Neufchatel-En-Bray, Camping St Claire, Welwyn Garden City, Commons Wood, and Finally, Home (April 17th - April 21st)

Friday, 17th April 2015

A leisurely start, to let the early morning traffic clear, all of those people going to some place called "work", I don't know what they see in it myself.

An easy 139 miles, negotiating Rouen like we have done it before (which of course we have), to our old regular, Camping St Claire, Neufchatel-en-Bray.

I know, I always sing the praises of this place, but, it really has a lot going for it.

The owner and his wife, keep the place pristine, it is only 14Euro (£10.50) a night, plus, it is an easy two hour drive from here to Calais.

Finally, if all that is not enough, for the dog owners, there is, I am told, a convenient vet in the town, who will do the necessary for travelling dogs, cheaper than the Vets in Calais.

First task is to book ourselves a ferry, for our return trip. Many people we have met on our travels swear by the Caravan Club. If my experience is anything to go by, I cannot endorse that. I first check on old favourite ferrysavers, and find a price of £69, Dunkirk->Dover, for van and trailer. Caravan Club come up with a price of £109! When I point out, I can get a better price myself, they come up with £63 for the same crossing I found on Ferrysavers. So, I have "saved" £6, but, I had to do all of the work, plus, I had to do the transaction via telephone, because their website cannot deal with booking for Campervans with Trailers. The last I find amazing, what is a car and caravan, except a car with a big trailer?

Moan over, time for a glass of Red!

For a blow by blow account, until the Camera runs out of memory:

Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 1 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 2 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 3 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 4 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 5 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 6 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 7 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 8 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 9 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 10 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 11 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 12 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 13 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 14 of 15
Marboue to Neufchatel-en-Bray, Part 15 of 15

Saturday 18th April 2015

A sunny day, but, cool compared to what we have been used to at about 16C, the penalty of being so far north I suppose.

Once breakfast is over, and the debris from last nights pizzas and wine drinking is cleared away, I get the folding bicycles out, and we go cycling along the "Voie Vert", for a very pleasant 15 miles.

The cycle track here was always very good, but, it has been even further improved.

There is a better tarmac surface, a couple of new cafes (in restored trackside buildings from the railway days), and a new picnic area with toilets, picnic tables. There is even an undercover picnic table, in case it rains!.

These are all new additions, since our last visit here, approximately one year ago.

We cycle in the direction of "Forges des Eaux", which about 18 kilometres (11 miles)away, although, we don't actually go all of the way there ( we have done in the past, when the legs were younger).

One of the couples who are our neighbours, head off in the opposite direction, toward Dieppe, which is about 34 kilometers (20 miles) away. I have frequently tried to talk Kathleen into attempting this, but, without success.

Our neighbours, on their return, report that the cycle track does not actually go all of the way to Dieppe, the last few miles being on the road, so, perhaps it is not such a good idea after all.

I think, however, I will still keep working at getting Kathleen to cycle to the end of the cycle track!










 Sunday, 19th April 2015

Bright and sunny, but, with a brisk wind from the north, not very warm, only 16C.

Kathleen is off to church.

After three months of heavy relaxation, we decide to spend the day, taking it easy!

Monday, 20th April 2015

A leisurely drive to Dunkirk with a little last minute, wine shopping.

Kathleen cannot resist a final few bottles of her favourite Rose wine, but, the bottle are loose with no boxes.

Kathleen's solution, is to put them in the bed, to stop them rolling around and rattling.

At the ferry port, unusually, in our experience, they actually check the van for "stowaways". This involves a Security man searching the van, quite what he thinks of a British Pensioner who takes her wine to bed with her, he does not say.

Back in the UK, the M25 is actually moving, even the Dartford Crossing has only slow moving queues, thanks, presumably to the new toll system.

Once we are sure we can make it that far, Kathleen rings the Caravan Club Site, Commons Wood, at Welwyn Garden City. They are, as always, extremely helpful, and arrange to be available to check us in at our estimated arrival time of 08:00pm.

Tuesday, 21st April 2015

Except for a puncture, in one of the trailer tyres, an uneventful journey home. Fortunately, we carry a spare wheel for the trailer, so, other than the half hour delay, to change the wheel, no problem.

A very pleasant surprise on our return, daughter Claire has cut the lawns regularly, in our absence, so, we are not faced with the usual major grass cutting job!

