A light hearted and (I hope) amusing record of some of our Campervan Trips.
It is mainly intended to inform friends and family where we are, plus, to keep our children updated on what is happening to their inheritance.
I do try to include details of Camp Sites and Aires, we visit. Checkout the "labels" listed in the right margin,
Please comment if you feel inclined, at least then I know I am not talking to myself (again).
Wednesday 23rd September 2015 A cloudy and decidely cool start (9C) to the day. It does not improve much, cloudy and cool (14C), until 17:00, at which point, sunshine. We explore Digoin, which is much bigger than we thought, but, it would appear mostly closed for the season.
Thursday 24th September 2015
A misty start to the day, but, by 9:30, the sun is beginning to burn off the mist, and a sunny day is promised. It does indeed turn out sunny, by 11:00, it is a warm and sunny 20C, with 23C in the afternoon.
This prompts Kathleen to think about (clothes) washing!
What is it with women, sunshine = clothes washing and drying, when, it should be sunshine = fun? In the event, Kathleen has her fix of clothes washing, by which time, the sun has burned off the mist, and we are "all systems GO" for cycling. It would appear several people on the site are of like mind, our German neighbours pedal off, whilst we are still getting ourselves ready, and, our English neighbours Jerry and Norma. Eventually, we are off too. Kathleen is in fine pedalling form, and, we overtake our German neighbours at the first lock. We do not catch up with Jerry and Norma until we reach Paray-le-Monial, some ten miles away. It should be pointed out, Jerry and Norma may be a little older than we are, but, they are on electric bikes! Paray-le-Monial is a very pleasant place, with a beautifully restored Basilica. While looking for a place to have lunch, we chance upon Jerry and Norma, who are on the same quest. It transpires we may have met someone who is even more picky about food than Kathleen! We find that Norma's mother came from Blyth, in Northumberland, given their complex list of things they do not eat, I theorise, they may be related! Soon we are having a very pleasant lunch at a small cafe in the centre of town. The French know how to relax! The round trip is a commendable 24 miles, rounded off with sitting in the sun, drinking a cool beer.
Friday 11th September 2015 Not a pleasant journey. The Sat-Nav plotted a route via excellent free motorway and (mostly) dual carriageway. Kathleen plotted a route which was approximately 30 miles shorter. Kathleen's route was the middle one, in grey on the map on the left.
127 miles of map rustling complaints. Then, to cap it all, just short of Chalon-sur-Soane, on the sat-nav route, there were major road works, the road was closed and a diversion in place. In true French style, there was only one diversion sign, ie the one directing you off the main road, after that, you were on your own. Of course, there was no way (without live traffic data) to foresee this last bit of bad luck, but, definately Kathleen 1, Sat Nav 0. Eventually, we arrive, at lunch time. The good news is, the site (Camping Du Pont de Bourgogne) is excellent, The weather is superb, clear blue sky, a sunny 24C. All set up, lunch, a pleasant stroll into Chalon-sur-Soane, which appears to be an interesting and lively place. Churches found, mass times determined, it looks like we will be here until Monday at least.
The area around the aire is quite pretty, but, the rest of the town has seen better days.
Normally, we see few if any Brits, but, here today, there are no fewer than five British vans, all taking up the prime spaces, next to the canal.
Note, I said British, not English, in deference to our Scots neighbours.
Thursday, and it is still pouring with rain!
One of our diversions under these conditions, a drink in a cafe, is ruled out, because the cafe is closed, in fact it is for sale.
As you can see, we are reduced to trying to take interesting photographs, using the limited settings on our point and click camera!.
Friday, the rain has diminished to just being heavy.
We set off for Catillon sur Sambre, an aire we have used before.
It is quite an attractive spot, but has space for only about 4 vans, so clearly space is at a premium. When we arrive, one English and two French vans are already in residence.
The weather improves, with the sun putting in an appearance.
Within 15 minutes of our arrival, who should turn up but, Mack & Josie yet again, but, we have bagged the last available space and there is already (what we believe to be) a French van hovering.
The (supposed) Frenchman and his wife, continue to hover, we consider the possibility, we are taking up more than our "share" of space. After much deliberation, I think I know how to say (in French) that perhaps, if I moved over a bit, and the French van next to me also moved over a bit, they could squeeze in.
It turns out, they are English, living in France, and speaking only marginally more French than me! Plus, they are not intending to stay, just to have their lunch and charge their laptop from the electric hookup.
Having tried to be helpful, I cannot extricate myself from what turns out to be one of the most talkative English men I have ever met, I am almost fainting from hunger since it is well past lunch time.
The English pair in a French van depart, then one of the other French vans decides to leave.
