19th & 20th May
We were up and off to the beach early to get our paper with the answers to Saturday’s crossword. Next it was along to the supermarket on the bikes to stock up on a few bits and pieces. We do this early as it is pretty hot a bit later on. Then we just chilled out until it was time to take Liz & Mo out for dinner. They had surprised us by saying they wanted to go to an Indian restaurant which turned out to be Nepalese, still the food was excellent but not very hot, as in spicy. Then it was off home this time in a taxi arranged by Liz.
The next day as they had insisted we go to another restaurant for dinner on them, we decided to check out just how far it actually was to cycle. When Joan discovered that we had spent nearly £40 on four 2 mile journeys she announced firmly that we could cycle. Fortunately this time I had put the cycle torches in so we were all set. Having had yet another super sunny day off we went on our bikes and found it very easy. Everything was going far too well so I was not the least surprised when we returned to their flat after the meal for a liqueur to discover I had a flat tyre! Still I had everything with me so it was soon fixed and we said our goodbyes to them for this year.
We set off fairly early to travel the 128 miles to the camp site Joan had picked out as a halfway point to Granada as it was a fairly long drive to do in one go. I should have been warned what sort of a drive it would be when the sat-nav lady and Joan could not agree how we would get out of Javea. Fortunately I remembered so after stocking up with the heavy items like booze and water we hit the road. The journey was fairly boring until we left the motorway. I should point out at this point that we passed what appeared to be a perfectly pleasant campsite next to the motorway. Joan felt that it would be far too noisy but as we travelled up the mountain around the third hairpin bend she wondered out loud if it was perhaps a better idea to return to that site, if only! However we managed to get to the village easily enough and that was when the brown stuff hit the fan.
As we entered the village there was a sign diverting us to the right and of course straight up. Our van managed the first bit but just stalled completely on the 1 in 3 bit and as I could not go anywhere but up I had to slip the clutch a bit which resulted in a very nasty burning smell indeed. Hopefully I have not done too much damage but I had to do something to get up the hill. When we finally got to the site we found we had been directed all around the outside of the village and we think it was the villager’s idea. Their excuse being we would not fit. We have since found out we can easily fit through the streets when we leave. B*@*#**d’s. We had to do a quick reccy as I knew the small person was not going to get a seconds sleep thinking about how we would get out. So imagine how we felt as we saw a huge delivery van drive through.
On a lighter note if we thought Javea was hot we were in for a shock. I always thought it was cooler up in the mountains but most of today it has been really scorching and as I sign off for bed it is still 86°
Lots of love
Joan & Bryan xxxx
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Monday, 18 May 2009
It's just like being at home with added sunshine.
16th to 18th May We literally had to drag ourselves away from the last site it was so perfect but we have aunts to visit. So next stop Javea or Xabia if you are Spanish. It was a pretty long and, as it was a motorway, boring drive but we made good time and were here and all set up by 3.30pm. When I say it’s just like being at home I mean we know where everything is, supermarkets, paper shops and of course the beach so after a relaxing drink it was off on the bikes to the beach, only about ¼ mile away. Next we rang Aunty Liz to say we’d arrived and we’d see them the next day but they wanted us to come over straight away. After our meal we splashed out on a cab to go to the Port where the aunts live and they were delighted to see us. We spent a very pleasant evening with them but when we left about 10.30pm to go to the taxi rank we couldn’t find it! This resulted in my phoning on my mobile for one, so naturally it had to be routed via England!!! As to taxi prices? Well as I said, it was just like being at home only dearer! Well the beach is calling..............Ooh and a cold beer, smashing.
Love from us
XXXX
Friday, 15 May 2009
Well at least it is warm rain!
