Yelloh! Village Camping Bordeaux Lac (Yet again! Day 2)

You know those days when the forecasters predict the weather wrongly? Well today wasn't one of those days. Or perhaps it was, as we didn't hear one rumble of thunder. But we certainly saw a lot of rain fall and noticed a drop in temperature. We couldn't believe a few days ago we'd been basking in 30c, wearing shorts and T-shirts and walking on beaches. Today 16c and more than a little moist. Even the ducks seemed pissed off with the unrelenting rainfall.

After checking the forecast last night we decided it would be best to stay put on the Bordeaux campsite. There is a seating area in the large reception, and also outside on the covered veranda. So this morning we decamped to the reception area, purchased a couple of coffees and stayed put until well after one.

The improving picture we were promised did not materialise, but by three the rain was light and we broke out, taking a walk along the cycle path around the lake.

 Under the road bridge a young trumpeter practised his scales. We'd seen him there when we first arrived back in September. We guessed the concrete structure made for great acoustics.

As we ambled around under the tall slim pine trees, reaching towards sunlight, they'd be hard pressed to find today, we were surprised at just how many different species of mushroom were growing amongst the pine needles. Sadly for John, none were edible. The rain not wanting us to enjoy ourselves too much soon returned, and we hurried back, stopping at a snail house for a photo opportunity.

 Perhaps worthy of consideration for a little pied-a`-terre. Tomorrow we are leaving Bordeaux, and hopefully will not be returning until we visit France another time. Never say never of course, Marge seems to control our lives now.

Yelloh! Village Camping Bordeaux Lac (Yet again!)

Essential items for us in Marge are, baby wipes, kitchen roll and a hand brush. This morning after some rigorous brushing the handle snapped on the hand brush. Panic! Fortunately even the smallest supermarket in France sells almost everything, so when we stopped for shopping a replacement was purchased. Disaster averted. And for the record, the countdown to Christmas, or as fans of Mariah Carey's Christmas song say, the countdown to Mariah, has begun. Chocolate Santa's and Christmas tree decorations have hit the shelves here. The handle snapping on the brush though seemed just a small problem compared to those of Marge. John is beginning to think her head gasket may be damaged. So all hopes of swanning off into the Loire region on our return journey are now off the agenda. Angela wasn't happy. That's flamingos, the Loire and probably a return visit to the Ile de Re all cancelled. Thanks Marge! The weather forecast was also not looking too great for Thursday, so sadly we decided to once again leave the coast and head back into Bordeaux. This would be our fourteenth night at camping Yelloh Village. It was beginning to feel like a second home. Not really a problem though, we can think of worse places to. For Angela, staying at Bordeaux feels like being being wrapped in a large comfort blanket.

Late afternoon the weather settled, we left the maintenance men to figure out why one of their golf buggy's stopped abruptly right behind Marge, and we took the bus and tram into the city. Each time we visit Bordeaux Angela wishes we could see the waterfront lit up at night. Tonight would be that night. By seven o' clock the streets were bustling, the city well and truly alive. We ate once again at the little Thai street food cafe. And as before the meal was delicious. All around us we could hear the the accents of a variety of nationalities. We loved the vibe, the chaos, the surroundings. A film crew were present, filming we thought a period drama, as piles of rubber tiled matting to cover modern tarmacked roads and paved footpaths were stacked all around.

Also a dozen old carriages could be seen around the area. As night fell the waterfront did not disappoint. It delivered! The coloured lighting that lined the promenade was stunning, as was the water fountain with the moon high in the inky blue night sky behind.

Angela felt quite emotional. She'd waited along time to see these sights. Back at the tram stop there is a very large area beside the fountain where most of the year events are held.

At the moment at huge fair, the size we've never seen the like of. Brightly coloured lights and the sickly sweet aroma of sugary sweets played with our senses. What a contrast with the beautiful architecture in the background. Bordeaux at night had captured us, and we had to tear ourselves away, not wanting to board a tram back too late.

We knew we had already missed the last bus at nine from the tram stop to the campsite, but we weren't too unhappy about taking the twenty minute walk we'd have to make. Retiring to bed at midnight, we were tired and our feet sore. But happy. It had been a lovely evening. Dirty stop outs! Be quiet Marge. Enough from you. Don't you think we deserved some respite?

Yelloh! Village Camping Bordeaux Lac (Again!)

Early morning alongside a French canal is always one of life's pleasures. It's tranquil, a calming space. We reminisced of early morning cycles alongside canals here in France, the air damp, our hearts full of joy at being at this place at this time. Today was to be a 'milestone' day. We were heading to Bordeaux. just under a week ago there was a doubt Marge would make it this far. But the old gal relished the challenge, and despite the rising heat of the day she purred her way through the countryside past fields carpeted with red, yellow and green plum tomatoes.

It was 26 c. A reminder we must not set off north too soon if we didn't want to lose the warmer weather. A week ago we were in Carcassone, now we were back in the 'land of wine'. The wine of Graves dominated the area, Angela thought she must remember to buy some to take back home when we stop to stock up before boarding the ferry. We'd deliberately planned to arrive back in Bordeaux on a Sunday when the fast pace of the ring road should be quieter, and with less lorries bearing down on Marge. Marge breezed along, her speedometer reaching 50 mph. Steady there Marge. You've been unwell remember. The English girl on the reception at the campsite remembered us. Of course she did. We'd only left here eighteen days ago. It seemed much longer ago, so much seemed to have happened in those days. The campsite is much quieter now and we were able to once again secure the pitch by the swimming pool and lake where are solar panels would benefit from the sun. We couldn't believe how warm it was. When we'd left Bordeaux it had been raining. Taking advantage of the weather we put on two washes, and manged to dry it all outside.