Almost immediately, another English van arrives, Phil and Noula. We set off investigate if there is somewhere serving meals in the evening. Nothing doing, so we settle for a drink in the bar
Saturday, we set off for our final stop of this trip, via couple of supermarkets in order to do final wine shopping.
Gravelines, is well populated as usual, being probably the best "overnight" spot before catching the Ferry or Tunnel.
This year, the French have started charging 6Euro, for what used to be a free stop. A bit rich, since there is nothing provided except a space on the quayside.
On the brightside, there are a selection of bars and cafes, and, according to Google, a church, with Saturday evening Mass, so Kathleen is able to attend.
Although I have never seen it in the UK, in several European Countries, it is not unusual to have beggars at the church door, so, I pass my time waiting have a discussion (in a mixture of French and English), with the resident beggar on his opinion of the state of the French economy. He tells me, he is forced to sleep rough and has not been able to find work for ten years. I must say, although he is shabily dressed, he is remarkably well groomed for a rough sleeper. He is not a fan of the enlarged EEC, presumably because (as it has in the UK), it has created competition for jobs from East Europeans.
Kathleen indulges in the "Sun Set Photographs".
You will note, I have still not worked out how to "turn them around", in the blog!
Sunday, up early, off to the tunnel, again disappointed with the lack of "smoothness", lots of waiting around. Perhaps, Sunday is not the best day to travel, since it is "maintenance day".
Mack and Josie have decided to leave, we are in the process of saying goodbye, when (yet another) pair of Scots turn up, Glen and Mary, it turns out they live about 10 miles from Mack and Josie.
We leave the four of them chatting, while we head off on our bicycles.
We cycle eight miles along the canal (Canal d’Est), which runs alongside the River Moselle.
It is easy cycling, and quite pleasant, but, to be honest not terribly scenic!
When we return, we find Mack and Josie have reconnected their van to the electricity and are sitting drinking coffee with new arrivals, Glen and Mary. We join them, lo and behold, as we sit there, yet another British pair come walking along (Deryk and Erica). They are not travelling by campervan, but, instead are roaming the waterways of France in their canal boat.
After lunch, we walk into town to have a beer and then buy strawberry tarts.
On our way back to the van, we call at Deryk and Erica’s boat (Star of Destiny).
Kathleen, never shy, asks if we can have a look around, and they, very kindly oblige.
It is very impressive, like a small house really. A real kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and the wheelhouse doubles up as a dining room come conservatory. You could be VERY comfortable onboard this!
As the day wears on, more and more vans arrive, all German, Dutch and Belgian. By early evening, there is quite a little drinking session going on, with ourselves and some Dutch neighbours, who actually ask if Kathleen will play her guitar. The Pizza man arrives to take orders for take out Pizza, how organised is this place?
After a very pleasant and warm day, we have rain and gale force winds over night, it has not improved by Monday morning. We make our planned move to Pont a Mousson.
It is dry when we arrive, but soon, the rain catches up with us.
Still, from what I see in the Newspaper, the weather is even worse at home, small consolation!
Pouring rain all Monday night, which lasts until after lunch Tuesday, Kathleen resorts to washing her hair, to occupy herself.
Just as I am about to slope off to McDonalds to use the wifi, Glen and Mary arrive from Pont a Mousson.
Wednesday morning, and it is still raining heavily.
We pack up and head for Stenay, via a couple of supermarkets, where we stop to top up Kathleen's hoard of Gin, Rose Wine and White Wine.
When we eventually arrive at Stenay, who is already sitting there but Mack and Josie!
Charmes, one of many aires on the River Moselle, and, it's associated canal.
For 6Euro per night, you get Electric hook up (6amps), toilets, showers (1.50Euro), and the usual service point.
It even has a wifi point (WIFI STOP), 3Euro for two days, or 16Euro for a year! There are, apparently, WIFI STOP points throughout France. I must have come across at least one before, since, When I come to register, it turns out, I am already registered.
It is fairly well used, but, when we were there at least, not too busy.
This is the view from our window.
As we arrive, we follow another British van ( well actually a Scot to be exact) in, this turns out to be Mack and Josie, a spritely pair in their mid 70's who still roam Europe in their campervan, and usually drive down to Portugal for the winter.
Just as I said before, that some chores just have to be done, so it is with haircuts, just because you are away from home, your hair does not stop growing.
As Kathleen begins cutting my hair in the sunshine, another Brit comes along and introduces himself, he is one of a couple (Steve and Ann), who are on a two year marathon trip, with no plan beyond today.
With six Brits on one aire, what are we to do, well, have a drink together of course, and soon the wine, red, white and rose is flowing. Then, Steve invites us all to eat with them, and tells us, he has cooked enough Spaghetti Bolognaise to feed six people.
Just to put a damper on the party, we feel a few spots of rain, so, we move under a tree, then, the heavens open, and we all scurry, into Steve and Ann's van.