For those who cannot resist, the journey from Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, then, Dover to Welwyn Garden City.

Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 1 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 2 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 3 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 4 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 5 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 6 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 7 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 8 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 9 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 10 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 11 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 12 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 13 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 14 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 15 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 16 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk Part 17 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 18 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 19 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 20 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 21 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 22 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 23 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 24 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 25 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 26 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 27 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 28 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 29 of 30
Neufchatel-en-Bray to Dunkirk, Part 30 of 30, boarding the ferry

Then Dover to Welwyn Garden City, or, until the memory runs out!

Dover towards Welwyn Garden City, Part 1 of 5
Dover towards Welwyn Garden City, Part 2 of 5
Dover towards Welwyn Garden City, Part 3 of 5
Dover towards Welwyn Garden City, Part 4 of 5
Dover towards Welwyn Garden City, Part 5 of 5



Pujols, Camping Lot and Bastides, Eguzon-Chantome, Camping La Garenne, Marboue (April 10th - April 16th 2015 )

 Friday, 10th April 2015

It is "out of season" here, and, during our time here so far, there have been few people here, but, this morning, even some of them leave, and we are down to three vans!.

The weather forecast suggests today is going to be "changeable", so, we decide to visit St Liverade-sur-Lot, an eight mile ride along the back roads, on the scooter.

We discover, Friday is market day.

It is rather an amazing market, in terms of size, it seems to take up the whole town, we even have difficulty finding somewhere to park the scooter.

The market (other than it's size) turns out to be rather disappointing to Kathleen, most of the clothes on sale appear to be of the type favoured by muslim women!

The town too, is a disappointment, mostly in a run-down state, and, despite it's name, we do not find the River Lot!

All is not lost, we return to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, and Kathleen is able to do a "recce" of the available churches, so, this weekends church going is organised.

Saturday, 11th April 2015

The perils of cycling, my bicycle has a puncture.

I take the scooter and ride along the road to the Auchan supermarket along the road, where I am able to buy a replacement inner-tube.

The original punctured inner-tube is repaired and kept as a spare.

I do not know why I am rushing to do this, since, Kathleen has spent all morning "doing her hair", so, there is no way either a cycling helmet, or a motorcycle helmet is going on THAT head, today.

Sunday, 12th April 2015

Sunday, church day for Kathleen, whilst I have a wander around town and choose somewhere for Sunday Lunch.

It is not a difficult task to choose somewhere for lunch, there appears to be only two restaurants open on Sundays!

Fortunately, given the 50/50 choice, my choice turns out to be very good.

Cocktails, Lunch, Bottle of wine, then we wobble back to the campsite on our bicycles.

Monday, 13th April 2015

Another beautiful day, it seems a shame to leave!

The sun shines for the whole journey,  including our picnic lunch, in a very civilised aire on the A20.

We are heading 240 miles north, N21 and A20 to Eguzon-Chantome, Camping La Garenne, an ACSI site, owned and run by a Dutch young couple.

As you would expect, everything works!

The journey, if you really want to see it!

Pujols to Eguzon-Chantome Part 1 of 28

Part 2 of 28

Part 3 of 28

Part 4 of 28

Part 5 of 28, Part 6 of 28, Part 7 of 28, Part 8 of 28, Part 9 of 28, Part 10 of 28, Part 11 of 28, Part 12 of 28, Part 13 of 28, Part 14 of 28, Part 15 of 28, Part 16 of 28, Part 17 of 28, Part 18 of 28, Part 19 of 28, Part 20 of 28, Part 21 of 28, Part 22 of 28, Part 23 of 28, Part 24 of 28, Part 25 of 28, Part 26 of 28, Part 27 of 28, Part 28 of 28



It is incomplete, because the SD Card became full!

The owner is really on the ball, when he sees we are towing a scooter on a trailer, he immediately offers us a map of interesting places to visit, on the scooter.

We arrive to a sweltering 24C, so not much to do until later in the afternoon, and then a stroll into the village, which appears to have quite a few restaurants, bars and, even a hotel.

In true French style however, it being Monday, only one bar was open, plus the Super-U supermarket!

The village of Eguzon-Chantome is not very big, just a few hundred houses, one supermarket, a church and a few shops.

Personally, I am not too keen on dwelling on the War (either WW1 or WW2), except to say, we do not want to see a repeat performance.

