Passay

Yesterday evening, whilst cooking our evening meal, the competitive shouting, and the clacking of metal, told us the three French couples behind us, were playing a game of boules.

From the nearby village, and also from across the river, the bells tolled seven o' clock, before the daunting ringing of the evening mass bells began.

Later, taking a walk across the flood plain, its gravelly surface annoyingly filling our shoes, we realised that in the clff opposite the aire, was a troglodytes dwelling. We took a walk over to take a look. There people were sat outside, by a small dome tent, enjoying an evening drink. After a cheery 'bonsoir' to each other, we could see that the renovation of the cave, would be a work in progress for many years. Hopefully, one day in the future when we pass by this way again, we will see the fruits of their labour.

Back at Marge, we watched the sun set over the nearby village, and we both agreed it was the best one we'd seen so far. At eleven o' clock, just as we made ready for bed, the thunder could be heard in the distance. Soon it was above us, but after one flash of lightning, headed up river, leaving not a spot of rain in its wake.

This morning we awoke to a few drops of rain, and a much fresher feel. But the weather soon cleared up, and the sunshine we'd become accustomed to over the last few weeks returned.

We were the last to leave the aire, Marge having seen off the French, including the couple parked behind us, who ignored us when we spoke to them on our arrival. Very rude!

Our journey this morning took us along country lanes, with grapevines to the side, heavily laden with the fruit for rose Anjou wine.

At lunchtime we stopped at Montjean-sur-Loire, right beside the river. At the picnic table next to us, sat two English male cyclists. Of course, John couldn't help but cast a critical eye over their bikes.

(One had a beautifully lugged Reynolds 531 tubed frame actually Angela)

We took a walk through the adjacent park, looking at the sculptures and wall painting, then went on to photograph the church of Saint Symophorien, which dominates the town.

After, we decided to move on to an aire at Saint-Florent-le-Veil. It was right beside the abbey, which we entered into for a look. The carvings were impressive, as was the whole structure. In the crypt, in glass display cases, were religious carvings from the twelfth and thirteenth century.

Outside, there was a fantastic panoramic view of the river Loire. But we decided not to stay, and have instead moved onto Passay, South of Nantes.

We are near to a lake, and the incoming flight path for Nantes Airport in to the right of us, but it doesn't cause us any bother. We arrived here late. Normally, we would stay a few miles down the road at Monbert with Odille and Philippe, but tomorrow morning, John has plans to view a canoe nearby. (One that can be dismantled for storage in the van).

We will stay at Monbert in September, when we travel down the Atlantic coast, heading to Spain and Portugal.

This evening we will walk to the nearby lake. Tomorrow, sadly, we must turn north to make our way towards Dieppe.