13th to 15th May. Having driven all the way to the south of France we feel that the least we could expect was some sunshine, but it seems determined to be cloudy and wet. Still as the animals seem determined to love us to death plus Julie and the family cannot do enough for us, it is all very nice and restful. We have managed to get up to date with the blog and recharge everything electrical, phones etc., plus ourselves. Today as planned we left chez Shbib around 10.30am and drove the 235 miles to a Spanish campsite just south of Tarragona outside the town of Cambrils. Half of this journey was dull and showery but we now have the glorious sunshine we have been hoping for. We are parked at the very edge of the sea and have listened to the waves crashing on the shore every time we awoke, lovely. This camp site is spotless and I am sure we would not have been given a place by the sea if it were not low season, but we still had to pay a supplement which I felt was well worth it. Actually my next trick will be to try and get a few pictures on here via flickr but please don’t hold your breath. Must dash I have an urgent appointment with a cold beer and a reclining chair, plus the small one will need reminding to turn and do the other side occasionally!
Lots of love, at last from the sunshine.
Joan & Bryan
XXXX
Lots of love, at last from the sunshine.
Joan & Bryan
XXXX
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Talking about problems with inflation!!
11th to 12th May
We arose early and were due to leave as soon as the bread arrived at 8.30am. Having breakfasted etc we drove up to the gate and I noticed the tyres looked a little under inflated. “No problem”, I told Joan “just pass me that black bag behind your seat and I’ll put some air in.” Everything was going very well until suddenly it stopped working on the last wheel. Either the fuse was blown in the cigar lighter which it was plugged into or the inflator was broken? Just then the English couple appeared and very kindly let us test it using the 12 volt plug on their car and when it worked let us finish inflating the last tire. So now I need to track down which of the 5 fuse boxes the blown fuse is in, plus of course which fuse and why it blew. Oh dear, the sat-nav works from the cigar lighter point, YES!!
Strangely enough we managed to find our way to Julie’s no bother although it was a very long way and with hindsight would have been better split into two stages. We travelled on the A75 which was a series of very steep climbs with short downs until we had climbed to 4000 feet! This then of course resulted in a steady drop down to the Milau bridge which Joan had been looking forward to seeing, frankly as it cost £9 to go over it I would have settled for a post card. After some 6 hours driving battling against some pretty horrendous cross winds, (we thought at one stage they might close the bridge), we arrived exhausted to the usual warm welcome from all the family.
Today has been a little disappointing weather wise, while not cold there has been no sun until late afternoon. Still we have replaced the broken fuse and been shown all around chez Shbib, a totally relaxing time and just what the doctor ordered.
Love Joan and Bryan xxxx
We arose early and were due to leave as soon as the bread arrived at 8.30am. Having breakfasted etc we drove up to the gate and I noticed the tyres looked a little under inflated. “No problem”, I told Joan “just pass me that black bag behind your seat and I’ll put some air in.” Everything was going very well until suddenly it stopped working on the last wheel. Either the fuse was blown in the cigar lighter which it was plugged into or the inflator was broken? Just then the English couple appeared and very kindly let us test it using the 12 volt plug on their car and when it worked let us finish inflating the last tire. So now I need to track down which of the 5 fuse boxes the blown fuse is in, plus of course which fuse and why it blew. Oh dear, the sat-nav works from the cigar lighter point, YES!!
Strangely enough we managed to find our way to Julie’s no bother although it was a very long way and with hindsight would have been better split into two stages. We travelled on the A75 which was a series of very steep climbs with short downs until we had climbed to 4000 feet! This then of course resulted in a steady drop down to the Milau bridge which Joan had been looking forward to seeing, frankly as it cost £9 to go over it I would have settled for a post card. After some 6 hours driving battling against some pretty horrendous cross winds, (we thought at one stage they might close the bridge), we arrived exhausted to the usual warm welcome from all the family.
Today has been a little disappointing weather wise, while not cold there has been no sun until late afternoon. Still we have replaced the broken fuse and been shown all around chez Shbib, a totally relaxing time and just what the doctor ordered.
Love Joan and Bryan xxxx
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Are there really BEARS in Italy?
8th to 11th May
We were away nice and early from Jargeau and although it was very dull with thick mist, quite soon the sun burned the mist off and is was sunny for the rest of the day. Because there seemed no alternative road going directly where we wanted, we had to use the toll road, Ugh! This resulted in us making really good time and when my little human computer had sorted all the facts out it actually only cost us about £10 more. Having left the toll road we went straight onto a free motorway. We then had one of those wonderful Joan verses the sat-nav moments where it tried to direct us down what I can only describe as a wide track. We ignored that and continued on the main road which wasn't much wider but did have white lines down the middle. For the next half hour we had "I dont know why we came down here it would have been better to have stayed on the motorway until junction ...." etc.
