Home, eventually

Sunday, 22nd March 2020

Finally, we make it home.

Don't think we want another trip like that in a hurry!

Almost 1400 miles in. four days, via Somport Tunnel, mostly toll free.

Oloron Ste-Marie to Lac de St Cyr (Poitiers) to Neufchatel-en-Bray to home?

Thursday, 19th March 2020

A cool but sunny start to the day, 13C, but, climbing to 23C by late afternoon.

We are up, reasonably, early, we get first turn on the service point, which was Kathleen's ambition.

On the road shortly after 08:00am.

Oloron Sainte-Marie, D938-D947-N10-A63-A10/N10-D910, brings us to Lac de Saint-Cyr (Poitiers) (46.721838, 0.456127) , in 314 miles, almost all free, with just a 3.80Euro toll for a small section of the A63.

Very light traffic, except for the huge volume of HGVs on the N10, but, they are all sticking to the right hand lane, so, no problem overtaking them.

A small amount of excitement at Poitiers, we leave the N10 to join the D910, heading for our chosen Aire (Lac de Saint-Cyr (Poitiers), and are stopped in a Police Road Block. They are checking peoples paper work, in particular there "Attestation", fortunately, despite Kathleen saying it was a waste of time, I had painstakingly written out two copies (one each). A young, and very polite Gendarme spoke to Kathleen, all in French, asking for our papers. I think, she quite enjoyed the experience! Happy, he waved us on our way.

Our lunch stop was taken at Angouleme, in the car park of a Commercial Centre. I took the opportunity to visit the Auchan supermarket, in the centre and bought various "treats" (chocolate and Magnums), plus wine, pate, baguette, apple tart. This formed our evening meal, sitting in the sun, with a glass or wine.

A photograph for family and friends, so you can see, we have come to no harm, Kathleen working hard.


Friday, 20th March 2020

Weather not really of consequence, since we expect to be travelling for most of the day again today, but, sunny in the morning, turning to rain as we reach Chartres, raining steadily by Neufchatel-en-Bray.

277 miles we are very familiar with, having done it numerous times, D910 - A10/N10 - A154/D154 - D61055 - A28, all toll free.

We arrive at Neufchatel-en-Bray, Aire St Claire (49.737185 1.429569). All in order, as usual, but, toilet, shower etc not in use, presumably because of CoronaVirus.






Saturday, 21st March 2020

Brrr.. can tell we are well North, only 6C this morning, as I get ready to leave Neufchatel-en-Bray, Aire St Claire (49.737185 1.429569).

We are on our way by 08:30, only about 100 miles to Tunnel.

We have reservation at 18:30. The plan is, if we can only get our reserved slot, stop off at somewhere in Kent (Canterbury P&R, or, there are a couple of CAMC sites which are possibles). If we are fortunate enough to get an earlier slot, we might even make it home today, but, with 350 miles to go, after we exit tunnel, that is doubtful.

Excellent time to the Tunnel Terminal. Roads are almost empty, although, we begin to encounter "Motorhome traffic" as we approach Calais.

We see several Police check points, but, we just get a wave, not stopped.

Even with a coffee stop, we are at Tunnel Terminal by 11:15. We are offered earlier crossing (12:20) at no extra charge. Despite all of the rumours and stories of massive queues, there is only one "file" of Motorhomes and Caravans, plus, one solitary car, at boarding time. All shops and cafe in Terminal are closed, and, we are told we must stay in vehicle, during crossing.

Given the UK/France time difference, we are unloaded and on the M20 by 11:55 UK time.

Queues at M25 Dartford Crossing (what is new), but, other than that, we make excellent progress, we are heading north on M11, we even stop at M11 Services for coffee and to polish off the apple tart I bought in France. 

Thinking we will be home today, when overhead motorway signs announce M11 Northbound Closed ahead. We have managed to drive 1,000 miles, through Spain and France, with no hold ups, welcome to the UK.

Kathleen navigates us across country, to A1(M), just south of Huntingdon, A1(M) northbound is closed too! We eventually manage to join the A1(M) further North. Getting a bit tired now, and, navigating plus closed roads, have tempers a bit frayed.

We give up on making it home today, and divert to Ferry Meadows CAMC Site (N52.56053, W0.30593), Peterborough.

Benicassim - Bonterra Park - 15th March 2020

Sunday, 15th March 2020

Cloudy and cool start to the day.

