Blain

Last evening, we walked down to the edge of the Lac de Grand-Lieu. Scattered on the ground, were many crayfish shells. The waterlilies floated on the surface of the water, their flowers not far of bursting into a sunburst of yellow. The sun was just beginning to set, the lake surface catching the last of its rays. As we walked back, we could see the observatory, towering above the tourist information office. Walking back to Marge, we discussed how the 'aires' directory, had led us to see some sights, we would never had seen.

This morning, before we left Passay, we once again walked down to the edge of the lake. On one of the small fishing boats, we could see the 'king' of fishing. A heron stood still, and statuesque, whilst keeping a keen eye on the surrounding waters.

In the lake, a van belonging to one of the fisherman stood. We presumed he'd driven it into there, to gain easy access in and out of his boat.

Around eleven o' clock we departed to a nearby town, where John was hoping to visit a company who sold a folding canoe. But after some investigation as to their whereabouts, including being taken into a ladies house, he learnt the business was no more, after closing down as the result of a fire.

We didn't want to travel so far today, after yesterday's drive, and also because we preferred to stay south for as long as possible.

So we drove to Blain, slightly north of Nantes. Stopping on the edge of the town, to do a fairly large shop. This will probably be our last now, until Sunday or Monday, when we will stop to buy wine to bring home. The supermarket was quiet, a very large girl, drove around on an industrial sized floor cleaning machine, better suited for outside. We felt, it perhaps would have been more beneficial to her health, to have issued her with a broom!

Our aire tonight, is near to the Nante-Brest canal. In fact the path that runs beside it, is literally a few metres from us. Before we set off on a late afternoon walk, excitement broke out outside the aire. A large supermarket delivery lorry, the female driver obviously mislead by her sat nav, realised she was heading into a nearby residential area, and needed to back up. But. The roads on the junction were narrow, and frequented with road signs. The French, who love a drama, and equally love to all have an opinion, gathered to assist. We all know, when you're in a tight spot, you really would rather 'Joe Public' left you to it. Not here. Two individuals, not realising that driving a lorry with a trailer, is not the same as driving a car, decided to give direction. Not wanting the French to think the English weren't interested, we walked down to watch the circus from a safe distance. Then, a municipal police lady arrived. Should all be O.K. now, she'll take over the directing of the lorry, from this totally clueless pair. No, totally clueless pair, you carry on doing a bad job, and I'll just halt the traffic, whilst you do. Just the one van! But give her, her due, she did look a little concerned when the lorry was heading for a give way sign! After, some slow reversing, the red faced, flustered lorry driver sighed with relief, thanked the 'helpful' police lady, and set off towards the main road. We couldn't help but feel if the police lady had not been there, the lorry driver would have taken down all the signs, and thought 'to hell with it!'

The French, now having something 'exciting' to talk about for the rest of the day, remained in huddles.

We took a walk to the Chateau de all Groulais, where a photographic exhibition was being held.

To view the exhibits', we had to climb the many steps of the tower, making us comment on the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, where John's mum worked as a young girl.

After the chateau visit, the temperature now in the 'cool' thirties, we walked to a nearby bar, to ask if they would be televising the women's world cup match, England versus America. 'Non' was the reply, but we might try a bar up by the church.

After a long walk into town, to no avail, we were directed to The Cafe Clap! A run down bar, on the edge of town. The man at the bar, confirmed they would be showing the match, and that he'd be supporting England, so all good then.

We left, deciding to give Cafe Clap a miss, for obvious reasons, and instead will watch the football on our pad.

All quiet at the aire tonight, shame the lorry driver didn't displace a sign or two, it would have given the locals something to talk about until the end of the week!

Passay

Yesterday evening, whilst cooking our evening meal, the competitive shouting, and the clacking of metal, told us the three French couples behind us, were playing a game of boules.

From the nearby village, and also from across the river, the bells tolled seven o' clock, before the daunting ringing of the evening mass bells began.

Later, taking a walk across the flood plain, its gravelly surface annoyingly filling our shoes, we realised that in the clff opposite the aire, was a troglodytes dwelling. We took a walk over to take a look. There people were sat outside, by a small dome tent, enjoying an evening drink. After a cheery 'bonsoir' to each other, we could see that the renovation of the cave, would be a work in progress for many years. Hopefully, one day in the future when we pass by this way again, we will see the fruits of their labour.

Back at Marge, we watched the sun set over the nearby village, and we both agreed it was the best one we'd seen so far. At eleven o' clock, just as we made ready for bed, the thunder could be heard in the distance. Soon it was above us, but after one flash of lightning, headed up river, leaving not a spot of rain in its wake.

This morning we awoke to a few drops of rain, and a much fresher feel. But the weather soon cleared up, and the sunshine we'd become accustomed to over the last few weeks returned.

We were the last to leave the aire, Marge having seen off the French, including the couple parked behind us, who ignored us when we spoke to them on our arrival. Very rude!

Our journey this morning took us along country lanes, with grapevines to the side, heavily laden with the fruit for rose Anjou wine.

At lunchtime we stopped at Montjean-sur-Loire, right beside the river. At the picnic table next to us, sat two English male cyclists. Of course, John couldn't help but cast a critical eye over their bikes.

(One had a beautifully lugged Reynolds 531 tubed frame actually Angela)

We took a walk through the adjacent park, looking at the sculptures and wall painting, then went on to photograph the church of Saint Symophorien, which dominates the town.

After, we decided to move on to an aire at Saint-Florent-le-Veil. It was right beside the abbey, which we entered into for a look. The carvings were impressive, as was the whole structure. In the crypt, in glass display cases, were religious carvings from the twelfth and thirteenth century.

Outside, there was a fantastic panoramic view of the river Loire. But we decided not to stay, and have instead moved onto Passay, South of Nantes.

We are near to a lake, and the incoming flight path for Nantes Airport in to the right of us, but it doesn't cause us any bother. We arrived here late. Normally, we would stay a few miles down the road at Monbert with Odille and Philippe, but tomorrow morning, John has plans to view a canoe nearby. (One that can be dismantled for storage in the van).

We will stay at Monbert in September, when we travel down the Atlantic coast, heading to Spain and Portugal.

This evening we will walk to the nearby lake. Tomorrow, sadly, we must turn north to make our way towards Dieppe.