All the time we were getting higher into the mountains of the Auvergne with more and more stunning views. After some time we arrived at Chambon-sur-lac nice and early with wall to wall sunshine. We were directed to a lovely little spot from where we overlooked the lake on one side and had a good view of the snow covered mountains to the east. Being a bank holiday weekend there were lots of families and friends walking around the lake making for a very festive air. All the facilities were spotless plus free wi-fi, hurray. Now as I said we are up in the mountains so it does not seem as hot as it would nearer sea level and I am afraid we both managed to get a bit sunburnt but not too seriously. The other strange thing is the rain, as you sit there, all of a sudden a couple of huge rain drops fall on you from a clear sky, then having leapt into the van it stops. After a while you learn and dont bother and about now you notice that everybody else is looking at you and smiling. Next a bit of wind gets up and they all nip inside, then it really rains for a few minutes then stops, while those walking around the lake appear not to have noticed.
We awoke to glorious sunshine Sunday morning but as soon as we returned from our shower it started to rain heavily and didn't stop until 1pm. As soon as it stopped we started our walk around the lake just in case it decided to start again but it just got better and better. We ended up putting our coats in my pack and had to stop 2/3 of the way around for a drink, another lovely day. As we aproached our van we met a very interesting couple of eccentric English people. They were travelling in a large estate car in the back of which was a big air-bed, while next to the car was a 2 person tent. The lady slept in the car and he slept in the tent. They apparently felt this was a huge impovement on last year when they both slept in the back of the car for 9 weeks travelling around Italy. They had with them a small portable fridge which apparently was new as the old one was nicked by a BEAR in Italy last year very near where they had the Earthquake a few weeks ago!!!
We are off to see Julie & Khalid tommorrow if I can find their phone number which appears to have changed!
Wow! Finally after several attempts and enlisting Andy's help we have contacted Julie and told them we are coming. She managed successfully to sound pleased so we are all set for tomorrow. We have just heard from Kathleen and Ken, they have got wall to wall sunshine down in Sicily, hopefully we will see them in a few more weeks down in Frejus. Meanwhile Angela and Paul are enjoying good weather in Dorset so let's hope it continues for them.
love to you all
Bryan and Joan XXXX
We were away nice and early from Jargeau and although it was very dull with thick mist, quite soon the sun burned the mist off and is was sunny for the rest of the day. Because there seemed no alternative road going directly where we wanted, we had to use the toll road, Ugh! This resulted in us making really good time and when my little human computer had sorted all the facts out it actually only cost us about £10 more. Having left the toll road we went straight onto a free motorway. We then had one of those wonderful Joan verses the sat-nav moments where it tried to direct us down what I can only describe as a wide track. We ignored that and continued on the main road which wasn't much wider but did have white lines down the middle. For the next half hour we had "I dont know why we came down here it would have been better to have stayed on the motorway until junction ...." etc.
All the time we were getting higher into the mountains of the Auvergne with more and more stunning views. After some time we arrived at Chambon-sur-lac nice and early with wall to wall sunshine. We were directed to a lovely little spot from where we overlooked the lake on one side and had a good view of the snow covered mountains to the east. Being a bank holiday weekend there were lots of families and friends walking around the lake making for a very festive air. All the facilities were spotless plus free wi-fi, hurray. Now as I said we are up in the mountains so it does not seem as hot as it would nearer sea level and I am afraid we both managed to get a bit sunburnt but not too seriously. The other strange thing is the rain, as you sit there, all of a sudden a couple of huge rain drops fall on you from a clear sky, then having leapt into the van it stops. After a while you learn and dont bother and about now you notice that everybody else is looking at you and smiling. Next a bit of wind gets up and they all nip inside, then it really rains for a few minutes then stops, while those walking around the lake appear not to have noticed.
