Friday, 6th April 2018
Dry and sunny, but windy.
We give the cycling a rest, and walk to Port Grimaud. A very pleasant lunch.
Out German neighbours are packing up to go.
Saturday, 7th April 2018
Sunny with cloud, warm.
Our German neighbours have slipped away before we are up, before it is light even!
We cycle to St Tropez, so, when combined with Kathleen's cycling to church, we have just over 61 miles of walking and cycling this week.
Sunday, 8th April and Monday 9th April 2018
Rain, wind, then more rain, repeated for two days!
Tuesday, 10th April 2018
Heavy overnight rain, but, dry and sunny at breakfast time.
It is a trick! We cycle to St Tropez, and then to the supermarket, eleven miles in total.
As we come out of the supermarket, an "April shower", otherwise known as a torrential downpour, complete with thunder.
We arrive back at the van like two drowned rats, Kathleen claims to be invigorated by it, I think she must be on something!
Wednesday, 11th April 2018 and Thursday 12th April 2018
I thought I may as well just include these two days as one entry. They effectively just merged into one long boring 48 hour period.
Mild, but, heavy cloud, pouring with rain, with interludes of hailstones and thunder, and this goes on, none-stop for two days!
There are enormous puddles of water everywhere.
Fortunately, we have enough essentials (wine, beer, food) to avoid going out.
We are warm and dry in the van of course, but, being cooped up in such close quarters for 48 hours, things are getting dangerous! I have hidden all sharp objects!
Friday, 13th April 2018
Hurray, blue sky, sunshine and 20C.
We cycle to the supermarket to replenish stocks of wine, beer and food.
Having been "trapped" indoors for two days with the weather, we make the most of our "freedom" and spend the day cycling and sitting in the sun.
Saturday, 14th April 2018
Another sunny day.
We have been promising ourselves we will cycle to Coglin, so, off we go.
Coglin appears to be a "real" French town, rather than a tourist place, a little frayed at the edges, but, bustling and with plenty of cafes etc to stop, have a drink and people watch. There is a market going on in the square, nothing spectacular, but, browse worthy.
Coglin also boasts a Lidl and a Le Clerc.
We cycle back via St Tropez, to make a circuit of approximately 12 miles.
Church for Kathleen in the evening, at Port Grimuad, followed by our usual Saturday evening fare, ie Pizza.
Sunday 15 April 2018
Thursday 5 April 2018
Les Mures contd 3rd April - 5th April
Tuesday, 3rd April 2018
Weather disappointing. Dry, mild, but, blowing a gale.
A cycle ride to supermarket for wine etc, followed by reading.
Wednesday, 4th April 2018
Weather disappointing, cloudy, raining steadily, forecast says thunder to come!
Half way through the morning, rain stops, and we are able to get out for some fresh air. After a while "cooped up in van" it becomes worrying, I have to lock away all of the sharp knives, just in case I get in Kathleen's way once too often.
When cycling, Google maps gave a route to Grimaud village, which included a short "off road" section, avoiding the flyover bridge at Port Grimaud, but, in practice, we could not find the point at which it left the D559. Today, while walking, we were able to find the entry and exit points for the track, so, we are ready for next time on the bicycles.
So, despite the weather, a rewarding day, five miles plus walked, new cycle/walking route found, and, a pleasant light lunch in Port Grimaud.
The sun appears briefly at 18:00!
Thursday, 5th April 2018
A bright sunny morning, which lasts all day, 21C.
Cycling in the morning, an impressive 17 miles.
Reading, and experimenting with cooking on our built-in barbecue, in the afternoon.
Weather disappointing. Dry, mild, but, blowing a gale.
A cycle ride to supermarket for wine etc, followed by reading.
Wednesday, 4th April 2018
Weather disappointing, cloudy, raining steadily, forecast says thunder to come!
Half way through the morning, rain stops, and we are able to get out for some fresh air. After a while "cooped up in van" it becomes worrying, I have to lock away all of the sharp knives, just in case I get in Kathleen's way once too often.
When cycling, Google maps gave a route to Grimaud village, which included a short "off road" section, avoiding the flyover bridge at Port Grimaud, but, in practice, we could not find the point at which it left the D559. Today, while walking, we were able to find the entry and exit points for the track, so, we are ready for next time on the bicycles.
So, despite the weather, a rewarding day, five miles plus walked, new cycle/walking route found, and, a pleasant light lunch in Port Grimaud.
The sun appears briefly at 18:00!
