Onzain

Yesterday evening, we all enjoyed a breeze, we thought would never again feel. Until midnight, most of the van owners were sat outside. Unfortunately, the evening was ruined, by half a dozen youngsters sat on the sports area behind us all. Their noise disturbing everyone until one o' clock this morning. Luckily, we had parked Marge on the far side of the parking, so were spared the worst of it.

This morning the start to the day felt a little fresher, but by mid morning the heat had started to build. The other English van left, why anyone would want a van about thirty feet long, larger than a mobile library, we couldn't understand. But for the man driving it, wearing a T-shirt that didn't cover his stomach fully, (the expression we use, is, 'he's wearing Baby Gap clothes'). To him, size obviously mattered, except in his wardrobe. We know how difficult it is to squeeze our Marge into some towns and villages, but at least we have, had the chance to view some wonderful places, which he will never will.

Whilst we discussed our plans for the day, a young chaffinch, pecked around the ground near Marge, looking for a few crumbs, that may have been left by the van owners. We always comment that, it must be a hard life, trying to survive, for a bird.

Late morning, we set off on our bikes along the cycleway to the next town, Beaugency.

Part way there we found a bar, restaurant and stage had been set up in the woods, and was proving popular. It was quite hot, but we hoped we would be cycling among the trees, but it turned out not for long.

Arriving at our destination, we were saddened to see the aire right beside the river was closed. The reason, falling branches from the canopy of the trees overhead. On our return to Marge, we met a family travelling towards us, the mother lagging quite a way behind, with a look on her face that said, "whose idea was this holiday, I hate cycling, why can't I have an electric bike?"

Our cycle out may have been a little ambitious in the heat. Angela's heart was racing on our return. But a sit down, and plenty of water soon settled it. John experienced an uncomfortable feeling later in the day. We think this exceptional heat perhaps deserves more consideration than we are giving it.

After lunch, we walked in the town of Meung-Sur-Loire, visiting the church, always guaranteed to be nice and cool inside. Then onto the chateau. Whilst we were out, we were conscious to try and walk in the shade as much as possible. We had seen on the Internet, that the temperature in France topped 45.9c today. Tomorrow in our area it will be 40c, and then next week dropping into the chilly 30's. So, family at home, enjoy you weather tomorrow, we could to with a temperature here of 31c!

A nice surprise early this evening, a video call from Angela's son Chris, his wife Kirsty, and grandson Elliot. Chris looked a little peaky after his spell in hospital, and is still not at work. It was lovely to see and speak to them, but little Elliot did not seem to recognise us. Must be the orange skin tone we've adopted, we are looking a little like 'oompa loompa's'!

We have only moved a little way along the Loire, originally planning to stay overnight at Blois. But forgetting the size of the town, we opted to move to a quiet aire, alongside the river at Onzain.

On the opposite bank, we can see the chateau Chaumont-Sur-Loire. Outside the entrance to the aire, are a few grapevines, with some excellent metalwork sculptures, depicting the pruning and harvesting, of the grapes. Opposite us, is an allotment, with a white plastic garden chair, we wonder will a lady of ill repute appear? No, just an elderly gentleman with a long hose!

The breeze we enjoyed yesterday evening is long gone. Once again it is hot and sultry. Rather than just one of us, we are both glowing. We were able to afford the luxury of eating our evening meal in the shade of the trees, sat at one of the picnic benches.

Just before our dinner, a man drove in with in his 'open top tourer', an old Jaguar, with his Thai wife sat beside him. He was what we deemed 'as a silly old b'. His car was registered German, but was right hand drive. He'd obviously bought his car from England, and his wife from Thailand! She nimbly alighted from the car, he struggling and puffing to exit his totally unsuitable car for a man of his age!

This evening, whilst typing this blog, the French couple in the van next to us, have turned their television bracket so they can watch the ladies world cup match, France v America outside. which we are fine with, as we can watch it as well through our side window.

We would like the final to be France v England, as we have been in France before when France have played England, and the atmosphere has been fantastic.

Tomorrow, we will move a little further along the river. After travelling so many miles, we are enjoying being back on familiar territory, with no need to rush. The adventure is done, this is the holiday.

(Unfortunately USA knocked out France, we were hoping for an England - France final to watch in a bar two days before we return home).