Sully-sur-Loire

What a beautiful morning this morning on the river Loire. The trees in full autumn mode, the air cold, a little watery sunlight, and an abundance of birdlife, fighting for position on a small island in the centre of the river. Squadrons of swans, regal herons, slender, demure, great egrets, and riotous cormorants. Underfoot a carpet of wet, golden brown, horse chestnut leaves. The whole scene, summed up autumn at this moment in time.

We walked across the aqueduct, and back, passing three cycle tourists, not envying their ride in this weather. The rain had held, but on our return the wind ruffled the waters of both the river and the canal, encouraging a few moments of light drizzle.

Today we did not need to travel far, so a welcome reprieve for Marge. At lunchtime, we stopped at the riverside town of Gien. Quick, the rain has stopped! Another chance to walk and take a look around, walking by the chateau, through the town, and diving in to the church when the rain threatened.

On the river, the old flat bottomed wooden fishing boats swayed gently in the current of the fast flowing water. John commented on how it was only four months ago, on our way home from Italy, he had swum in the river Loire to cool down one afternoon. How time flies.

After lunch, we decided to move on to the aire at Sully-sur-Loire where we stayed last September in Marge 1. The aire then was busy, and she took the last space. Today there are just six vans here. Treating ourselves to an apple pastry, while we waited for the rain to clear, we discussed our onward journey, planning the stops for the next two nights.

At five o' clock, the rain eased, and we were able to walk out for the third time today. The weather over the last two days has not been good, and after being outside for so long over the last few weeks, we were starting to experience cabin fever.

We walked around the outside of the chateau, the moat emitting a rather distasteful smell, (now we know where the contents of the chemical toilets dispensed at the aire are directed!) The town was quiet, as it's Sunday. We enjoyed looking around, even though we've been here before. We even caught sight of the flattening pink stripe of the autumn sunset. After so many wonderful sunsets, it lifted our hearts a little to see this one on such a dismal day.

By the time we returned to the van, the sky was an inky blue black. The rain starting yet again. We were glad to cosy up in Marge, knowing we'd be warm and comfortable from the elements outside. And with a pre-made chorizo and bean meal to heat up, we were still happy to be on our journey.

Tomorrow, we will head away from the Loire, to travel north. Despite the weather, we do not want this trip to end, and have already discussed next years travels. Marge, how do you fancy Greece via Italy?

Shaving shop, mirrors, soap razors......