Thursday, 5th April 2018
A bright sunny morning, which lasts all day, 21C.
Cycling in the morning, an impressive 17 miles.
Reading, and experimenting with cooking on our built-in barbecue, in the afternoon.
Monday 2 April 2018
Les Mures (Contd)
Sunday, 1st April 2018
What a night, howling gale, everyone running around taking their awning in!
Not much better in the morning, still blowing a gale, it looks as if Kathleen's church plan (ie cycle to the church in St Maxime, for 11:00) are not going to happen, it will be a walk to Port Grimaud for 18:30, I suspect.
Hair care has commenced, so, that is the morning taken care of!
Excellent lunch at the onsite Bistro, we were even able to sit outside in the sun.
Sunday evening Kathleen does the church bit, at Port Grimaud.
Meanwhile, I wander the marina, looking at the expensive boats moored there.
Monday, 2nd April 2018
Bright sunny morning.
Kathleen has plans to attend the church in Grimaud Village, for at least some of the Weekends we are here.
Accordingly, we set off to cycle to Grimaud, this morning. It is only about 5 miles away, and, fortunately, we do not have a map with contours marked. I say fortunately, because, if we had, I am sure we would not have set off on this excursion.
Other than a rather dicey road junction as we leave the coast road and join the D61A, it is, initially, easy going, ie, fairly flat.
Grimaud is a medieval hill top village, towards the four mile mark, we come to the hill, if goes up for about three quarters of a mile.
This is Kathleen, looking all very serene, at a bar, at the top of the hill.
However, I think all plans to cycle here, and up the hill, to the church on the top, on a Sunday, have been quietly forgotten!
One consolation of course, it is almost all downhill, on the way back! Although, as often happens in these circumstances, the wind has got up, and, is blowing in our faces
What a night, howling gale, everyone running around taking their awning in!
Not much better in the morning, still blowing a gale, it looks as if Kathleen's church plan (ie cycle to the church in St Maxime, for 11:00) are not going to happen, it will be a walk to Port Grimaud for 18:30, I suspect.
Hair care has commenced, so, that is the morning taken care of!
Excellent lunch at the onsite Bistro, we were even able to sit outside in the sun.
Meanwhile, I wander the marina, looking at the expensive boats moored there.
Monday, 2nd April 2018
Bright sunny morning.
Kathleen has plans to attend the church in Grimaud Village, for at least some of the Weekends we are here.
Accordingly, we set off to cycle to Grimaud, this morning. It is only about 5 miles away, and, fortunately, we do not have a map with contours marked. I say fortunately, because, if we had, I am sure we would not have set off on this excursion.
Grimaud is a medieval hill top village, towards the four mile mark, we come to the hill, if goes up for about three quarters of a mile.
This is Kathleen, looking all very serene, at a bar, at the top of the hill.
However, I think all plans to cycle here, and up the hill, to the church on the top, on a Sunday, have been quietly forgotten!
Saturday 31 March 2018
Les Mures
Friday, 30th March 2018
The weather forecast, according to Apple, promises rain, but, although the morning is cool, it is dry. By 10:30 it is a sitting in the sun 17C.
We have collected a heap of washing, so, while the washing machine attends to that, we sit drinking coffee and people watching.
Perhaps the problem of the nearest Supermarket is solved, while emptying the washing machine, a chance conversion with another Brit, and we learn that there is a Geant Supermarket about two miles away, on the way to St Tropez. Just as well, we are out of essentials, ie wine.
We cycle to Port Grimuad, where Google tells us there is "Stations of the Cross" at the Catholic Church there.
While Kathleen partakes of the Good Friday things, I risk life and limb finding the Supermarket.
I eventually find the Geant, just like a typical English Supermarket on a holiday weekend, it is very, very busy. I stock up on Gin and wine for Kathleen, plus wine and various goodies (food) for me.
The weather deteriorates, cloud and the threat of rain, so, maybe Apple is going to be right after all.
Saturday, 31st March 2018
Heavy overnight rain, but, dry when morning comes.
We cycle to St Maxime and a little beyond, with the intention of getting a good mileage in, but, Easter weather obviously applies here too. Black clouds begin to gather, we cut our ride short and head for home. We just make it before the thunder and rain starts. just under 10 miles, better than nothing.
For the rest of the day, rain stops play.
The weather forecast, according to Apple, promises rain, but, although the morning is cool, it is dry. By 10:30 it is a sitting in the sun 17C.
