Benicassim, Bonterra Park (February 27th - March 1st 2015)

Friday, February 27th 2015

Gale force winds over night. No rain.

All is calm as the sun rises, but all over the campsite, there are several people with damaged awnings, windows blown our, etc, etc.

Fortunately, we have no damage or problems.

Saturday, February 28th 2015

After yesterdays gale force winds, a glorious sunny day.

It is hair washing day, so, until 10:30, I am free to sit in the sun, reading a book, then....

A walk along the coast, is the plan.

We nearly always go along the coast, towards Castellon, because, as those of you who have reached, a "certain age" will know, you have to know there are available toilet facilities.

Now, this is not something which bothers me personally, but, the ladies among you will understand, you do need more than a convenient tree!

Thoughtfully, the Benicassim local authority have these, rather attractive, and, eminently practical, little blue and white huts, located strategically along the coastal walk.

I think Kathleen has tried out every one of them. 








We do a respectable six and a bit miles, interrupted by a very boozy lunch. My kind of walk!

We called in to a beach side Café, "for a beer", but, this become a Gin and Tonic.

The waitress came, standard Spanish routine, two bottles of tonic, two empty, goldfish bowl size, glasses, and, a bottle of gin.

She began to pour gin into Kathleen's glass, saying (in Spanish) "say when". Just before the gin reached the top of the glass, she repeated, (in English) "say when".

Kathleen, belatedly said "STOP!".

At this point, I knew, even though the plan was a quick drink and back to the van for lunch, I was in for a good long lunch in the sun.

Half way through the Gin and Tonic, I have convinced Kathleen we should stay here for lunch, two sips later, Kathleen had insisted, without prompting from me, she is paying, "YES!, get in there".

Attract the waiters attention, menus requested, order placed, bottle of wine, this is the way to spend Saturday lunch-time!

It gets better, a pudding, followed by Amaretto Coffees, doesn't do much for Kathleen's Euro's, but, who cares?




Sunday, 1st March 2015

Just after breakfast, it begins to rain, that is not in the weather forecast!

Kathleen, dutiful as ever, walks to church in the rain, fortunately, it doesn't last for long (the rain).

There is a Benicassim equivalent of the Great North Run on today, the road outside of the campsite is closed to traffic, and, there are fireworks, marching bands etc etc

By lunch time, it is a glorious sunny day and 22C, so we have our Sunday lunch in the open air.

A short cycle ride to work off the calories!

It looks as if spring is here, everywhere you look there are trees covered in blossom.

Not sure what kind of trees they are, I am no tree expert, but, they are not cherry trees or apple trees, Almond trees perhaps?

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (February 21st - February 26th 2015)

Saturday 21st February 2015

Hair dyeing day.

Past experience is, the plastic gloves, supplied as part of the "kit" are far too small to fit my hands. Therefore, I purchased a pack of "man sized" plastic gloves, before we left home.

Kathleen ends up with hair dye all over her hands.

The following conversation ensues:

Me: "when Jonathan (her hairdresser) dyes your hair, do you get hair dye on your hands".

Kathleen: "No"

Me: "why do you think that is?".

Kathleen: "I am only trying to help".

Me: "Well don't"

Kathleen: A rare, but ominous, silence.

We survive the experience.

As we return from our walk along the coast, we notice there is a Folk / Country and Western "band" on at the camp restaurant, along with a set meal.

We book ourselves a table for the evening.

The evening makes an enjoyable change, but, neither the meal, nor the band, were remarkable! At least it wasn't expensive at 36Euro for two three course meals, bottle of wine, two very large Gin and Tonics and, two equally large brandies.

Sunday 22nd February 2015

It is  sunny, but, blowing a gale!

The cover from the folding bicycles had blown off and is stuck in a tree!

Kathleen heads off to church.

The bicycle cover drops out of the tree during a short lull in the gale.

By eleven o'clock the wind has died down enough to allow a walk along the coast.

I don't know what has happened at church, but, Kathleen returns with a mission to be, and I quote "a perfect wife".