I certainly do not appreciate the sort of
"Biggles" jokes and anti German sentiment, which seem to be essential to many Brits.

But, I cannot help but notice the way in which the French honour their war dead, and the way we Brits do.

As I say, this is a tiny place, but, bang in the middle of the village, just outside the church, there is an immaculately kept war memorial. This is not unique, you will see similar in small towns and villages throughout France.

Tuesday, 14th April 2015

Straight after breakfast, I take a trip to the supermarket, on the scooter, much to my surprise, on my return, Kathleen is all kitted up, ready to go on the scooter, exploring the area.

So, using the map given to us by the campsite owner, we head off for Argenton-sur-Creuse.

This turns out to be a very pretty and incredibly lively small French town.

Kathleen then treats me to lunch, at one of

the cafes in the main square.

Sadly, because we are on the scooter, I cannot make full use of the drinks.

I am not sure what is going on, enthusiasm for riding on the scooter, buying my lunch, is there something I should know?

After lunch, we take the road to Gargilesse-Dampierre, which, we have been told, holds the accolade of being one of the (many) prettiest villages in France.

This turns into a real adventure.

After a few miles, we find the road to Gargilesse-Dampierre is closed for repairs.

In true French fashion, there is a large sign saying "Route Barre, Suivre Deviation", but, of course, no signs to indicate the Diversion!

We follow a likely looking road, which appears to be heading in the right general direction, but, after a few more miles, the tarmac runs out at the entrance to a farm.

We retrace our route, and start again, eventually,  following roller coaster of a road, with numerous twists and turns, success, we find Gargilesse-Dampierre.

Kathleen actually says she has enjoyed the ride on the scooter!

While strolling around the village, and having refreshments, we meet, two Dutch ladies, taking refreshment in a café.

Being a gentleman, I will not say elderly, but, I doubt they will see 60 again, who are walking the Pilgrim Route, from Holland to St Jacques Compestelle.

Now, we have driven to St Jacques Compestelle, it is a long way! We wish them "good luck" on their journey.

We are now on the "other side" of the river from the campsite, so, we head back to Eguzon, via the Barrage and Lac Eguzon.

Wednesday, 15th April 2015.

Wednesday, is Market day in Eguzon, so, off we go after breakfast.

It is a fairly tame affair, only six or seven stalls. Of these only one is selling clothes, and, they are all "granny" clothes. Now, Kathleen is a Grandmother, but, as she often says, "I don't want to look like a Granny".

 After lunch, I am amazed to find, Kathleen is all fired up to go out exploring, on the scooter, maybe, we are into reliving the 60's?

It is another scorching day, but, cool enough as we breeze along the country lanes.

I think the road repair gangs of France must have conspired to have a laugh at our expense, we encounter yet another "Route Barre, Suivre Deviation"!

This time, there are at least a few signs to give a clue which way to go.

At least we get to go the scenic route along the back roads, to Lac Eguzon.

Thursday, 16th April 2015

Just under 90 miles, and we arrive at an Aire, Marboue,  (N48 6.744' E1 19.722), a pleasant spot, about 25 miles south of Chartres. It has the usual Service point items, plus a well maintained toilet.

It is literally just off the N10, but, given how close it is to a major road, road noise is not a problem.

The whole journey, if you want to see some or all of it:

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 1 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 2 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 3 of 28
Eguzon to Marboue, Part 4 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 5 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 6 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 7 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 8 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 9 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 10 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 11 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 12 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 13 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 14 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 15 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 16 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 17 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 18 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 19 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 20 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 21 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 22 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 23 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 24 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 25 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 26 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 27 of 28

Eguzon to Marboue, Part 28 of 28

   

Montrejeau, Camping Midi-Pyrenees, Pujols, Camping Lot and Bastides (April 4th - April 9th 2015 )

Saturday, 4th April 2015

Oh dear, a little rain today, but, it coincides with the most important day for weeks, it is hair dyeing day, so, no harm done.

Just to be clear, it is Kathleen having her hair dyed, and me, doing the dying.

Even if I say so myself, I have done a superb job.

Needless to say, with a morning spent dying, washing, drying, straightening the hair, there is no way Kathleen is going to put on either a cycle helmet, or a motorcycle helmet, so, no trips on the scooter today, or cycling outings, a gentle stroll is all.

Sunday, 5th April 2015

Fog this morning when we get up, have not seen fog since we left the UK in January.