We have collected a heap of washing, so, while the washing machine attends to that, we sit drinking coffee and people watching.
Perhaps the problem of the nearest Supermarket is solved, while emptying the washing machine, a chance conversion with another Brit, and we learn that there is a Geant Supermarket about two miles away, on the way to St Tropez. Just as well, we are out of essentials, ie wine.
We cycle to Port Grimuad, where Google tells us there is "Stations of the Cross" at the Catholic Church there.
While Kathleen partakes of the Good Friday things, I risk life and limb finding the Supermarket.
I eventually find the Geant, just like a typical English Supermarket on a holiday weekend, it is very, very busy. I stock up on Gin and wine for Kathleen, plus wine and various goodies (food) for me.
The weather deteriorates, cloud and the threat of rain, so, maybe Apple is going to be right after all.
Saturday, 31st March 2018
Heavy overnight rain, but, dry when morning comes.
We cycle to St Maxime and a little beyond, with the intention of getting a good mileage in, but, Easter weather obviously applies here too. Black clouds begin to gather, we cut our ride short and head for home. We just make it before the thunder and rain starts. just under 10 miles, better than nothing.
For the rest of the day, rain stops play.
Friday 30 March 2018
To Frejus - oops! - things go wrong
Wednesday, 28th March 2018
A bright an sunny start to the day.
It is decided that we will move on, and ensure we are settled for Easter, which is in two days time.
An easy 120 miles to St Aygulf, near Frejus, with the intention of staying at Le Jardins de Mai Tai, St Aygulf (N43 24'37" E6 42'29"). We arrive shortly after noon, expecting to find reception closed for lunch. It is worse than that, the site is closed. It would appear that "the planner" (no names mentioned), has omitted to check the site opening times. It will not be open until 1st April, which is four days away.
The campsite book is checked again, the only site we can find, reasonably nearby, and, open is Flower Camping, Frejus (N43 27'50" E6 43'28"). It would appear this site has only two things going for it. (a) it is open (b) the lady on Reception is helpful. I do not think we will be staying here for long. The site is, shall we say, shabby and untidy. Pitches are far from level, and, there are many very muddy sections, which have to be avoided, or risk becoming bogged down in the mud. Worse still, the site appears to be a long way from any shopping facilities, and, we have no wine!
Well, life cannot be all fun, I suppose.
Looking on the bright side, it is sunny and warm (17C).
Once parked and level, Kathleen gets busy with the campsite book, Les Mures, Grimaud (N43 17'2" E6 35'30"), near Grimaud, it would appear is open. A quick phone call to confirm this, also, to confirm they have spaces. A positive response to both, so, it would appear we will be heading there tomorrow.
Thursday, 29th March 2018 Les Mures, Grimaud (N43 17'2" E6 35'30")
A short drive to Les Mures, Grimaud (N43 17'2" E6 35'30") after yesterdays phone call, telling us there were hundreds of spaces, we are surprised to be offered a choice of only about 10 spaces!
We have the option of going on the "beach side" of the site, or on the "inland side". We opt for the "inland side" since it appears to be less crowded.
No problem, we are soon parked on a pleasant pitch, which even has a view of the sea, through the trees.
The reason for the reduction in the number of spaces soon becomes apparent, when there is an influx of Italian Motorhomes and Caravans. There are dozens of them.
The weather is even better than we have had so far, sunny and 19C, sitting at a bar drinking beer weather, after a cycle ride of course.
Once settled, we have a cycle along the coast to St Maxime (just under ten miles, there and back on a cycle track, mostly flat), yes, to check out Church times and whereabouts. We also have a failed attempt to find the nearest supermarket, and, in the evening, a walk into Port Grimaud, again, to check out Church times and whereabouts. If it should turn out that I am wrong, and the Catholics are right, I just have to get "in" on a "bye"!
It is decided that we will move on, and ensure we are settled for Easter, which is in two days time.
An easy 120 miles to St Aygulf, near Frejus, with the intention of staying at Le Jardins de Mai Tai, St Aygulf (N43 24'37" E6 42'29"). We arrive shortly after noon, expecting to find reception closed for lunch. It is worse than that, the site is closed. It would appear that "the planner" (no names mentioned), has omitted to check the site opening times. It will not be open until 1st April, which is four days away.