I am not sure for how long Kathleen will be able to keep up the "perfection", or, for how long I will be able to stand it.

Monday 23rd February 2015

I have left crumbs on the kitchen work surface, what sounds like nagging begins, the "perfect wife" halo begins to slip.

A beautiful warm and sunny day, after the crumbs are vacuumed up, we spend the morning lying in the sun, and, the afternoon cycling, twelve miles.

Our Dutch and German neighbours have been looking after our interests while were out. They have discovered there is someone leaving tomorrow, and tell us a larger and more sunny pitch, will be coming available.

They assure us, they are not just trying to get rid of us and point out, we will still be neighbours, and, they do really like Kathleen's guitar playing!

During the conversation, Maria (the Dutch lady) tells us her husband is 96, and, she is 86. This amazes us, since they look no where near those ages. Eventually it is established she has the digits the wrong way around in the conversion from Dutch to English, it should be 69 and 68!

Tuesday 24th February 2015

The move to a sunnier pitch becomes complicated.

The site is just about full, we have a couple from Middlesboro waiting to move onto our existing pitch, and, the people from the pitch we are supposed to move to, have not yet left, they are too busy saying their goodbyes! This could go on all morning.

Eventually we get moved, only to find our new neighbour, was born in South Shields!

Wednesday 25th February 2015

A ride out on the scooter, to explore the area around Castellon, not terribly exciting, but, a nice change from the "tourist" coast.

Thursday 26th February 2015

A real scorcher of a day, but, there are chores to be done, clothes washing etc.

All done by 10:00am, then, a gentle walk along the coast, a beer in a beach side bar, followed by lying in the sun, with more beer.

It is a hard life, but, we struggle along.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (February 17th - 20th February 2015

Tuesday 17th February 2015

Kathleen is always concerned that we drink too much alcohol on our campervan trips (can you drink too much alcohol?).

So, she instigates, "non drinking days". Today is a "non-drinking day".

Innocently, I mention to Kathleen that I have read in the newspaper that it is "pancake day", ie Shrove Tuesday, today.

That of course means, tomorrow will be "Ash Wednesday", a holy day, apparently, so, no drinking and otherwise enjoying yourself.

Kathleen decrees that we will have to swap the "non drinking" day to tomorrow, and, that we may therefore drink, this evening.

I am not sure this is really in the spirit of abstinence and self restraint, but, since I am not a "member", who am I to disagree.

Wednesday 18th February 2015

A cycle ride along the Cycle track to Orpessa.

Just under 12 miles there and back, along the coast

 It is along a former railway line so, is "reasonably" flat.

However there is a "diversion" in place, because they are installing new drains, the diversion does not follow the former railway line, and, is a bit hilly, but, we managed it, even on the folding bicycles.



Thursday 19th February 2015.

A cloudy start to the day, but, the sun is out by the time we have had breakfast.

I think we are in training for the Tour de France!

A 16 mile cycle ride along the coast, on the folding bicycles.

Friday 20th February 2015

A beautiful sunny day, most of which Kathleen spends lying in the sun.

I go for a ride on the scooter to find "Desert of Las Palmas". A very scenic ride through the hills, but, ultimately unsuccessful, after about four miles the road is closed due to road works!

On the brightside, I do chance upon a new cycle route.

A short walk in the evening, just to ensure Kathleen's joints have not seized up.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (February 14th - February 16th 2015.

Saturday 14th February 2015

We have not been terribly active for the past couple of days, so today, we cycle the 16 miles (there and back) to Castello Marina.

Kathleen still has the energy to go native, and join in the Dancing on the promenade.

Despite a reviving drink and tapas, she needs a sit down on the way back however!

We are told by our neighbours, Steve and Rosina, there is "something going on" in connection with St Valentines Day, in the evening, in Benicassim.

We arrive at 19:30, and, sure enough, eventually, the Motorcycle Policeman, who is spending his time allowing the children to operate the siren on his motorcycle, leaps into action, and halts the traffic.

The parade starts, dancers, floats, with children in fancy dress throwing sweets into the crowd.

