Monze

Fun and games at the aire this morning. We had bagged the spot that was most level. When the couple on the space next to us left, some French people decided to move into it. The man twice nearly reversed over his wife! Then a second van came down to the lower level, that one nearly took off Marge’s front bumper. The trouble with the French is they must own a motorhome that is around 8 metres long (Marge with her storage box is about 5.5 metres), and they have to get involved with each other’s business, resulting in chaos and commotion.

After a sweltering night, this morning was fresher, with a strong welcome breeze. As we set off towards Narbonne, on a busy main road used by many lorry drivers, we saw ‘the good time girls’ sat in their plastic chairs at the side of the road. Unlike the girls we saw touting for business in Spain yesterday, strutting about in their bikinis and high heels, these girls were well wrapped up against the wind, very sensible!

Shortly after, we left the main road and headed inland, driving through the Fitou wine region. The grapes were being harvested, and everywhere were the small tractors and trailers used to drive in between the vines.

A little further on, we had to negotiate a narrow road that wound around the bottom of the craggy rocks, luckily we were the only vehicle on the road and took it very slowly.

As we headed to tonight’s aire we passed some buffalo in a field enjoying their lunch. They did not give us a second glance, as we took the opportunity to photograph them.

_{We arrived at the medieval village of Monze early this afternoon. It has a stunning example of a stone Roman bridge. As with all the river beds in the area, the one here is bone dry. It would be interesting to see them, when they are full from the torrents of water that have tumbled off the nearby hills.}

We are now in the department of Aude, and the wine of this particular area is Corbieres. The aire is at the back of the village, and our view is of the grapevines, which come right up to our door. Even though the grapes have long been harvested, there are still some bunches on the vines and laying on the ground. They taste very sweet. 

Some of us could not help trying to be funny with them!

_{Although the wind is still brisk, the temperature is a much more comfortable 25c. Whilst boiling some eggs this afternoon the breeze blew a piece of kitchen paper onto the hob, which we did not notice straight away. It was nearly au revoir Marge!}

_{This evening we will take another walk out, probably up through the grapevines.}