was dosing off, what do they do until so late at night ?
Day 33Saturday July 27th
2013SOD Temp 70 Deg F
MontferrierN 42 53.554E 001 47.522
Awake around 8 - 00 am. Sunny
again. The night was lovely and cool, strange after the really hot and humid
day yesterday. We have lots of flies here, the most anywhere so far. My kill
rate doesn't deter them. Had breakfast and a slow lazy start. Again the heat
slowly building. Sorted toilet and water. The Aire here is a nice little place,
and the service point is excellent, stainless steel fittings etc. Good solid
concrete standing for grey water drainage.
We needed some shopping today, so
Aldi was the first job. Luckily there was a tall Poplar tree in the car park,
so I got under that for some shade. Aldi lovely and cool inside. By now it was
2 - 00 pm, so dinner was on the agenda, looking for some shade, we found a
parking place near the football ground.
Putting some rubbish in the big
bins nearby, I found a shopping basket, so I carried it back as a joke, but it
was broken at the bottom so back it went.
Super U after dinner for gas and
yoghurts, which we can't get at Aldi. The heat was now intense. I got a
cylinder of gas 33 Euros, which I later found out was Butane and not Propane, a
mix up I hadn't noticed at the time. I had asked for Propane and taken my gas
connector along with me. Hopefully get it changed tomorrow.
From Super U we went straight up
to Col de Montsegur, where it was decidedly cooler at the top, around 3,500
feet up. Parking near the spot we had stayed two years ago. Only one van there,
which left later.
I set up the barbie and slowly
grilled some lamb chops for tea. By this time it was around 8 - 30 pm, another
two vans had pulled in and turned out to be a rather noisy crowd.
After tea, laying the chairs away,
the sky was being lit up by distant flashes of lightening. The clouds which had
rolled over making it really cool, created an atmospheric scene around the
mountains. Montsegur chateau being shrouded in mist, distant thunder and the
sheet lightening in the clouds creating a memorable scene. I stood outside the
van for a while and let the whispers on the wind talk to my imagination. There
is always something to appeal to the imagination when you visit iconic places.
This place with its history, is certainly iconic. The rain if it fell must have
been far away, we didn't have any.
Day 34Sunday July 28th
2013SOD Temp 70 Deg F
Col de MontsegurN 42 52.440E 001 49.472
Alarm on for 6 - 30 am. Sky
overcast and cool at the moment. A really peaceful night. We had an early
breakfast, packed some food and drink, then set off to walk up to the Chateau.
We had been here two years ago, but had decided not to walk up due to the
slippery path, which a couple had mentioned. It had rained at the time before
we had got there.
This time it was dry. Different
times people give for walking up, are always interesting. I personally take
absolutely no notice of them. Strolling and enjoying the path, scenery and
stopping for a chat etc. we slowly ascended.
There is a pay booth on the path
leading up, the lady who worked on it, had just passed us on the way up, so she
had only just arrived. 5 Euros each, for the Chateau and museum, the museum is
in the village.
I am always amazed at all the
people who visit these places and just want to rush around. Gasping and
panting, lathered in sweat, puffing and blowing, what an unusual way of
enjoying an experience.
Having been passed by lots of
steaming people, we eventually topped out and walked up the wooden stairs and
entered the perimeter walls of the Chateau. First impression is that it is
quite small inside the walls. I got several photographs, walked through the
entry on the opposite side, where the remains of buildings are cascaded down
the mountainside. A quite spectacular place to live. It must have been a really
hard life for anyone living up there. Again we had the Galloping Gerties, as I
have christened them, rushing around.
It did a few spots of rain as we
were wandering around, which was a little bit of a concern for us for
descending, but it held off. So we slowly made our way back down. For anyone
wanting to break our record of going up and down we made it last for three
hours. See if you can take longer, easy.
After a brew and dinner, we moved
down to the village, parked in the lower car park. Walked up into the village
to the Museum. A nice little village for a stroll around. There were posters
around the village showing photographs of long ago scenes and people. I got
piccies of them. What a hard life they lived, but there was looks of happiness
on their faces.