Sunday 15th February 2015

Kathleen does her duty, off to church, for 9:00 Mass.

I have a cycle around town and check out possible eating places.

We spend most of the time leading upto lunch chatting to our English neighbour, retired from the Ambulance Service, Steve. He is of like mind with myself on many subjects, ie, a bit (well a lot) judgemental, based mainly on his experiences as an ambulance driver, dealing with the great British benefit claiming classes, which I suppose is why I get along with him so well.

He is not limited to the obese and other sundry dodgers.

I particularly like his take on the "dog owning" campervan / caravan set. His question is, if dogs could talk, would they be happy with being dragged away from home for three months, to live in a strange place? He cites the example of one dog owning camper on the site. He has two Husky dogs with him. Now, think about it, these animals have been bred (or evolved) to survive in the Arctic wastes at minus 20C, and here they are, in full winter gear, at 20C, not much fun at all. But did anyone think to ask the dog's opinion? 

It is a bright, warm and sunny day, so "torreon Terraza Restaurante", virtually on the beach, seems to fit the bill.

We cycle along there for lunch.

Excellent meal, total bill sees off my last 50Euro note, but not bad, I suppose, considering Kathleen had all three courses (ie Gin and Tonic, Wine, Liqueur).

Monday 16th February 2015

A day of domestic chores, clothes washing, food shopping, it has be done.

Steve and Rosina, depart, heading slowly home. This is a shame, we will miss them. I had begun to look forward to a daily Politically Incorrect chat with Steve.  

We cannot stay on our current pitch beyond Friday 20th, because there is a Rally arriving, and they have pre-booked this block of pitches.

We had planned to move on, but, the weather is improving, it is pleasant here, so, we decide we will stay a little longer. This means a move of pitch, we don't have such a good aspect, or as much sun, but, we will see how it goes.





Benicassim, Bonterra Park (11th February - 13th February 2015)

Wednesday 11th February 2015

We take the local bus to Castello.

It takes 55 minutes there, but, 30 minutes coming back?

Kathleen enjoys the thrill of using the local bus service, will we arrive at the correct place, or not, will we find our way "home" again.

Otherwise Castello is slightly disappointing to be honest.

Thursday 12th February 2015

Not a very good day, weather-wise. The weather forecast says rain, although, this does not materialise until later afternoon, and then, only a few drops.

There is a market in Benicassim, so, we amuse ourselves there for a while, followed by drinks at Café Vicente. Amazing value this place, two beers are 3Euro, and, they throw in a "surprise" tapa each, free. Todays tapa is Spanish Tortilla on toast.

Friday 13th February 2015

A bright and sunny day.

Kathleen is interested in looking at a campsite located in the next town north of here, Orpessa. Not as somewhere to move to at present, but, as a possible stop off on our way back north, in a couple of months time.

We have the choice of cycling there, or, of going on the scooter. Thank goodness we chose the scooter. The site is incredibly difficult to find, I am sure we would have simply given up, if we had been on bicycles.

After all of the searching, the site is a disappointment, so, it is off the list.

To get to Orpessa, I took the main road (N340), this was not to Kathleen's liking.

So, on the way back, I took the coastal route, am much smaller road, and more "scenic".

That was even less to her liking.

I quote "like being on a roller coaster with no safey bar" was her verdict.

Sometimes we men just cannot win.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (9th February - 10th February)

Monday 9th February 2015

Our German neighbours leave, so, we quickly arrange to swap to "their" pitch, because it is a sun-trap.

We then proceed to spend the day lying about in the sun.

Tuesday 10th February 2015

Despite the weather forecast, which says it is going to rain, we are greeted with a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine.

After yesterdays idleness, we decide to walk along the "Via Verde", a disused railway line, which has been converted to a cycle track / footpath /jogging track.

We know from earlier in our stay, that parts of it are impassable because there are works in progress to lay new pipes for drainage. But, we are told, by a fellow camper, there is a diversion on the route which takes you north towards the next town/village, Orpessa.