Kathleen away to church, CoronaVirus will not keep her away! 

Another mass exodus today, but, it was a large group, travelling together, so, maybe it was planned anyway. There has been no official word that travel is restricted.

We decided to go for a stroll, along the promenade, only to be stopped by a Guadia Civil, on a motorcycle, and told to return to the camp site, that we were not allowed to stroll around.

On return to the site, we checked with Reception, apparently, we are only allowed "out" to go to shop(s), cash machine etc. If you have a dog, apparently one person is allowed out to walk it. Kathleen is all for borrowing someone's dog.

This is going to be difficult for Kathleen, who likes to be about and about, she is going to be like a caged lion, I think I am probably in more danger from her, than from CoronaVirus! I have hidden all sharp implements.

Perhaps, we will have to organise an "Escape Committee" and dig a tunnel?

Monday, 16th March 2020

Just to add to the CoronaVirus lockdown, it is raining!, it is 15C, which, I suppose is a small bonus.

We walk to the shop, to buy wine, milk etc.

They are restricting how many people are allowed in at once (security guard, or, "bouncer" on the door). So, there is a queue of people, in the rain, waiting to get in. Once in, most stuff appears to available, only thing we wanted to buy, but, could not was dried pasta. Plenty of evidence of people hoarding toilet rolls, which, is, I am told, happening in UK too. Why?

Tuesday, 17th March 2020

Raining all night, and, all day, and 15C.

According to the news and the local rumour machine, France has closed borders.

Speaking to a fellow Brit, this morning, who was packing up to leave. He has checked-out of site, and was already to go, heading for a booked ferry at Dieppe. Got a text to say, his ferry has been cancelled. Plus, it would now appear that Spanish/French Border closed. Hopefully, they will allow him to re-checkin on site and stay. At least we have essentials here.

Late afternoon, and, we were issued with more official advice/rules by site staff.

It is now no longer to leave the site in a group, or, even, a couple, only one person may go to the shops, walk dog etc.

We are being "encouraged" not to use the "facilities", it may be coincidence, but, I had noticed that the hot water for showers, dish washing etc was not longer actually hot, but, more sort of like warm.

It is now no longer permitted to entertain other people (or be entertained) on your pitch, one couple, one pitch!

This is all becoming too much.

I trawl the internet, in an attempt to get accurate information on our options. The Chausson Owners Group on Facebook, proves useful, they have set up a separate message group to share information. Predictably, there is lots of dross, but, there is some useful information from people who have actually done the things they are talking about, rather than just knowing a friend, who knows someone who said....

From this, I deduce, we can can gain entry to France, for the purpose of transit to Calais (or wherever) for ferry/tunnel. In typical French Bureaucratic style, we need to have a "form", or "Attestation" duly completed. These forms are available to download, but, we have no printer, so, I am required to hand write two copies (one for me, one for Kathleen).

Fully prepared, we decide to "bite the bullet", we arrange to check out of the site, tomorrow morning, and head for Calais.

We pack everything away, ready for an early start.

Wednesday, 18th March 2020

No weather report this morning, it is still dark when we get up and pack final items, ready to leave at 7:00am, when reception opens. One bonus, it is not raining.

We head for the Somport Tunnel, and Oloron-Sainte Marie (N43 11'2" W0 36'30"), taking the most direct route, (approximately 300 miles), although, in fairness, it probably was not the quickest, given some of the steep climbs and twisting roads.

We leave before having our breakfast, a very rare thing for me, breakfast is sacred! The plan is to stop for breakfast after about two hours. So, as we approach Morella, we spot a lay-by, with Motorhome Service area. As we turn in, we notice, Guardia Civil car parked. We are told to move on, no stopping, not even for a rest.

So, breakfast does not happen until about 10:30, by which time we are in really rural section.

The roads are amazingly empty of traffic, virtually no cars, predominantly HGV's. We see only one other Motorhome.

A small scare, as we approach the Somport Tunnel, after a lunch stop, a Guardia Civil car comes up behind us, blue lights and sirens on. For a moment, I think he may be after us, since there are no other vehicles around, but, when I move over slightly, to give him the opportunity to pass, he goes streaking off down the road. Only to return about five minutes later, minus siren, but, blue lights still going. Perhaps his carry out order was ready?

