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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday 8th October 2014 - Thursday 9th October 2014
As we are doing final packing up to leave, the sun comes out!
Tempted to stay, but, no, off we go the 80 miles or so to Saumur.
Shopping for food (and wine) supplies en-route.
We have some rain en-route, but, soon the sky clears, and we are back to sunshine and fluffy white clouds.
The campsite at Saumur is an ACSI site, called Ile de Offard (N47 15' 36" W0 3' 52").
It is located, as it's name suggests, on an island in the River Loire.
At the entrance to the site is a large notice board, informing you in several languages what to do if the site has to be evacuated due to flooding!
A trifle worrying, since, it is soon p***ing down, with thunder and lightening thrown in.
Kathleen, looking on the brightside, points out, we are on a pitch at the highest point in the site.
Thursday and the weather has improved, sunshine with a little cloud, is the official description.
What is it with women?, a fine day, and, their first thought is "nice day to do some washing".
So, we make use of the washing machines and dryers, clean clothes all round again.
After lunch, a stroll into town (Saumur).
First, we check out the Tourist Information Office, closed for lunch, (separating the French and lunch, is no easy task).
Next, by chance, we locate a restaurant which I have read many recommendations for (Le Trianon).
The reviews I have read, say, it looks a little basic, and old fashioned, indeed most of them compare it to the Café in 'allo 'allo, (the comedy series, for you youngsters).
Well, it remains to be seen if we will try it of not. The menu looks appertising, and the price is an incredible 11Euro, but, it does really look "shabby chic".
Time for a little culture..., a wander through the streets of the "old town", check out the church, and visit the rather imposing Chateaux.
This, I assume is the servants quarters!
No wonder the French had a Revolution!
Eventually, we are fully cultured, and retire to a bar.
While we are enjoying a refreshing "biere au pression", we meet two of our neighbours from the site.
The lady of the pair injured her hip some years ago, and, has since had the joint replaced no less than SIX times, and, they still ride around on a tandem! Some people are amazing.