The campsite book is checked again, the only site we can find, reasonably nearby, and, open is Flower Camping, Frejus (N43 27'50" E6 43'28"). It would appear this site has only two things going for it. (a) it is open (b) the lady on Reception is helpful. I do not think we will be staying here for long. The site is, shall we say, shabby and untidy. Pitches are far from level, and, there are many very muddy sections, which have to be avoided, or risk becoming bogged down in the mud. Worse still, the site appears to be a long way from any shopping facilities, and, we have no wine!
Well, life cannot be all fun, I suppose.
Looking on the bright side, it is sunny and warm (17C).
Once parked and level, Kathleen gets busy with the campsite book, Les Mures, Grimaud (N43 17'2" E6 35'30"), near Grimaud, it would appear is open. A quick phone call to confirm this, also, to confirm they have spaces. A positive response to both, so, it would appear we will be heading there tomorrow.
Thursday, 29th March 2018 Les Mures, Grimaud (N43 17'2" E6 35'30")
We have the option of going on the "beach side" of the site, or on the "inland side". We opt for the "inland side" since it appears to be less crowded.
No problem, we are soon parked on a pleasant pitch, which even has a view of the sea, through the trees.
The reason for the reduction in the number of spaces soon becomes apparent, when there is an influx of Italian Motorhomes and Caravans. There are dozens of them.
The weather is even better than we have had so far, sunny and 19C, sitting at a bar drinking beer weather, after a cycle ride of course.
Once settled, we have a cycle along the coast to St Maxime (just under ten miles, there and back on a cycle track, mostly flat), yes, to check out Church times and whereabouts. We also have a failed attempt to find the nearest supermarket, and, in the evening, a walk into Port Grimaud, again, to check out Church times and whereabouts. If it should turn out that I am wrong, and the Catholics are right, I just have to get "in" on a "bye"!
Tuesday 27 March 2018
St Remy-de-Provence
Monday 26th March 2018
Clear blue sky, sun shining, 17C.
We decide to go for a bicycle ride.
Kathleen had previously obtained a map of local cycle rides, from reception, so, today, we decide to "do" the shortest (approximately 12miles, 15km) and simplest on the list.
The campsite must be sheltered, because, once underway, we have a very strong headwind, blowing from the North.
Undeterred, we reach Maillane, a typical French village, little more than a cluster of houses, but, it manages to support two cafe/bars, and a Pharmacy (possibly more that we do not see), how does it work?
A pause for refreshments, Kathleen decides on a healthy non-alcoholic option, freshly squeezed orange juice.
It is Kathleen's turn to pay, and, the orange juice is 7Euro, I suspect she will be on the beer from now on, at least when it is her round!
The wind is behind us, on the return leg, and, we find a dedicated cycle track, which does not appear to be on our map, but, which brings us back to St Remy-de-Provence, and, passes an Aldi store, where
we are able to buy forgotten ingredients, for this evening's meal.
The EHU on this site is "only" 6amps, so far, we have managed to "trip" the power twice.
This afternoon, Kathleen begins a "hair-care" frenzy, wielding 2kw hairdryer.
Something tells me, this is not going to end well.
If we have managed to "trip" the EHU with a 1kw electric fire, a 2kw hairdryer does not seem a sensible option.
I am frequently "got at" for bringing things along "just in case". If the hair dryer is to be used, "in the facilities", a Continental two pin to UK three pin adaptor will be required. Kathleen does not have one in her "hair care" bag (which is as big as a small suitcase. Fortunately, I have one in my box of "useful bits". For this, great gratitude is shown. Actually, I made that last bit up.
Kathleen retires to "the facilities" to plug in. None of the electrical sockets in the "facilities" appear capable of driving the 2kw hairdryer, so, she is reduced to using the supplied hairdryer, which, to me, does a perfectly good job.
After several weeks of not being used, the battery on my action camera does not appear to be to healthy, so, we have only a short section of our ride, recorded for posterity.
Tuesday, 27th March 2018
Warm (17C) and sunny, but, cloudy with light showers in the afternoon.
After yesterdays cycling exertions, today, we do walking. Just under 5 miles, taking in two supermarkets (Aldi and Intermarche). on the return journey, I have a small rucksack full of groceries on my back and, a carrier bag full of groceries, I feel like I am on a route march!
Clear blue sky, sun shining, 17C.
We decide to go for a bicycle ride.
The campsite must be sheltered, because, once underway, we have a very strong headwind, blowing from the North.
Undeterred, we reach Maillane, a typical French village, little more than a cluster of houses, but, it manages to support two cafe/bars, and a Pharmacy (possibly more that we do not see), how does it work?