Kathleen has worked herself up into a state of high anxiety, dreaming up all of the worst case scenarios, but, when we arrive at the Somport Tunnel, there are a group of Police chatting and smoking, they totally ignore us. As we emerge, in France, there is absolutely no sign of officialdom, we simply emerge, and drive on.

We arrive at Oloron-Sainte Marie Aire (N43 11'2" W0 36'30")at about 15:30. There are (official) spaces for five vans, and, there are two Brits "in residence" when we arrive. Soon, another two Brits arrive, a Belgian, and four Dutch. So, no fewer than ten vans squeezed in. 

Even more arrive as the evening wears on.

Tomorrow morning is going to be interesting, when we all come to leave!

Not the widest entrance/exit to negotiate!

Benicassim - Bonterra Park 12/03/2020

Thursday, 12th March 2020

Another pleasant day, 21C and cloudless blue sky.

A little shopping for provisions (wine), followed by a visit to the weekly market, followed by lunch by the coast at Restaurant Torreon.

An after lunch stroll along the coast.

Rather alarming news from home, no, not "the virus", youngest grandchild, Salma, has been admitted to hospital with chest infection. Poor Salma on oxygen and intravenous fluids/antibiotics.

Friday, 13th March 2020

Sunny and warm, 21C again, but, with the occasional cloud drifting over.

Full hair care day, so, that is most of the morning occupied. Followed by a little food shopping.

There are lots of rumours circulating, both on the site and online, about the CoronaVirus. Signs of panic buying in the supermarket (Mercadona), just goes to show there are idiots in every country, I suppose.

Apparently the UK Foreign Office have advised against travel to several Spanish Provinces, we are in Valencia Province, which is not on the list, but, that does not seem to have registered with most our fellow Brits. 

It is common for many people who have been here for the winter, to leave around this time, so, it is difficult to say if the stream of people leaving is "normal", or, "panic". It does seem to be almost exclusively Brits leaving.

For now, my thinking is, we are better off somewhere warm, with CoronaVirus in circulation, than heading back home to the cold and wet, with CoronaVirus in circulation.

Saturday, 14th March 2020

Sunny and warm, 21C, yet again.

All kinds of rumours circulating, relating to the CoronaVirus. Friends John and Carol, have decided to make a dash for Calais, they were supposed to be leaving on Wednesday, but, set off this morning. Last I heard, they had made it as far as Pamplona, without incident.

Rumours say that even the beaches have been closed, not that I can really see the point in that?, surely, it is confined spaces and crowds which are to be avoided. The site has closed the swimming pool, and, the onsite bar/restaurant. In the town, all of the bars and restaurants appear to be closed, but, despite the rumour, there were people on the beach as we cycled along this afternoon.

It would appear that flights FROM UK (and probably other countries) have been halted, and, there are rumours that land border with France is to be closed too. Since John and Carol had not reached border, when last we heard from them, not sure if this is true or false.

It does appear to be only the Brits who are panicking, the Swiss, Germans, French, Dutch etc appear to be sitting tight.

We set off on the bicycles, the plan is to attempt to find the correct route, which we failed on dismally on Wednesday. Our method was to go in the opposite direction, since we remembered the point at which we had emerged onto the coastal road. We failed again, I am afraid, we managed to retrieve some of the route, but, not all! Never-the-less, another 14.5 miles of enjoyable cycling.

Benicassim - Bonterra Park - 09/03/2020

Monday, 9th March 2020

Not a promising start to the day, dull, cool at 10C, but, by lunch time, blue sky, sun and 21C.

Kathleen enjoys cycling (I think?), but, I am always a little suspicious when she appears over eager to be out cycling.

Accordingly, today, a suggestion that we should cycle "the long way round", to Castelon de la Plan, made me think "so, what is going on here?".

Off we go, there is not much wind, but, what little there is, is blowing in our faces, not a word of complaint. 

Eventually, all becomes clear, following this route, we pass a large Commercial Centre, shops!, naturally, we have to stop, "just to look", we emerge with new items of clothing, surprise, surprise.

Just over 20 miles cycling, a good start to the week.

Tuesday, 10th March 2020

A disappointingly chilly day, only 17C.

Shopping for essential supplies (Wine), and reading our books, fills the day.

Wednesday, 11th March 2020

A gloriously sunny day, from first thing in the morning to late evening, and 21C.

After yesterday's "lazy day", we go cycling.

Both of us recall, or, at least, think we recall, a route we took on a previous visit here, we cycled to a small church/Chapel, in the direction of Castellon, then, followed an small road, alongside an irrigation canal, to the coast.