Sure enough, there is a diversion, not very well signposted, well, to be honest, you would never find it, unless you knew it was there!

It is all worthwhile, a very scenic traffic free route along the coast.

We will definitely be back, with the bicycles, says Kathleen.

Watch this space.

We have the place more or less to ourselves, just a few cyclists and one other walker.

Kathleen is still on a crusade to reduce our alcohol intake, so, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays have been declared "non-drinking days.

As we head back towards Benicassim, after six miles of walking, the sun is shining, a sprinkling of beach side bars/cafes have opened up, to catch the passing trade.

Yes, this is Kathleen, on a "non drinking" day.

I am told a beer does not count as "drinking".

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (7th Feb - 8th February)

Saturday 7th February 2015

The day begins overcaste, so, we do all of the domestic chores in the morning.

By lunch time the sun is shining and we are out walking.

Sunday 8th February 2015

The bizarre weather continues, 0C overnight, it warms up to 1C by the time I take Kathleen to Church on the scooter.

It would appear today is some form of Saints day in Benicassim (Romeria Santa Agueda), as we ride into the main street, they are setting off fireworks (bangers and rockets) at 09:00am! There are children handing out scarves and Kathleen is presented with one to mark the occasion.

By the time Kathleen returns from Church, it is a very pleasant 17C.

We go out on the bicycles, for a ten mile pedal along the coast, followed by a very pleasant lunch.

Kathleen, possibly the worlds most picky eater, excels herself, first by eating the "nibbles", even although she is not sure what is in them, then, by having Paella Valencia as her main course.

The very pleasant English speaking waitress assures Kathleen, the Paella does not contain any sea food, but, I think she has got her animals mixed up. She tells Kathleen it contains chicken (which it did) and pork. All I can say is, they must be very small pigs in Spain, ie, about the size of a rabbit.

Never-the-less, it all goes down, including the artichokes, another first.

Benicassim, Bonterra Park (4th Feb - 6th Feb)

Wednesday 4th February 2015

It would appear the weather here is even more topsy-turvy than the UK!

Sleet first thing this morning.

Cold but dry by 12:00, enough time to walk into town, register at the Library for the free WiFi in the town, and, to buy a Spanish data SIM. Necessary because 3's "free roaming" deal does not begin in Spain until April 2015. The good news is, between the favourable exchange rate and falling prices in Spain, it is only 15Euro (£11) for 3Gb of data.

By 15:00, sun is shining and it is warm enough to sit outside for a while.

Thursday 5th February 2015

We wake to a decided chilly morning!

Reading the BBC News on-line, I see there are reports of major snow storms further north in Spain (around Santander), roads blocked, people trapped in their cars etc etc.

Not sure if this is the usual scare mongering we are used to, or, time to follow Bryan and Joan's advice and head for Morocco!

Panic over, by 10:30, the sun has chased away the chill and we are able to have a very pleasant walk along the coast.

It is delightfully empty at this of year, with just the occasional beachside bar open, to allow the weary walker to rest their legs, and, of course have a beer or two.

Although the sun is shining, there is still a very stiff breeze (well, a small gale actually), so, it is necessary to stick to the sheltered areas.

Kathleen shows her domestic skills by rustling up an interesting lunch based on left overs. I manage to mess up by preparing (and cooking) one and a half very large carrots. This is deemed to be "far too much". My defence of "well you got the one and  a half carrots out, and put them on my work area", does not hold water, apparently I should have shown "initiative" and known it was too much. Now, I am sure all of you men out there will understand that 28 years of marriage somewhat dulls your "Initiative" and "decision making skills".   

Friday 6th February 2015

Even more sunshine, I temp fate and unload the folding bicycles and the scooter.

We decide to walk along the cycle track / footpath, to the next place, north along the coast, Orpresa del Mar.

This good intention is foiled because, after about 1.5 miles, we find the route blocked by works to install what appear to be very large drainage pipes.

