La Flotte, Ile de Re (Day2)

Marge has officially arrived on the Ile de Re. As always, she likes to make her presence known. But yesterday evening around nine she caused us great embarrassment. Both, yes both her vehicle alarms went off. The second is very loud, and we couldn't it stop either. It was Angela's fault. She'd locked up Marge before we left her, but hadn't shut her back door properly, so when she opened it we suddenly became the most unpopular people on the campsite. Honestly Marge, if being English wasn't enough. Didn't know you could make such a racket. Fortunately John managed to sort her out. This morning everyone seemed o.k. with us, which was good as we were staying another night. Today is the start of a run of warm weather. Just before lunchtime, with our washing done and mostly dry, thanks to Angela bagging the washing machine early much to the frustration of a woman who deposited her bag of clothes on top of the machine in disgust, we were on our way.

The walk along the coast to Saint Martin de Re is always pleasant, but today we suffered with the heat, not being used to it. Saint Martin was busy, busier than we'd ever seen it.

Whilst we took refreshments outside the bakery a group of German children on an exchange trip spoke with us. They loved Angela's accent. That'll be the twang of south London she's inherited from her mother. 

We walked back to La Flotte bought a souvenir mug and took a last look around the town until we are this way again. So this evening, at eight-thirty it is 24c. Going to be a warm night. Tomorrow we will be moving on mindful there will be much traffic on the roads for the holiday weekend. Always a good idea to keep away from the coast here at these times. But at our age the urgency of missing opportunities is strong, so we must resist the urge to linger at familiar places and continue our travels.

La Flotte, Ile de Re

Yesterday evening, we were tired. But we once again walked out. As the sun started to set, turning the sky a candyfloss pink, we couldn't resist walking along more of the nearby, beautiful dramatic coastline.

This morning Angela was excited, keen for us to be up and away early to cross suspension bridge at Saint Nazaire and start our journey. It was Ile de Re day. Along with Lochbuie on the island of Mull in Scotland, this is her other go to place when she wants some escapism. As Marge is no racing car we knew the journey would take a few hours so as we settled into a steady trundle the sights and views of the french towns and countryside kept us entertained. We stopped for an enjoyable lunch, but didn't linger to long.

As we approached La Rochelle we could see the storks in fields and sat on their nests high up on the electricity pylons. A sight we've now seen many times, and one that always gives us joy.

But for Angela the best sighting of the day was the bridge that stretches from near to La Rochelle to the island of Ile de Re. Look Marge, get a wiggle on. We'd hoped to be able to stay at Camping Bel Air in La Flotte, but at reception we were told they were full.

So we tucked Marge into a small space up at the nearby Aire, then we walked back to the campsite to enquire if we could pay to use the showers, and as to whether there would be a pitch available on the campsite for tomorrow night. It materialised that we could in fact stay tonight and tomorrow. As in England this weekend is a bank holiday in France, so the site will be busy.

So here we are. Marge nestled under the pine trees in the quieter part of the campsite which suits us fine. The weather as always when we visit the island is warm and sunny. A picture blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see.

Take away pizzas eaten down by the marina was the perfect end to the day. So two nights of relaxation, and a chance to wash clothes and walk along the fabulous coastline here. And we intend to enjoy every moment of it.

Le Bois-Plage-en-Re, Ile de Re, Charente-Maritime

This morning Angela was up early keen, to hand wash a few items whilst we still had access to a constant supply of hot water. Every other morning on the campsite it has been sunny, and more often than not breezy. This morning, no sun, and no breeze. We had until midday to vacate our pitch and didn't want a van full of wet clothing. But good fortune was with us, and the sun which was constantly being swallowed by the cloud, broke loose. On cue, a whisper of a breeze slowly moved the washing on the line. At five minutes to twelve, everything was dry apart from one pair of slightly damp socks. Thank god. Washing done it was time to leave. Leave La Flotte, not the Ile de Re. On some of the motorhome Facebook groups Angela follows, there are reports of increasing numbers of visitors around the Brittany coast. Northern Brittany in particular as on July 5th the Tour de France cycle race begins. All the campsites around Caen, Bayeaux and St. Malo our full around that time as the tour begins in this area. We don't like crowds or chaos, and we love the Ile de Re. After our walk out yesterday evening how could we leave the island so soon. 

The beautiful colours lit by the setting sun, of the boats sat lopsided on the sand as the tide ebbed made for a perfect evening. We couldn't leave, we didn't need to leave. So after a quick shop we headed up the island to an official overnight parking spot at Le Bois-Plage-en-Re. We've stayed here before, both in Marge and Muddy Marge. There is space for four vans. Fortunately there were were none. Pick your spot Margery.

 Today was supposed to be a lot cooler than late. It wasn't. Yes, more breeze, but the sun high in the summer sky was intense. After our early awakening, we read a while and waited for the temperature to drop before walking out.

The beaches on the island are stunning, and the one here just a few metres away is no exception. 

The view along the white sand beach is magical. The smell of the ocean, salt and seaweed is all here. Early evening we were joined by a young English man. He'd taken the overnight ferry from Dieppe, stopped a few times to rest, and lured by the thought of warm dry weather kept driving. He told us it was raining in Dieppe when he arrived. His attire, jeans and a jumper. His planned onward trip over the next month, France, over the Pyrenees into Spain, Andorra and perhaps Italy. After two years of renovating his van, this is his first European trip. Oh to be young and energetic. We could feel his excitement, envied his youth, but knew we shared the same ethos as us.  Travelling is not running away, but living life before it runs from you, which is how we intend to carry on with ours.