A small interesting museum, well
worth a visit, displaying lots of artefacts discovered in excavations on the
Chateau site and surroundings.
From here we went to Super U,
which was closed, but there is an outdoor laundry on site. Parked up and got
some laundry done, 7 Euros to wash and dry the load, not bad.
Back to Montferrier Aire for the
night, a few vans already there when we arrived. Got tucked in a corner, with
Gammon, sauteed potatoes and salad for tea.
One little note, there is
difficulty getting a telephone signal from the Aire itself, a little walk up
the hill cures it though. I did this for Pauline to send a text to Bob before
we got down for the night.
Day 35Monday July 29th
2013SOD Temp 66Deg F
MontferrierN 42 53.554E 001 47.522
Awake 7 - 20 am. We had been awake
earlier with a heavy rain shower. It eventually blew over and we managed to
doze off again. It looks like a blue sky day today, probably baking hot later,
now the rain has cleared the clouds which kept yesterday cooler. Had breakfast,
sorted toilet and water. First job was Super U to exchange the Butane gas
cylinder that I had picked up, I should have got Propane. My foolish mistake.
We had a little pantomime trying to explain what we wanted to do. First to the
lady at the Petrol and gas kiosk, who spoke and understood little English, less
than my French. She referred us to Patricia a manager inside, who seemed to
speak and understand even less English. We were doing exchange demonstrations
with tins of coke and pop. Pretending one was Butane, one was Propane, then
switching them over. She seemed to think we had a problem with it blowing up.
Eventually after much mixed up French and English, she finally got the message
and with laughs all around, we got it sorted.
So off we went with our green
Propane cylinder.
Leaving Lavelanet on the D117 we
spotted a lovely picnic site just off the road before Nebias. Pulling in we set
out dinner on a picnic table and had a lovely relaxing dinner. Just a nice warm
breeze blowing, sun shining and a beautiful pastoral scene across the fields.
Excellent.
On through Quilan, we picked up
the D118 heading up to Limoux, then leaving this on the D58 for Rennes Le
Chateaux. Parking up just outside the village, we decided to have a ride on the
Petite Train up into the village, 1.80 Euros each, an excellent little
decision. Pulling in at the top of the village with energy saved. This little
excursion was to see the church, which has created quite a myth and mystery.
First thing we did was knock three almonds off a tree, near the "
Sacrificial Stone ", a large block of sandstone placed in the little
square, near a stone tower. There are a few shops which seem to focus on the
Cathar, Holy Grail, myth and mystery market.
The church was rather busy, but we
waited until the crowd had gone. I asked one lady who spoke good English, to
explain a little ritual they were all performing. Apparently in a certain
position the cross on the alter obscures certain parts of the sunlit window
behind it, this creates a special energy position on the floor of the church,
standing there with bare feet, you are exposed to this energy.
So people of different heights
were doing this, which obviously changed the position, it must move around a
little. Patricia and Pauline had a go and said they experienced something
peaceful. So maybe there is something in it. Nothing you could explain with
Physics though !
On the Petite Train back down to
the van. Quite warm now. Had a look at the Aire at Quilan, but headed on to
Lapradelle Puilaurens, through the Gorges de la Pierre Lys, a quite spectacular
gorge where the D117 passes through.
We had stayed here previously two
years ago when we had visited the chateau. Onto the Aire, first van in for the
night. Curry, rice, bahjees, pakoras and samosas for tea, excellent.
Washed up and then had a late
stroll around the village, Pauline feeling that it was spooky. The church
windows lit up quite nicely. The chateau on the hill lit up nicely, we didn't
remember this from our last visit. A nice little stroll to end the quite
excellent day.
Day 36 Tuesday 30th July 2013SOD Temp 72 Deg F
Lapradelle PuilaurensN 42
48.616E 002 18.554
Awake 7 - 30 am. A quiet and
peaceful night. Sky a little cloudy this morning. Had breakfast and then had a
daylight stroll around the village. Pauline feeling that it wasn't now spooky.