By 10:00, the fog has cleared, the sun is out, and Kathleen is walking to church for Easter Sunday service. I have a few chores to do, before walking along to the bar in the square outside of the Church.

Monday, 6th April 2015

A crisp morning to leave Montrejeau, it is 0C and frost on the van at 08:00, but, the sun is up, and soon warms the place up.

Today, we travelling 126 miles north, to Pujols, near Villeneuve-sur-Lot, leaving the Pyrenees well behind us.

The whole journey in Video, if you cannot sleep! is below:

Part 1 of 22

Part 2 of 22

Part 3 of 22

Part 4 of 22

Part 5 of 22

Part 6 of 22

Part 7 of 22

Part 8 of 22

Part 9 of 22

Part 10 of 22

Part 11 of 22

Part 12 of 22

Part 13 of 22

Part 14 of 22

Part 15 of 22

Part 16 of 22

Part 17 of 22

Part 18 of 22

Part 19 of 22

Part 20 of 22, we encounter a cycle race!

Part 21 of 22

Part 22 of 22

It is a blissful drive, beautiful day, just about empty roads.

But, when we are almost at our destination, less than a mile away in fact, we encounter a cycle race.

They have the road closed off, we don't know it yet, but, this is to go on all day!

We are directed up a hill, at first, it looks good, a motorcycle, with flashing lights, leads us through, but, after a short distance, he pulls over and leaves us to wend our way through the cyclists and enthusiastic onlookers by ourselves.

It all looks very organised, I wonder if we will be on TV, gate crashing a cycle race? 

Eventually we arrive at Camping Lot and Bastides (N44 23'41" E0 41'13"), an ACSI site, only 12Euros.

By the way, for the un-initiated, a Bastide is a form of fortified French town or village, not the offspring of some roaming Knight, and the local milk-maid.

Soon I am preparing a meal, is there no rest?

Tuesday, 7th April 2015

Todays plan is to take the scooter and ride to the medieval village of Pujols.

It is not very far, in fact, we can see it from the campsite, but, it is at the top of a rather steep hill.

We are all ready to go, motorcycle jackets and helmets on, the damned scooter will not start, the battery is flat!

Change of plan, connect up the battery charger, and, while it is charging, walk the two miles into Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

There is a market in the main square, by good fortune, it is almost over.

Find a nice little café for lunch in the sun, bliss.

When we get back to the van, the scooter battery is charged enough to start it, and, we can go shopping (running out of beer).








Wednesday, 8th April 2015

Another beautiful day.

Today, we do yesterdays planned outing, ie take the scooter to the medieval village of Pujols.

Pujols is described in the Tourist literature as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

This is the view over Villeneuve-sur-Lot, from the top of the hill where the village stands, as you can see, it is rather high, which explains our desire to come here on the scooter, rather than walk up the hill!.

It is incredibly well preserved, and, it is very beautiful.

Yes, there is a but, I appreciated, if it was full of shops selling tourist tat, it would spoil it, however, there is a happy medium.

Although there are at least three cafes/restaurants, none are open, so, on this hot and beautifully sunny day, there is not even a place to have a drink and admire the surroundings!

There are two churches, almost as many churches a houses, people must have been very religious in medieval times!

Amazingly, one of the old properties has been converted into a Gite, it looks authentic medieval on the outside, all stone and half timbered, but, inside is modern and looks very comfortable.

After such a suitable dose of culture and history, we return to the van for lunch, then, we swap the scooter for our bicycles and explore some of the cycle tracks in the area.

A very pleasant 9 miles.

Thursday, 9th April 2015

A clear morning with frost on the ground again this morning, but, by 9:30, it is warm enough to sit outside.

A short shopping trip on the scooter, followed by a few chores, then it is time for having fun.

Yesterday, we explored the cycle track near the campsite, today, we set off to pedal to a village called Casseneuil.

It is a pleasant ride there, along a disused railway line, which has been converted into a cycle track.

Fifteen miles round trip.

Rather disappointingly, the village of Casseneuil, although it has some rather magnificent and ancient buildings, is a bit of a disappointment.

Very pretty, but, mostly Closed!

Never mind, there is a bar / café open, so, the essentials are catered for.

Amusingly, for those of you familiar with the musical Les Miserable, the Patron of the Café is a M. Didier!

We do manage to leave with all of our teeth and valuables intact however!