La Tessoualle, Maine-et-Loire

The night passed quietly, the forecast storm deciding not to make an appearance. So this morning dawned dry, and considerably cooler, the temperature right down on yesterday, it felt a little chilly. Keen to be on our way to begin the next stage of our trip, we were gone by nine thirty. Our drive to a campsite just a couple of hours away, took us across beautiful countryside.

Sunflowers as far as the eye could see, stood to attention in the sunlight, and fields of corn, awaited the arrival of the combined harvester. This was summer in the countrysides at its best. By lunchtime we'd parked Margery in a beautiful spot on the campsite, with views across to water. Four chickens and a couple of sheep fell upon us, hoping we'd share a taste morsel with them. And of course when we did, they pestered us all afternoon.

(Note the skull & cross bone collar!)

The small campsite has a small restaurant and bar, and is particularly popular with the locals. We like it here, and are glad we are now moving inland where campsites and Aires should be quieter. The French love the coast, particularly on a weekend, and we're happy for them to be there. This trip we've really slowed down, and we like it. Our onward travels will take us a long the Nantes to Brest canal, through the forest at Huelgoat, and along the north coast of Brittany. Sadly we only have two weeks of travelling left, so Margery, there probably won't be too many rest stops from now on.

The campsite Guinguette is very popular 

Coulon, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (day 2)

So much for a peaceful night, at 4am we were awoken by the distant rumbling of thunder. Angela prefers a storm to be distant rather than overhead. We weren't surprised though at the arrival of a electrical storm after the heat of yesterday, then more rain this morning. 

Today's high temperature is forecast to be 93f, so no doubt we'll be woken during the night again. Keen to be able to explore the area, we were out early this morning.

The visitors to the town had not yet arrived, we were able to enjoy a walk alongside the river Sevre without having to dodge bicycles and people, stopping for coffee at one of the waterside cafes.

The quiet of the morning was also appreciated by the wildlife. A swallowtail butterfly, John's favourite butterfly settled on a large buddleia, happy to pose for photographs.

Crossing the towpath, tiny newborn toads hopped across gravel and through grass making a desperate dash for the cool waters of the river, and on cool stone walls in the town insects took the opportunity for some copulating before lunch. All whilst a large Stork circled overhead. 

But it was hot, very, very hot, and Angela felt a little heady, despite drinking copious amounts of water. So once again we decided to sit tight, and stay at this fantastic site. This evening a welcome breeze awoke the still trees, their swaying and shaking fanning us, but we were still hot. Tomorrow is looking to be cooler, and we will move a little further north and stay on a campsite to take a shower before heading over to Brittany. The highlight of today for us has been watching the wildlife. How can anybody not enjoy this pastime. 

Coulon, Nouvelle-Aquataine

Yesterday evening, as the sun slid towards the horizon, we walked on the beach, as did many other people. It was so warm, what else could we all do? The retreating tide exposed rocks and rock pools, exposing crabs, jelly fish and a handful of sea glass. John likes to be able to collect a minimum of five pieces each time, sadly he could only find four. As the sunlight lit the pebbles before finally dipping below the line of the horizon, it left behind the pink purple vapour trails of planes passing overhead as they flew in and out of nearby La Rochelle airport. We were glad we'd decided to stay another night on the island, and a peaceful, if warm night it was. Up with the lark this morning, we were away by nine. A Lidl stop to stock up on tins of black olives, (which we eat everyday), before driving to Camping Bel Air to return the 'blipper' for the barrier at the entrance. Parking at the nearby aire, leaving Margery with just two other vans, which seemed strange as the island was so busy, we decided to see if we could blag a shower down at the campsite. No, but two euros paid, and they were at our disposal! We couldn't believe it! We'd spent all those days on the site at £17.50 a day, and we could have stayed on the aire for free and paid four euros a day for showers! Sounds liked a good idea, but in this heat we were glad to be able to settle in a shady spot. The aire has very little shade, and lots of sun. No wonder it was quiet. It was early afternoon when we left La Flotte. The pretty little town tried to persuade us to stay, but as much as we'd love to we had to leave, even the donkeys looked sad to see us leave.

A few people had asked us if we'd visited Coulon. No, never. And we don't really no why, as we visit the area around it often. Every year you should try to visit places you've never been before. Good advice, Particularly at our age. France covers a large area, and we know we need to start to visit more of the departments in the North East of the country.

Coulon is in the Marais Poitevin National Regional Park. It is known as the 'Green Venice', as a maze of channels and narrow waterways criss cross the second largest wetland in France. We are now asking ourselves, why have we never been here!

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.