But our day was sullied by the arrival of travellers, at least three families who were sited behind us. The children soon began to wander and we felt a little unnerved. How did they manage to access the site? Probably because most campsites now do not allow twin axled caravans, so how do you get around this? Buy a large motorhome of course. We could see an unpleasant evening ahead of us and asked to move. So now we are sited under the trees right beside the cycle campers, which of course we don't mind. A Dutch couple are on their way to St Jean Pied du Port, they began their trip in Norway. Impressive. It seems a very long time since we were at the town, wondering if Marge could really be driven over the Pyrenees. Seemed we probably made the right call there. All quiet this evening, and we are thank full we moved before the evenings events took a turn for the worse. Nine o' clock and it is still 24c. It's going to be a real shock to the system when we have to leave all this warmth behind. For now we will just enjoy it, and also enjoy Marge being in a better mood. As a reward, we'll probably drive her over to the Atlantic coast tomorrow.  

Pomarez

The rain fell relentlessly through the night, and we sympathised with the cycle tourists pitched further up the campsite. Been there, done that, will probably do it again. But despite the rain it is warm, so that's something. At a quarter to midday we were off. It seemed like all the staff at the campsite had known of our dilemma, and they asked, 'are you leaving today', and gave us the thumbs up. A big thank you to the staff at Yelloh camping for being so helpful whilst we waited for a parcel we were beginning to think would never arrive.

Come on Marge, we're outta here! Our onward drive took us across the Landes. A flat terrain that we've always travelled through along the coast. But the forecast today is for yet more heavy rain and strong winds so took a route slightly inland through the pine forests. Blackened tree stumps, a sad reminder of last years forest fires greeted us. The signs of autumn were evident, ferns the colour of bronze and leaves of pale green and yellow all looking sad in the wet conditions. Amongst the pine trees though, a welcome flash of colour. A carpet of pale purple heather looked beautiful in the damp miserable landscape.

At lunchtime we found a lovely lunch spot in the village of Moustey. the local church there is one of many along the 137km Compostela route through the Landes. We wanted to look inside the very old church and were pleased when just after two a priest arrived to unlock the door, so we could take a peak inside. The rain now abated, not for long we felt, we readied to leave just as two silver vans driven by 'men in suits' arrived. A funeral was obviously about to take place. Time to go Marge. Yet more rain fell, and despite it being warm at 20 c we wondered if it would be sunny when we reached 'Viva Espana'. Talk on the campsite at Bordeaux amongst some people was which port would be best to sail back to the U.K. from. Angela wondered if we might be better catching a ferry back from Bilbao in northern Spain to Portsmouth. Yes it's expensive. Yes it takes almost two days. And of course we'd need to pay for a cabin. And yes the crossing might be rough as you sail through the Bay of Biscay. But when you add up the cost of fuel for Marge and her wear and tear, plus the fact France will be cold at the end of October, particularly at night, we felt it might be an idea to consider. We have a flex ticket booked for October 31st from Cherbourg to Poole which we can change or cancel up to four hours before the sailing, so we've time yet to decide.

We are now nearing the lower slopes of the French Pyrenees, and although in France we are now in bull fighting country! The houses with their long sloping roofs nestle the green lush landscape. Not long now Marge, and you'll be in Spain! Unfortunately there's more wet weather to contend with. It looks like it'll be Saturday or even Sunday before it settles. We can't wait. Bring on the shorts weather.

Yelloh! Village Camping Bordeaux Lac (Day 11)

Angela says she feels ninety percent better today. Good. The thought of spending another day on the site didn't appeal so we decided to take the tram into Bordeaux. But not before saying goodbye to cyclists Steve and Michelle, who fed up with the colder nights and rain have decided to curtail their cycling trip and return to England to visit relatives and drop off all their cycling gear. Tonight they will be in Nantes. We love that area, especially as it's where the Loire a`Velo cycle route begins. We wish them well with their future travels. Obviously, we had to book on the campsite for another night. The cost nothing! Zilch! It was Free! Stay for ten nights and the eleventh is gratuit, as the French say. As always Bordeaux was busy.

The season here is all year round, and we're told a night in the hostel, sharing with four other people in a room, is three hundred euros for two people! Angela was hungry, and as we walked through the retail area of the town she spotted a Thai street food restaurant.

Why not, we'd saved thirty two euros on tonight's campsite fee. The meal was delicious, and excellent value for money. And then, a message arrived on John's mobile to say our parcel had been delivered. What?

Some really large vans have arrived on the site today, and now one of our views is of really large satellite dishes. Why pitch up and sit in your van watching television. There's a beautiful city to visit just down the road. Once again the rain is falling steadily, we are lucky we're able to dry our washing outside under the awning. An early shower this evening for Angela. Just her and another couple who at first Angela thought were sharing a cubicle, the man exclaiming how 'wonderful he felt'. Turned out he was just glad the water was hot. Another hour, when the marathon dish washing began, he'd find it positively orgasmic, in a different way. The shower water is a tad cool. We can't believe we have been here nearly two weeks. But tomorrow we'll be off. Yes we will. The good news is, gas strut is fitted!