It starts well, following the cycle track from Benicassim, towards Castellon, a minor disagreement about which way we go at the end of the first section of cycle track.

But, Kathleen chose correctly, as she reminds me several times, as we pedal along and arrive at the small Chapel St

Francisco de la Font.

Unfortunately the chapel is locked, so, no exploring, although we are able to enter the grounds, and take photographs.

The next phase of our ride does not go according to plan.

We are now in an area of orange groves, with unsignposted small roads running through them.

Try as we might, we cannot find the road

running along the irrigation canal, or, indeed, the irrigation canal.

Eventually, we emerge from the maze of small roads, onto a slightly more substantial road, and, we can see the tall buildings of Castellon in the distance, to give us some idea of which way we should be going.

You may have gathered from this, we do not have a map, but, are operating on logic, ie, if the hills are at your back, you are heading for the coast!

Eventually, Kathleen recognises a landmark, which she recognises ( a church, naturally), so, we head for that.

It is indeed a rather grand church, on the outskirts of Castellon, it is called Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Lledo.

It presumably has some significance, because it has well laid out grounds, with seats, a drinking water fountain, toilets, and of course, the church itself.

There are several parties of school children, presumably on a school trip.

We linger long enough to eat our picnic lunch, and, look around the rather magnificent interior of the Church.

Refreshed, we head on, Kathleen was right (again, she reminds me), we emerge on the route we followed on Monday, a short distance from the Carrefour Hypermarket.

We return, via the Pinguin (a sort of Spanish McDonalds, with beer), where we stop for refreshments.

19.25 miles, covered, by the time we return to Bonterra Park. 

Benicassim, Bonterra Park - 06/03/2020

Friday, 6th March 2020

Cooler today, only 19C, and, rather windy.

Strolling through Benicassim, town centre, and, we meet up with a couple (John & Carol Walley), we last saw, here, three years ago. It would appear we have more chance of meeting people we know, here in Benicassim, Spain, than we do in Newcastle!

After Kathleen pestering the staff in Reception, to have a better pitch, they came up with a list of five or six options today, decisions, decisions. We obviously dithered too long, since our first choice (coincidentally, next to John and Carol!), had been bagged by a German couple (our neighbours!), but, our second choice will do nicely. Move on Sunday, if all goes according to plan.

Saturday, 7th March 2020

Another cooler day, at 19C, but, not quite as windy.

We spend the day, doing the boring, but necessary, domestic chores, ie washing clothes, tidying van etc.

Sunday, 8th March 2020

A very pleasant day, clear blue sky, calm, and 20C.

Kathleen is up with the larks, well, 08:00, to go to church, in Benicassim.

We move pitch today, to a larger, more level, and sunnier spot.

Once the van is moved and everything sorted, we cycle to Orpesa and back (just over 11 miles). Very pleasant, except, being Sunday, and, a nice day, it is rather busy.

Then, a bit of sitting in the sun reading, and, being entertained by a group of people at our neighbours pitch, who are having a leaving party, or, as it is generally know here, a sod-ff party.

Benicassim - Bonterra Park - 03/03/2020

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020.

A cloudy start, but, mild at 13C, rather windy. 

We set off on a cycling session, dressed for 13C, by 11:30 it is 21C, the wind has dropped, and, we are rather overdressed. A cooling beer is necessary. We manage just under 13 miles (12.99 to be precise), which, we reassure ourselves, is not bad, as a first serious outing in several weeks.

I suspect we are going to be here for some weeks.

A lazy afternoon, reading and sitting in the sun.

Wednesday, 4th March 2020.

Similar to yesterday, weatherise, cloudy start, but, calm and warm 21C by 11:00.

Another cycling session, 14.88 miles today, but, more suitably dressed.

Thursday, 5th March 2020.

It looks as if the daily weather report is going to become boring, cloudy start, warm 22C by 11:00, but, windy.

I needed a haircut, before leaving home, so, Kathleen is pressed into service, with the hair trimmers, grumbling continually, of course, that it is yet another job for her. It takes all of ten minutes.

The next task brings about an interesting observation. 

I carry all of my "ablutions equipment, ie soap, razor, nail clippers, deodorant, shaving foam, etc etc" in a small bag, it measures about 8" * 6" * 3".

