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