It is Kathleen's turn to pay, and, the orange juice is 7Euro, I suspect she will be on the beer from now on, at least when it is her round!
The wind is behind us, on the return leg, and, we find a dedicated cycle track, which does not appear to be on our map, but, which brings us back to St Remy-de-Provence, and, passes an Aldi store, where
The EHU on this site is "only" 6amps, so far, we have managed to "trip" the power twice.
This afternoon, Kathleen begins a "hair-care" frenzy, wielding 2kw hairdryer.
Something tells me, this is not going to end well.
If we have managed to "trip" the EHU with a 1kw electric fire, a 2kw hairdryer does not seem a sensible option.
I am frequently "got at" for bringing things along "just in case". If the hair dryer is to be used, "in the facilities", a Continental two pin to UK three pin adaptor will be required. Kathleen does not have one in her "hair care" bag (which is as big as a small suitcase. Fortunately, I have one in my box of "useful bits". For this, great gratitude is shown. Actually, I made that last bit up.
Kathleen retires to "the facilities" to plug in. None of the electrical sockets in the "facilities" appear capable of driving the 2kw hairdryer, so, she is reduced to using the supplied hairdryer, which, to me, does a perfectly good job.
After several weeks of not being used, the battery on my action camera does not appear to be to healthy, so, we have only a short section of our ride, recorded for posterity.
Tuesday, 27th March 2018
Warm (17C) and sunny, but, cloudy with light showers in the afternoon.
After yesterdays cycling exertions, today, we do walking. Just under 5 miles, taking in two supermarkets (Aldi and Intermarche). on the return journey, I have a small rucksack full of groceries on my back and, a carrier bag full of groceries, I feel like I am on a route march!
Sunday 25 March 2018
To St Remy-de-Provence
Friday, 23rd March 2018
Dry but dull this morning at Tain-L'Hermitage.
Time to move on, 120 miles further south, mostly easy going, except for Orange, where the N7 takes you right through the middle of town, and, there are major road works!
We stop off for lunch, but, still arrive at St Remy-de-Provence, Le Parc de la Bastide (N43 47'24" E4 50'39"), during the French "lunch hour". We are told to go and find ourselves a pitch and come back "after 15:00, or, maybe, after 17:00, to sort out the formalities", the French know how to do "laid back".
Le Parc de la Bastide, is an ACSI site, 17Euro/night, including "free" WiFi, EHU.
Taking a leaf out of the French Book, we laze around in the sunshine, drinking beer and doing absolutely nothing!
Saturday, 24th March 2018
Cloudy and a cool 6C this morning, but, the forecast promises better things, 15C and some sunshine.
The site is not the tidiest we have ever been on, but, everything appears to work, is clean, and water is hot!
As the photograph shows, it is not exactly busy, perhaps about 20-25 vans here, but, it is quite a large site.
Sunday, 25th March 2018
A cloudy start, but, mid-morning, the cloud breaks and warm and sunny.
Kathleen on church attendance duty, so, I explore, checking vital things, like, where to eat at lunch time and where is the Supermarket.
Lunch at Bistrot de Alpilles, and very enjoyable it was too.
Time to move on, 120 miles further south, mostly easy going, except for Orange, where the N7 takes you right through the middle of town, and, there are major road works!
We stop off for lunch, but, still arrive at St Remy-de-Provence, Le Parc de la Bastide (N43 47'24" E4 50'39"), during the French "lunch hour". We are told to go and find ourselves a pitch and come back "after 15:00, or, maybe, after 17:00, to sort out the formalities", the French know how to do "laid back".
Le Parc de la Bastide, is an ACSI site, 17Euro/night, including "free" WiFi, EHU.
Taking a leaf out of the French Book, we laze around in the sunshine, drinking beer and doing absolutely nothing!
Saturday, 24th March 2018
Cloudy and a cool 6C this morning, but, the forecast promises better things, 15C and some sunshine.
The site is not the tidiest we have ever been on, but, everything appears to work, is clean, and water is hot!
As the photograph shows, it is not exactly busy, perhaps about 20-25 vans here, but, it is quite a large site.
Sunday, 25th March 2018
A cloudy start, but, mid-morning, the cloud breaks and warm and sunny.
Kathleen on church attendance duty, so, I explore, checking vital things, like, where to eat at lunch time and where is the Supermarket.
Lunch at Bistrot de Alpilles, and very enjoyable it was too.
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