I am not sure how, but, he manages to serve up a meal for six, in between drinking copious amounts of red wine!
The fun goes on fairly late into the night, and ends up with everyone, including Kathleen drinking brandy (Kathleen doesn't even like brandy!).
If this is the way Steve and Ann jouney is going to continue, I am not sure their livers will stand the pace!
Saturday morning, and Steve and Ann head off, just slighly hungover, after exchanging Email addresses.
A trip to Lidl with Mack and Josie, to replentish the wine supplies.
In the afternoon, I cycle along the canal in search of a church (the church in Charmes is closed, due to lack of a priest). I manage to find not one, but two, however, they are over five miles away, and neither of them have a mass tomorrow. It turns out, the nearest church with a mass, is ten miles away at Chatel-sur-Moselle. A ten mile cycle ride before 10:00 in the morning is too much, even for Kathleen's determination!
Wednesday 30th May, and the weather is still superb!
After yesterdays cycle ride to Devizes, in deference to Kathleen's age, we avoid the hill on the way to Devizes, and head in the opposite direction, towards Bath.
This is much easier going, more or less level and a good smooth towpath.
Cycling for softies.
One or two very nice canalside pubs, but we resist the temptation to stop (for now).
We soon reach Trowbridge, with it's rather attractive Marina.
Eventually, we arrive at Bradford-on-Avon, a very pleasant small town.
Here we pause for our picnic lunch, and meet two fellow campervanners, Michael and Jenny.
They are staying at the same campsite as us, so have peddled the same distance.
It emerges that Michael has been cheating however, since he has an electric bike!
We have a little explore of the town which is very quaint, before retiring to a pub for a much needed refreshing drink.
I try to persuade Kathleen to cycle the remaining nine miles to Bath.
She is not having any of that, pointing out that it is nine miles there, and nine miles back, so it is really 18 miles extra.
Instead we head back to the campsite.
Resisting the "Barge Inn" as we pass. Although, quite why we resisted, I am not sure, since we have clocked up a very reasonable 19 miles.
Friday, and we travel to Bath on the bus. Kathleen needs to have her vitamin B12 injection, and we expect there to be an NHS "walk in centre" there.
We find the NHS Walk in Centre, what a palaver. This is supposed to be a National "service", but they are not willing to give the injection without a referral from our Doctor, even although Kathleen has the prescribed ampoule with her. A suggestion that the phone our doctor to confirm it is a genuine request is brushed to one side, too high tech presumably. What hope computerised national NHS patient records? Eventually, they relent, and agree to give the injection.
We do not realise it, but our problems are just about to start.
Whilst administering the injection, the Doctor notices some marks on Kathleen's leg, and ventures the opinion that they are some form of allergy. He prescribes an antihistamine type drug.
While we wait for the bus back to Devizes, we have time to kill, so we decide to have a coffee, and Kathleen takes one of the antihistamines, big mistake. By the time we arrive back at the campsite, ie about an hour later, she has difficulty breathing, and pains in various joints.
Friday, we are supposed to travel to Marlow, but, Kathleen, in my opinion is not well enough to stay away from home, so, instead we drive home.
The plan was to visit Gary, Susana and Gabriel for Gary's 40th birthday and Gabriel's second birthday, so, instead I get up crack of dawn and drive to Windsor on Saturday morning.
Not a particularly pleasant drive, since the rain is back!
Over the remainder of Saturday and Sunday, I manage to fit in, Gabriel,s 2nd Birthday Party, a meal, at Gary's favourite seafood restaurant, to celebrate Gary's 40th Birthday, and the opening of many presents by Gabriel.
We did not expect to be staying here, but, since we are we take advantage of the excellent cycling along the canal.
I am in desperate need of a haircut, so we cycle the five miles or so along the canal to Devizes.
After an initial false start, ie heading in the wrong direction!, we are soon peddling toward Devizes.
Now, I usually manage to convince Kathleen to take part in these cycling outings, using the argument, than canals do not go up hills.
I will not be able to use that line again, we soon encounter a flight of some 20 or so locks, and the canal rises steadily over a distance of about a mile. We arrive panting at the top of the hill.
Devizes is a quaint place, I soon find a Barber Shop, for a quick haircut, and then we have a little wander, stopping for coffee and cake.
Seeing these signs outside of a Butchers Shop, could not resist a photograph, clearly, a butcher with a sense of humour.
Sunday, so that means only one thing, Kathleen is off to Church.
Up sharp, and we cycle along the canal to Tiverton.
While Kathleen does the God thing, I explore Tiverton on foot.
They have built flood defences along the river in the centre of town, not very scenic, but better than being flooded periodically, I suppose.
There are the usual information boards about flooding hundreds of years ago, and information about very cold winters when the river froze over and people ice skated on it. Clearly, climate chnage must have been caused by horse droppings, or some such, then.