We awoke to glorious sunshine Sunday morning but as soon as we returned from our shower it started to rain heavily and didn't stop until 1pm. As soon as it stopped we started our walk around the lake just in case it decided to start again but it just got better and better. We ended up putting our coats in my pack and had to stop 2/3 of the way around for a drink, another lovely day. As we aproached our van we met a very interesting couple of eccentric English people. They were travelling in a large estate car in the back of which was a big air-bed, while next to the car was a 2 person tent. The lady slept in the car and he slept in the tent. They apparently felt this was a huge impovement on last year when they both slept in the back of the car for 9 weeks travelling around Italy. They had with them a small portable fridge which apparently was new as the old one was nicked by a BEAR in Italy last year very near where they had the Earthquake a few weeks ago!!!
We are off to see Julie & Khalid tommorrow if I can find their phone number which appears to have changed!
Wow! Finally after several attempts and enlisting Andy's help we have contacted Julie and told them we are coming. She managed successfully to sound pleased so we are all set for tomorrow. We have just heard from Kathleen and Ken, they have got wall to wall sunshine down in Sicily, hopefully we will see them in a few more weeks down in Frejus. Meanwhile Angela and Paul are enjoying good weather in Dorset so let's hope it continues for them.
love to you all
Bryan and Joan XXXX
Saturday, 9 May 2009
So we burned Joan of Arc for them? Weird.
6th to 8th May was spent at a pleasant campsite in a place called Jargeau near Orleans. the toilets left a bit to be desired ( until we found the newer toilet block), but otherwise it was very good, sunny and warm. Having set up we walked into town to get bus times for a trip into Orleans. We did consider cycling but it was 12 miles each way and the small one did not think we could do it. In the event the next morning, the bus was very cheap, quick and ran on time. On arrival we made straight for the tourist info but having gone to the place indicated by the street map on the lamp post, we were faced with a couple of very puzzled ladies employed in recruitment. They sent us to the right place which was near the cathedral.
Having gathered all the info and a book about Joan of arc we followed ALL the very small children visiting the cathedral, Oh joy! Then after a visit to the Joan of Arc museum and finding out all about how we burned her at the stake, mainly because the French wanted us to? Plus apparently, she had this annoying habit of going into battle against us and winning, so it served her right. Next a pleasant stroll around the old town and lunch immediately followed by guess what? Yes, some shopping!!! After what had been a very pleasant trip we returned and sat in the sun enjoying a glass or two of wine until quite late.
We are receiving complaints, a) about the lack of blogs and b) Their brevity plus they are not very funny. well I am sorry but a) we were not feeling very humurous and b)this is the first time we have had wee fee (that's what they call wi-fi). I did try and get into a Mc Donalds to use their free wi-fi but it was heaving so we left. Obviously the French have lost their love of good food!
Believe it or not we are supposed to be getting free wi-fi here but having typed the whole bloody lot in this afternoon, they had turned it OFF!?! So we had to start again tonight.
Lots of love
Hic, xxxx
Having gathered all the info and a book about Joan of arc we followed ALL the very small children visiting the cathedral, Oh joy! Then after a visit to the Joan of Arc museum and finding out all about how we burned her at the stake, mainly because the French wanted us to? Plus apparently, she had this annoying habit of going into battle against us and winning, so it served her right. Next a pleasant stroll around the old town and lunch immediately followed by guess what? Yes, some shopping!!! After what had been a very pleasant trip we returned and sat in the sun enjoying a glass or two of wine until quite late.
We are receiving complaints, a) about the lack of blogs and b) Their brevity plus they are not very funny. well I am sorry but a) we were not feeling very humurous and b)this is the first time we have had wee fee (that's what they call wi-fi). I did try and get into a Mc Donalds to use their free wi-fi but it was heaving so we left. Obviously the French have lost their love of good food!
Believe it or not we are supposed to be getting free wi-fi here but having typed the whole bloody lot in this afternoon, they had turned it OFF!?! So we had to start again tonight.
Lots of love
Hic, xxxx
Well I did it again!
