Dampierre sur Loire

Marge was the only van on the aire last night, but we didn't mind, the small town was quiet and we felt quite safe. This morning we awoke to the sound of a cuckoo, the second time this trip. We wish we could have actually seen it. Wanting to leave by ten we wandered up to the boulangerie to buy our lunch baguette. It is important when staying on these aires to spend money in the local town or village. Particularly at the bakery, as more and more of them are closing because of supermarkets opening nearby. Whilst John attended to the toilet emptying, singing 'super pooper' in homage to Abba, Angela noticed Marge could do with a clean herself. She is looking a little jaundiced from the pollen that fell on her from the fir trees whilst at the coast. Sorry, Marge, you've got that well-travelled look. Neglect more like! 

Today we were heading to the Loire. At the town of Cholet John mentioned we should look out for a campervan centre with an accessory shop. What, like that one across the road? A blind that covers one of our roof lights was damaged. In England they cost equivalent to 150 euros. After some discussion at the shop in French and then English we bought one for 88 euros, and they fitted it for us. Job done! Don't we treat you well Marge? Before leaving we looked around a couple of vans they had for sale. A very impressive little French number who looks like she could limbo under height barriers!

Watch out Marge, our eyes are wandering. 

Just before one o' clock, a smile spread across Angela's face. There in front of us was the river Loire looking stunning as always. We drove to an aire which was originally a campsite, until risk of flooding closed it. It's O.K. as an aire though. Not sure how that works. According to our aires book we should have paid, but a sign says it's free until further notice. Or perhaps it's free until the waters of the Loire flow across it. O.K. Marge, more positive please. Whatever the arrangement is it's fairly busy here. Marge is parked in the English/German/Dutch section. Once again the French wont park with any of us.

After a quick lunch it was shorts on. The temperature 22c, although it felt a little cooler. We cycled alongside the river on the cycle path just behind Marge known as Euro Velo 6. We have cycled along this all the way to Nevers. Perhaps we should add it to our list as something to do again. Today though we pedalled to Saumur.

 The town is dominated by a medieval chateau. We took a look around its grounds, taking in the stunning views of the town and river. Cake anyone? Cycling and cake go together as far as we're concerned. Two large slices of the chocolate variety were eaten as we sat beside the river fuelling us for our return cycle.  

This evening the aroma of meat cooking on grills permeated the aire. There are a lot of vans here, but it's quiet. Angela managed to dislodge a filling she only had replaced in January whilst eating yet more baguette. See, I'm not the only problem. We can't disagree with that Marge. At nine o' clock it was warm enough to sit in Marge with her side door open. We decided we would stay here for two nights, cycling out again tomorrow. What's that noise? Bull frogs Marge. Not again!