We head back into Benicassim, via a rather interesting "Chinese bazaar". I have not seen this kind of store in the UK, but, they appear to fairly common in Spain. After about 20 minutes we emerge with a carrier bag of things we probably do not need (ie cycle cover, six shot glasses, a pack of curtain rings (wait, all will become clear), two food storage containers), the total at the checkout is 7Euro, I will just have to go back tomorrow, it is cheap entertainment.

We find a pleasant bar. I decide to have hot chocolate, it is incredible, it is like drinking a melted chocolate bar. I am afraid to take too long, in case it solidifies in the cup!

We find the bar is in the town's, free, WiFi hotspot, which we registered for on Monday, but, we do not have out User-id and password with us, so, cannot use it. Not that I would have dared take time out from drinking the hot chocolate!

Now, earlier, I mentioned a pack of curtain rings, why you may ask, other than the fact they were cheap, would we want, or need, curtain rings?

Well Kathleen's latest obsession, sorry, I mean past-time, is making tea-cosies.

The third one is currently in progress.

For some days, the subject of how to "finish off" the top has been causing Kathleen major strife, and, I mean strife on a scale similar, but worse than, Angela Merkel's worries about the Greek debt problem.

Apparently, the usual "pom-pom" will not cut it, so, today, in the Chinese Bazaar, a solution is found. A plastic curtain ring, wrapped in (matching of course) wool, will do nicely.

Perhaps Angela Merkel should visit a Chinese Bazaar?

I have spotted (via google) a Belgian Restaurant. Remembering how much we enjoyed the Belgian Restaurant in Roquetas de Mar, I have  a ride out on the scooter to check out the possibilities for lunch on Sunday. Sadly, it appears rather disappointing, more working mas café than Restaurant, probably a good job I checked, I would have hated to have walked two miles on Sunday, to find it!
   

L'Estartit -> Cambrils -> Benicassim

Monday 2nd February 2015

Weather Bright and sunny, but, it is no warmer, frost on the outside of the van windows when we wake up, so, we leave Camping Les Medes, heading south for Cambrils.



A nightmarish journey, in which, I think the moral of the story is, either leave the sat-nav to do it's job, or, switch it off, do not alternate between following the sat-nav instructions and doing your own thing.

We eventually arrive at Camping Joan, Cambrils, 160 miles later.

We eventually get parked, after (mostly) dodging the low trees, two other vans, which arrived with us, have given up and left, we should have done the same!

Surprise, surprise, we are parked next to a couple from Newcastle (Keith and Dot)!, they seem to have had a catalogue of disasters, including the failure of the domestic electrical system in the van, and, having the waste water outlet damaged. The local Campervan Garage have managed to fix the Electrics, but, they are having to wait for a part to fix the waste water outlet.

Cambrils is a pleasant place, but just about deserted at this time of year.

The weather is mild enough for a pleasant walk along the promenade, to give us a little exercise after sitting  in the van for several days.

By evening, it is quite cold, only 5C outside. 

The Electric Hook-up here is a rather poor 6amps, so, we have to alternate between using our limited gas supply and the Electric supply to keep warm.

Tuesday 3rd February 2015

It is still cold, plus, now it is raining and blowing a gale.

Kathleen borrows a pair of ladders from one of the onsite workmen, and using Duct tape, kindly supplied by our neighbour Keith, I am able to make a temporary repair to the damage from hitting one of the lower overhanging trees.

We set off for Benicassim.




The bad news is, the howling gale is blowing off the land, so, we get a real buffeting. 
Kathleen is not a happy passenger, a few "hail Marys" are being said I think, she certainly makes no comment on the route! 

At one stage, I do think of offering advice on what to do if we should be blown over, since the van would fall on "her" side, but, decide, best to keep quiet!

So, 100 wind battered miles later, we arrive at Bonterra Park, Benicassim, they have spaces, the sun is shining, it is 17C.

I am delegated the task of making lunch, using our outside gas stove, with Kathleen assisting as "sous chef".

The problem with Kathleen acting as "sous chef", is, she does not understand the principle that the "sous chef" does as instructed, ie, the response to "I need a stirring spoon", is "yes chef", not, "can't you see I am topping up my sun tan".