A house which she saw last night reminded her of Norman Bates house in Psycho.
This morning we saw it was for sale. A quite magnificent house, which seems to
have been empty for a while, the garden overgrown.
Just behind the post office a camp
has been set up, with cooking facilities and toilets. It looks like it could be
a scout camp. It is certainly organised, but no one around.
The D117 runs along all the
Fenoulledes, with villages at intervals along it. Caudies de Fenouilledes,
where we stopped at a Boulangery for a brown baguette and a cheese pasty. St
Paul de Fenouillet, to Maury, where we turned onto the D19 for Cucugnan.
Climbing along a beautiful road up the mountain, we came to a junction where
the road leads off to go to the Chateau de Queribus. A nice big space invited
us to park up for dinner. Quite a few cycle tourists around, very hilly
country, but beautiful scenery if your fit enough to climb the long winding
mountain roads. One young lady needed to dismount and walk.
After dinner, a short 4 miles to
Duilhac sous Peyrepertuse, where we were quite surprised to see only two vans
on the Aire. Last time we visited, it was packed. This was obviously due to us
arriving early, 2 - 00 pm, it did fill up later.
Awning out, chairs and tables out,
we had a walk into the village. We looked for Alans house, whom we had met two
years ago. We asked two little girls to confirm which it was and Alan overheard
us, so came out to see who was asking for him. Over his noisy dog barking away,
he invited us in after he had refreshed his memory.After all it was a fleeting couple of
meetings two years ago. We had a chat and got his address written down this
time.
Back at the van, we had an outdoor
shower, which is an excellent facility. Putting the rubber mat down, pull the
garage door open as a screen, we had a little corner where the water soaked
away, excellent. All nice and clean, we had tea and a read. Well I tried to
read, but an Italian crowd across the Aire, wanted everyone to hear what they
were talking about. Why do Italians have to talk so loud ? I think they must
all have hearing defects. Not a sound from anyone else but this lot. I need to
remember my earplugs when we ever visit Italy.
A young French lady bathed her
baby in a plastic tub at our side, she asked about baby lullabies in English.
Pauline wrote some out for her. We had a chat also and looked at her map on
where they had been. They were from near to Paris.Her husband / partner never spoke a word or
acknowledged us at all. Strange ! A lovely evening. I strolled to the road
before shutting up for the night, got a couple of pictures of the Aire with
lights on and the mountain sillhouettes.
Day 37Wednesday 31st July
2013SOD Temp 77 Deg F
Duilhac sous PeyrepertuseN 42
51.714E 002 33.903
Awake 7 - 00 am but all were
asleep, so I rolled over for an hour. A lovely peaceful night.Quite warm this morning. Well even though
this is one of the nicest Aires we have stayed on, we have to move on to get
Pauline to Girona for her flight back home. She is also a little reluctant to move.
Had breakfast, said goodbye to our
French neighbours, well the lady and little girl. Sorted toilet, after waiting
ages for a Spanish van which seemed to be making an epic of their servicing.
D14 to Cucugnan, then D123, where
there is an amazing view laid out before you, of all the hills and mountains,
as you turn around a corner. Quite a spectacular scene, which I remembered from
last time.
Down to Maury, where we picked up
the D117 to Estagel. D612 to Millas, where we stopped at an Intermarche, but it
was closed for a two and a half hour dinner. Aye, aye, we have hit the siesta
zone. We need to now keep that in mind.
The D612 heads on to Thuir, where
we spotted a Lidl, it was open, no siesta, ohlay. Shopped and had dinner here.
The heat now building up, seeing a chemist sign which displayed 42 Deg C, which
translates to a warm 114 Deg F, the accuracy can't be guaranteed, but it was a
little warm.
Again the D612 to Mas Sabole,
where we picked up the main D900 north, south road. The D612 on this stretch running
through hundreds of Plane trees, which restrict how wide the road is, but a
quite pleasant drive.