The view up river shows flood defences too, but a little more scenic ones, in my view.
Have you noticed something else about these photographs?, yes, the sun is still shining, we are now on for a record third day of sunshine!
After I collect Kathleen from church, we visit the tea shop by the canal at Tiverton Basin.
I can recommend the Apple Pie with ice-cream, oh, yes, I had a cup of tea as well.
They had this rather impressive show of teapots on the wall of the house attached to the teashop.
Then we cycle back, and go to "The Globe" in the village for an excellent Sunday lunch. We even get a 10% discount, because we are staying at "The Minnows", oh how Kathleen loves a bargain, that makes her meal taste even better!
Monday morning, and it is raining again.
Kathleen is cross, moaning about the bread (which she chose), the slices are too thick, she says. You cannot taste the filling in your sandwich because there is too much bread.
My solution, increase the amount of filling.
This is not well received.
Sun appears again after lunch, thank goodness.
The question of sandwich fillings is resolved, and the rain has stopped, we explore the canal towpath in the opposite direction.
We come across this dedicated mother swan, patiently sitting on her eggs, father swan is off feeding his face, further along the canal.
Then we come upon this happy little family of eight cygnets, this father has obviously attended the parenting classes, and is doing his bit.
Tuesday, panic takes over.
Kathleen thinks she has lost her purse.
My suggestion that perhaps the Greeks have stolen it to pay off their National Debt, is deemed, not amusing.
Calm is restored, the purse id found.
It was in the coat she wore to go to church on Sunday.
It has been there, untouched since then, it is almost lunch time Tuesday now, need I say more?
But, today, we are scheduled to leave Baltic Wharf. It is a place we would come back to, but this visit has been marred by the appalling weather.
We pack up and head off for Tiverton, Devon, who knows we might even have some good weather at long last.
As soon as we are parked, Kathleen takes up her fairweather pose.
The site is right alongside the Great Western Canal, it is close to a village called Sampford Peverell and about 7 miles from Tiverton (via the Canal towpath).
I manage to drag Kathleen out of her seat, once I have finished getting everything set up and we get ourselves out in the freshair and sun.
This is real "Midsommer Murders" country!, the village could be the setting for the show.
Saturday, the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and it is even warm!
We pedal off, along the canal to Tiverton.
This, is Tiverton Basin, with a floating Bar and Coffee shop.
Kathleen accomplishes her mission and finds the Catholic Church, in preparation for going to mass, tomorrow.
On the way back, we encounter this horsedrawn barge, now adapted to carry tourists of course.
A brisk pedal back, to complete the 15 mile round trip, and we catch the last of the sun.
Then we buy our evening meal from the Fish and Chip van which visits the site on Saturdays.
Kathleen is given the all clear by the Doctor, so tomorrow, we will be off on our long delayed trip.
Allanson Hall Farm, Adlington, Chorley
This is a Caravan Club Certified location, ie a small 5 van site.
The site is pleasant and right alongside the Leeds - Liverpool Canal, which means plenty of walking and cycling possibilities.
We spend the afternoon, walking along the canal.
The towpath, is on the opposite side of the canal to the CL, but there is a quaint stone bridge, just a few yards along the road. On the left is the view from the bridge.
Soon, we come upon this mother duck, with her brood of ducklings, out for their afternoon excursion.
I think there are 13 ducklings, but the whizzed about so quickly, they were difficult to count, so I could be wrong!
The down sides are:
apart from Electric Hook up, the facilities are minimal.
the village is somewhat limited.
The White Bear advertises food, lunch time and evening, the menu looks promising, honest "pub food", but the interior has seen better days.
The Spinners Arms looks more upmarket, but does not do food in the evening.
We end up with a take away from the "Village Chippy", not an experience I intend to repeat.
Canals (in the UK anyway), seldom conjure up a pleasant image, but as you can see on the left, this is certainly a very pleasant spot to have a house, with the garden comming right down to the canal.
I manage to get the TV working, using the Digital Aerial, so no need to tangle with the Satellite dish. This allows Kathleen to get her fix of the Soaps.
It is a beautiful evening, sunny, blue sky with a few "cotton wool" clouds, but the weather forecast (one advantage of the TV, you can see the News and Weather), for tomorrow looks dreadful, a big low pressure area sweeping in from the Atlantic, bringing with it torrential rain. It is hard to believe, sitting here in the sun, but we will see in the morning, let us just hope they are wrong.
Well, they were not wrong!, Wednesday, we have a day of wind driven downpours. Definately not a day for cycling or walking along the canal. We take the bus into Chorley, apart from a reasonable coffee shop, which served good soup with crusty bread (for lunch), not really a memorable trip, got soaked walking back from the bus stop to the van.