Eventually, despite the difficulties, I have lunch cooked, and soon, we are eating outside and having a glass or two of red wine. 

Narbonne -> L'Estartit

Saturday 31st January 2015

In Narbonne, a bright and sunny day, but a cool 6C.

Today is our 28th Wedding anniversary, quite fitting that we should be spending it in Narbonne, we have spent lots of time here on various holidays and campervan trips.

A pleasant walk into town, do the obligatory check out the church mass times, for Kathleen, a browse around the indoor market, coffee and a sandwich, whilst watching the French being their usually laid-back selves.

For a short time, it appears we are about to have downpour, with spectacular clouds, but, soon it is all blue sky again.

On the Narbonne Aire, there is a decent power supply, so, Kathleen decides to attempt hair washing, in the van.

Now, this may not seem very exciting, to anyone reading this. who does not know Kathleen, but, to those who do.........

Disaster strikes, hair is all washed, just about to begin the conditioning and rinsing operation, and, the wash basin waste pipe becomes detached, soapy water everywhere!

Fortunately, I am on-hand, and able to reconnect the pipe pretty quickly.

Calm returns, and the French National Grid just have to put another Nuclear Power Station online to allow hair drying to continue. 

Sunday 1st February 2015

A howling gale all night, gives way to a freezing cold (2C) morning, with heavy showers.

Kathleen walks to church, half a mile, bless her. I hope her efforts are appreciated!

We leave at 11:15, by which time, the sun is shining, but, the wind is still howling.

The plan had been a short drive to Coulloire, France, but, given the weather, we decide to push on into Spain, so, 108 miles later, we roll into L'Estartit, Spain, Camping Les Medes. A pleasant site. weather bright and sunny, but, only 7C!, barely warmer than at home, and we are now c1,200 miles south!

Rugles -> Uzerche -> Narbonne

Thursday 29th January 2015

First the good news, the fridge is working on gas again!

Applied the Engineer's favourite "fix", turn off the power completely, waited two minutes, turn it on again, all fixed!

Although the Aire at Rugles is "open", and we have Electric hook-up, there is no water supply, presumably it is turned off to prevent freezing.

The rain poured down all night, this morning it is drizzle, with fog, and about a chilly 4C.


Given how much rain we are having, and, last years experiences of the flooded Aire in the Landes Region, we decide to go around the Pyrenees at the East side.

So, we head for Uzerche, and Aire we have used before, where we expect to find a full complement of services.

Three hundred and four miles, alternating between pouring rain and heavy drizzle, we arrive at Uzerche.

About eight other vans there, but, no electricity working and no drinking water. Toilets and emptying point are functioning however.

Friday 30th January 2015

Overnight the temperature drops to -2C, we wake up to icy ground, with a light dusting of snow.

However, it has stopped raining!

The sky is blue and the sun is shinning.

We head for Narbonne.


Now, anyone reading this, with a view to following this as a route to Spain, particularly in winter, my advice is THINK AGAIN.

This may is a very scenic route, and would be great fun in a good car, but, in a campervan, towing a trailer, in January, not much fun.

Snow on the ground for most of the way.

Not much traffic, but, that only made me wonder, (until we reached the A75),  "has this road been gritted?"

Fortunately it stayed bright and sunny, if it had snowed, or been foggy, it would have been more than cross words.

Follow the well used route, down the N10 to Biaritz, then into Spain, heading for the coast via Zarogoza.

Arrived Narbonne, 8C, not raining, Electricity, water etc all working.

I think we may stay here until Sunday morning, thus allowing for the Church going.

January 2015, Destination Spain, for Sun (we hope).

Tuesday 27th January 2015

Left home at 08:30.

Weather, overcast, but dry, not cold, given it is January in the UK!

A totally uneventful 351 mile drive from home to Black Horse Farm Caravan Club Site, at Densole, near Folkstone. Arriving 16:15.

Kathleen has strained a muscle in her back again, so, she spent most of the journey lying on the bed, and indeed, falls asleep, for most of the way. This means I had only one female voice giving me directions (ie, the Sat-Nav).