D900 taking us to Le Boulou for
the Aire, which we had chosen for convenience before going into Spain. It
turned out to be rather busy. We got a decent spot with arriving early. Set up
the barbie and did the chicken fillets we had bought at Lidl. Quite a lot of
flies again, so we ate inside.
Washed up and beds ready, we had a
stroll into town. Nothing of any great interest really, just a gentle evening stroll.
On the way back we spotted an
English van heading for the Aire from the Spain direction. When we got back
they were just getting in place. Apparently they had travelled from the Chunnel
today, i.e Calais to Le Boulou, I estimated around 700 miles. One motor home
and one car, they had lost direction, hence coming from the Spain direction.
The driving distance is not really leisure driving. It's taken us a month to
get here, compared to their one day.
Had a beer and a Bourbon while
chatting and hoping the night cooled a little, it didn't much. 86 Deg F in the
van. Vans still arriving at 11 - 00 pm as we were off to bed. Pauline said she
heard one around 2 - 00 am. Late travellers !
Day 38Thursday 1st August
2013SOD Temp 76 Deg F
Le Boulou - Near Spanish borderN 42 31.633E 002 50.247
Awake 7 - 00 am, a quiet and
peaceful night. The aire seems popular as a stopping place, convenience and
just off the main road into Spain, I suppose. Otherwise, nothing else in Loo
Beloo, as we have named it. I think it was a Spa town in it's heyday.
Had breakfast, then moved the van
over to the cemetery gates, to top up some water. There is a tap behind the
wall for cemetery watering. I spotted it yesterday on a stroll around.
Getting on our way we passed
through Le Boulou on the D900. Heading to the Spanish border. Here we ran into
crawling traffic which was caused by the border town of Le Perthus. which was
teaming with people and cars. There must be some attraction here. A tax benefit
town maybe ? We didn't stop to find out.
Spanish border crossed, we
travelled what was now the E11. A quite boring, hot strip of a road. Welcome to
Spain. We stopped at a small village just off the road, Medinya N 42
02.937E 002 52.170. Parking under some
trees we had a walk to find some bread. A little shop up the road did the job.
One Pain, 1.40 Euros, lovely soft bread. Had dinner for an hour and then rolled
onto the hot strip again.
First job was to check out Girona
Airport, for dropping Pauline off tomorrow. Setting Satellite Simon, we found
the entry and exit quite ok, so decided to check out our Aire for tonight.
The nearest Aires were over on the
coast. Around twenty miles drive brought us to St Feliu de Guixols. A small
packed Aire, with Chock and Satellite vans, seemingly set up for weeks, tables,
chairs, awnings out taking parking places up. Overall it looked quite a little
baking hell hole. A little Dutch guy tried to point out I could get the van in,
but, no thanks, we'll look elsewhere.
Onto Platja D'Aro, a few miles down
the road. Now for some quite inexplicable reason, the Aire parking has been
blocked off and new signs have been put up along an entrance road, to point out
motor home parking. Nothing on the Aire at all, just loads of empty hard
standing, doing nothing but baking in the sun.
Anyway we got parked up on the
road, quite a wide strip at the side of the road. Apart from continual passing
traffic, not too bad I suppose.
Hot, hot, hot, so we just brewed,
chatted, read and watched the world go by. Also got Paulines bags packed,
weighed and ready to go for tomorrow.
Passing traffic kept driving over
a grid in the gutter opposite where we were parked. Clang, clang. It needed a
solution to quieten it down. An old red plastic chair did the trick, I just
placed it on the grid, result, no clang clang.
The evening cooled down a little.
We sat watching the world, Grouse birds running around in the park adjacent to
us. A couple of live bands in the distant night, obvious by the snap of their
snare drums which cut through the night. A fairground humming across the fields
in front of us. None of this intrusive though.
The stars peeping out, just
noticeable through the street lighting. Got down for a read and bed around 11 -
00 pm.