4th & 5th May
Yes we have another new rear light cluster, and I am as sick as a parrot. So much so that we again really seriously felt like coming home and selling the van. No kidding we were really fed up and it has taken a couple of days for both of us to settle down and start enjoying our trip. having arrived at Angela's I had to get the van into the narrow drive at the side of her house. This sounds easy but it took help from Joan and Paul plus a couple of tries to acheive it. It was so tight that we could not get out of the drivers side and Paul had to lend us his cable so we could plug into the electricity which we could only just get to on the other side, to keep our fridge going. It was fine though as we were well off the road with the bikes hidden from view.
However once a week on a Sunday Angela's neighbour takes his car out for a run and it lives at the top of the drive so I had to move to let him out. At the bottom of the drive I had a lamp post on one side, a fence on the other and parked cars opposite. I had to swing out at such a sharp angle that the overhang at the back caught the fence post, broke the rear light and cost me another £60! Both of us were totally demorolised and so fed up, frankly I could have cried and Joan did. However after much cajoling and sympathetic noises from Angela and Paul we tried to get a replacement because of course you cannot drive abroad with it broken. It's bank holiday Sunday and we have got a ferry to catch tomorrow morning!!! After much googling Paul found a place who said they may be able to help, in Reigate about 23 miles away. so off we went and they managed to help us although it is not a perfect match but that's another story.
We set off the next morning and caught the ferry still both very much down in the dumps and began our trip in our usual fashion with a full English breakfast which did cheer us a little. we disembarked in glorious sunshine and set off on the 150 Miles to Neufchatal-en-bray, a lovely little site recommended to us last year by Kathleen and Ken. we felt our spirits lifting as finally we sat in the sun with a beer and a large glass of red wine and toasted all our friends and family. We determined to put it behind us and enjoy ourselves, but it had been touch and go I promise you.
First full day in France
Now I like the sound of church bells, and so when we were awoken by them at 7 am it was quite nice but they carried on and on and on! I thought they might stop if I got up? No! Anyway that aside this has been a lovely relaxing day of high cloud, hazy sun and our first cycle ride with Joan's new saddle courtesy of Andy, which is proving a great success.
Lots of love from the wrecker and her xxxxx
Yes we have another new rear light cluster, and I am as sick as a parrot. So much so that we again really seriously felt like coming home and selling the van. No kidding we were really fed up and it has taken a couple of days for both of us to settle down and start enjoying our trip. having arrived at Angela's I had to get the van into the narrow drive at the side of her house. This sounds easy but it took help from Joan and Paul plus a couple of tries to acheive it. It was so tight that we could not get out of the drivers side and Paul had to lend us his cable so we could plug into the electricity which we could only just get to on the other side, to keep our fridge going. It was fine though as we were well off the road with the bikes hidden from view.
However once a week on a Sunday Angela's neighbour takes his car out for a run and it lives at the top of the drive so I had to move to let him out. At the bottom of the drive I had a lamp post on one side, a fence on the other and parked cars opposite. I had to swing out at such a sharp angle that the overhang at the back caught the fence post, broke the rear light and cost me another £60! Both of us were totally demorolised and so fed up, frankly I could have cried and Joan did. However after much cajoling and sympathetic noises from Angela and Paul we tried to get a replacement because of course you cannot drive abroad with it broken. It's bank holiday Sunday and we have got a ferry to catch tomorrow morning!!! After much googling Paul found a place who said they may be able to help, in Reigate about 23 miles away. so off we went and they managed to help us although it is not a perfect match but that's another story.
We set off the next morning and caught the ferry still both very much down in the dumps and began our trip in our usual fashion with a full English breakfast which did cheer us a little. we disembarked in glorious sunshine and set off on the 150 Miles to Neufchatal-en-bray, a lovely little site recommended to us last year by Kathleen and Ken. we felt our spirits lifting as finally we sat in the sun with a beer and a large glass of red wine and toasted all our friends and family. We determined to put it behind us and enjoy ourselves, but it had been touch and go I promise you.
First full day in France
Now I like the sound of church bells, and so when we were awoken by them at 7 am it was quite nice but they carried on and on and on! I thought they might stop if I got up? No! Anyway that aside this has been a lovely relaxing day of high cloud, hazy sun and our first cycle ride with Joan's new saddle courtesy of Andy, which is proving a great success.
Lots of love from the wrecker and her xxxxx
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