Past experience is, this is the worst part of any trip, so, fingers crossed for an good time.

A walk to the Black Horse Pub, a short distance from the site, for a very acceptable bottle of Red, and a meal, the fun times begin!



Not sure how this map thing is going to work out, first time I have tried it!

Wednesday 28th January 2015

We wake up to a dismal January day, foggy, heavy drizzle and cold!

A short drive to the Tunnel, but, with plenty of traffic hold-ups, even in less than five miles!

The Shuttle is just about empty, we are put on the 09:20 train, rather than the 09:50 we are booked on.



The mist and drizzle continue at Calais.

The plan is to drive to Montoir-sur-Le-Loir, but, we know from past experience, there are limited (ie only one or possibly two) Electric hook-ups there, and, our fridge is playing up (again!) it will not work on Gas, which means we need Electric hook-up.

We rethink, and decide to head for Rugles, it is nearer (only 200 miles), and, there are more Electric hook-up points (about six).

So Rugles it is, 201 miles of drizzle and mist, turning to pouring rain the further south we go.

Saumur, Rugles, Neufchatel-en-Bray, Gravelines

Tuesday 14th October 2014 - Sunday 19th October 2014   

This will be our last day at Saumur, indeed, it is effectively the last day of this trip, since from tomorrow we will be heading, slowly, toward Calais, to be there for Saturday evening, then catch our ferry, early Sunday.

But, let us not jump ahead.

Another beautiful day, with clear blue sky and sunshine, spent cycling along the south bank of the Loire.

We go from the campsite on Ile d'Offard, to Dampierre-sur-Loire, and return of course, just short of 10 miles.

At Dampierre-sur-Loire, we discover a new Aire, which does not appear to be in the Aires book.

It is in an area laid out as a picnic area, just off the D947, between the edge of the village and the River Loire. All rather pretty, with the usual "borne" to dispense water, dispose of waste, a toilet, but, no electric hookup. 5 Euro per night. (N47.241044' E-0.022341)

Refreshments, sitting in the sun, in Place de St Piere, in Saumur, courtesy of my generous wife.

The rest of the day is spent in a mixture of packing and chatting to newly arrived neighbours, David and Barbara, fellow Armitage Trailer owners and scooterists.










Wednesday, time to be moving on again.

A hundred and twenty miles, more or less, due North, and we park at an Aire, in a small town / village, called Rugles,  (N48 49.370' E0 42.619'), in Haut Normandy.

It is a pity it is not Sunday, we have this old church, about 25 metres away!

It is no longer functioning as a church, the main church is in the village, with, it would appear some very enthusiastic, campanoligists.

The Aire is just a few minutes walk from the main street of the village.

It has space for about seven vans. Six free electric hook ups, and a free service point for water, waste etc.

The space is in two areas, three vans and two EHU's in one area, and four vans and fours EHU's in the other.

There are no signs to indicate there is a charge, and, so far, no one has appeared to collect any payment.

It is on the edge of a very attractive public park, with an old water mill.

You can stroll through the park to the High Street, where we contributed to the local economy by purchasing apple tarts, and a couple of beers.

It all seems very pleasant, the customers in the bar even shook hands with us, when we went in for a beer!

This is the town hall.

Now, remember, this a town / village with a population of only about 2,500.

How can they possibly support / fund such a grand town hall?, not to mention the rather grand public park, shown in the photographs above?

It makes no sense to me, but, it appears to work.


Thursday, on to Neufchatel-en-Bray, our old favourite, Camping St Claire. Still as well kept as ever, this ACSI site is only two hours south of Calais. Not that it concerns us, since we are "pet free", but, I told there is a good English speaking Vet in the Town, who can do all of the Pet formalities far cheaper than the Calais based Vets.

Apart from the fact the campsite is very well run, and inexpensive at 14Euro, we use this stopover to fill with cheap diesel (at Le Clerc), and stock up with cheap booze at Le Clerc and Lidl.

Weather is not too kind, warm and bright for most of the day, with just the odd shower, but, right at this moment, as I type this (20:00), it is pouring with rain!