After the major task of cutting my hair (remember, all of ten minutes it took), Kathleen sets off to "the facilities" for hair washing session, she has an ASDA "bag for life" of "gear ie shampoo, conditioner etc etc etc". The bag is stuffed full, and, that is excluding the straighteners, hair dryer etc. 

Two hours later, it is all done.

True, I did not have to actually do anything, except of course make complimentary remarks, when she was finished.

Thursday is market day, in Benicassim, so, we stroll along to the market place, shortly before lunch. Since she has "nothing to wear", a pair of shorts are bought by Kathleen, who also tries on numerous hats, nothing suits.

On our way back from the Market we call at the EuroMart (which everyone, very Politically Incorrectly) refers to as the "Chinese Shop", a new table cloth, folding stool, and a pair of Steak Knives, are acquired.

The rest of the day is spent in idleness, lazing in the sun.

Storm is following us!

Monday, 2nd March 2020

Oloron Sainte Marie Aire (N43 11' 2" W0 36' 31"), it is raining steadily as we turn in for bed.

At 5 o'clock in the morning, I am woken by Kathleen, there is a storm raging, the wind is so loud, it sounds as if there is an express train running next to the van, thunder is crashing above and lightening of course, plus, rain lashing against the roof. The good news is, it is not cold.

Kathleen insists on getting up, and dressed, her reasoning is, she is to be crushed to death by a falling tree (we are surrounded by trees), she wants to be fully dressed, not sure what difference that will make, personally, but, arguing the point, does not seem like a good option.

So, by 06:30am, we are up, ready, breakfast eaten. Storm has diminished to only torrential rain.

We decide we may as well get going, toward Somport Tunnel.

I convince Kathleen, it may be wise to wait for sunrise, or something approaching it, so, at 07:30, we are on our way.

A wise choice, to wait for a bit of light, there is a lot of debris on the road, and there are several trees down, partially blocking the road, as we head up the valley, toward the tunnel. Re-assuringly, there is are a number of large articulated wagons coming down the valley, suggesting the road ahead is passable.

The rain continues all the way to the Somport Tunnel, and, as we emerge, 5 miles later, in Spain, it is still raining.

The rain eventually stops, and is replaced by a violent wind. 

We arrive at Bonterra Park, (N40.05726, E0.073248) Benicassim just over three hundred miles from Oloron-Sainte-Marie, at about 15:30.

The sun is shining, it is 19C. All is well. We even have time for a stroll along the Promenade, before our evening meal.

Still cold and wet, so, further South!

Saturday, 29th February 2020

Windy, overcaste, with occasional showers, not ideal, so, we press on South.

Approximately 250 miles, in mixed weather (rain/sunshine), and, on mixed roads, free motorway standard, and, shall we say, rural.

The plan is to stay at a Campingcar Park, these are commercial Aires. You get a card, charge it with money (Euro), and use it to gain entry to a network of Aires.

I am led to believe each Aire has similar facilities (ie 6A EHU, service point, marked out bays, hard standing, barrier controlled entry).

I actually applied for the card about two years ago, but, have not used it yet, this will be the first time.

Campingcar Park Libourne (N44.947889, W0.243655), is to be our "first time".

Initial impressions are favourable, ie, the Co-ordinates are accurate, there is signposting, and, the "check in" machine works perfectly. EHU points are well spaced, and, working, parking spaces could be more level, levelling blocks needed. Service point with usual water, waste emptying etc. The immediate area seems fine, eating places nearby (Buffalo Grill), a large leisure lake, with walking paths. On balance, reasonable for 10Euro/night, not bad, but, not as good as Neufchatel-en-Bray.

Initial investigation suggests hat the primary reason for choosing this stop over (ie finding a church, tonight, or tomorrow, for Kathleen's church addiction), is going to be a fail, no church within walking distance.

After driving/sitting all day, we have a walk around the lake (approximately 4 miles), before darkness arrives. 

Sunday, 1st March 2020

Heavy overnight rain, which, thankfully, stops while we disconnect and "do" the service point.

9C and heavy grey cloud, I think the Mediterranean Coast beckons.

As we approach Bordeaux, thunder, lightening and torrential rain, which lasts for about half of the 160 miles to Oloron-Sainte-Marie (N43 11' 2" W0 36' 31"), we have used this Aire before, en-route to Somport Tunnel. Quiet, and free, but, Oloron-Sainte-Marie has seen better days.

Mild 13C, and, not raining.