Friday, our friends, (Bryan and Joan, Crick) arrive.

We have a wonderfully sunny day, which we spend in a very decadent way, ie sitting in the sun, chatting about our adventures and drinking beer.

We vary the theme in the evening, by drinking Red Wine, White Wine and Manderine, not all at once!.

Saturday, is another bright and sunny day, Joan and Bryan have an extra day compared to ourselves, so, they head off for an Aire on the coast.

Kathleen has a hair washing session, whilst I go shopping, then we head slowly for the Aire at Gravelines, our usual last overnight stop, when we have an early morning ferry / tunnel crossing.

Gravelines has a few advantages (in our opinion) over the Aire at Calais, ie,

• it is near a Church with a Mass on Saturday evening,
• it is far enough away from Calais to avoid any "asylum seeker problems" (not that we have seen any asylum seeker problems either , on previous occasions).
• There are enough places to walk, cycle to fill the time
• there are a number of bars and restaurants
• it is almost, scenic

Sunday morning, we are up at 6:00 to make our way to the 07:45 ferry, only to find, the travel arrangements administrator (Kathleen) has got the time wrong, it is the 08:15 ferry!

We could have had another half hour in bed!

Home by 16:30.

 
 

 

Saumur, continued....

Friday 10th October 2014 - Monday 13th October 2014  

Friday dawns with a thick mist, frizzy hair day, as Kathleen would call it, so, we must wait for the sun to "burn off" the mist.

Then, first task, to find the church which has a Saturday evening Mass (St Lambert de Levee). Google maps to the rescue.

As a bonus, we also find the Lidl.

On our return, our folding bicycles attract some attention from our new English neighbours, Brian and Norma.

After lunch we head off on the bicycles again, the intention is to follow the cycle track along the banks of the Loire.

It is mild, but, with a significant amount of cloud cover.

After about three miles, we feel the first drops of rain, so, we turn back and head for Saumur town centre.

By chance, we encounter a very large Commercial Centre / Le Clerc on the edge of town, a suitable place to shelter from the rain.

Kathleen has still not acquired my birthday present, by good luck, the Le Clerc has Courvoisier.

We discover, they also have a drink called "Mandarine Napolean", which our friends, Bryan and Joan had told us about.

Kathleen decides to buy both for my birthday.

It is my lucky day.

My luck doesn't last, Kathleen has no money with her!

So, I buy myself a bottle of Courvoisier and a bottle of Mandarine Napolean, for my birthday.

The rain has stopped, and we have blue skies, when we emerge from the Le Clerc, but, I am weighed down with bottles of drink and a three litre box of wine, so, we limit out cycle ride to just over six miles and head back to the van to sample the Mandarine.

It is VERY NICE.

Saturday and Sunday, weather is "changeable", although, we do not actually get much rain, but, the uncertainty limits the length of our cycle rides.

Lunch on Saturday, and we are able to eat outdoors in the square.

Saturday evening we able to peddle to St Lambert De Levees, so Kathleen can attend church, and return, without a soaking.

Sunday, a forecast thunderstorm, turns out to be a few heavy drops of rain, and a few distant rumbles of thunder, not enough to prevent a walk with refreshments!

Monday. Blue sky, sunshine.

We decide to cycle along the River Loire.

I want to cycle along the South facing river bank, ie, the opposite side to the Chateau.

I actually checked it out on Saturday evening, whilst Kathleen was at church.

It is not a dedicated cycle track, but the road is very quiet, with a  30kph (20mph) speed limit.

I am over-ruled in favour of the North facing river bank, because:

• It has a dedicated cycle track.

We will pass the Le Clerc, and can then buy another bottle of Manderine Napoleon.

Kathleen says so.

The positive aspect of this decision is the route is very scenic, but, since at points in leaves the river bank, it is a bit up and down hill.

The folding bicycles are good, but, they are not ideal for steep hills!

Nevertheless, we manage just over 16 miles, and, acquire a bottle on Manderine Napoleon.