Le Lourox Beconnais

Yesterdays beautiful weather was not to be repeated today. We were awoken during the early hours by rain dripping on to Marge from the trees above. Fortunately by the time we left at noon the weather had settled. Another van from Wales had spent the night with us, they to waited for the weather to clear.

Our first stop today, Chateau de la Motte Husson. Since our last visit a designated parking area just off the road had been set up, obviously because so many people wanted to see this fantastic renaissance building. So, we parked Marge there whilst we marvelled at the chateau with its new roof and rendering. Dick's builder mate Steve was walking around by the outbuildings and gave us a cheery wave. After a while we thought we best leave, picking up a postcard of the chateau from the holder. But no, Marge was caught on the mud. After some rear wheel spinning she was released. Honestly Marge, try and exit a little more gracefully. She is now carrying a large amount of the chateau's soil around with her. We can hear you, Chris Webb. 'Bet mum will scrape some of that off to keep in a jar!' 

Next stop Laval where we were able to buy camping gaz and the very expensive diesel that Marge likes to drink. Then a gentle drive through the French country side.

After dismissing two overnight stops we settled at the small town of Le Louroux Beconnais. The aire is right beside a lake on the edge of town. By now it was six o' clock so we took a walk out. It doesn't become dark here until 7.30 pm so we were able to walk a while.

In the pine trees hung the nests of Processionary caterpillars. We didn't hover under them too long just in case. On the path a group of them congregated. Amongst the grass, under a tree a female mallard duck sat on her nest.

Nearby lay a collection of neglected duck eggs. The heady smell of hyacinths filled the air. So much nature in one small area. We have never been to France so early in the year and each day take much enjoyment from the sights of spring flowers, candy floss pink blossom on trees, lambs, calves and foals.

Lassay-Les-Chateaux

Despite a cool night, this morning dawned warm and bright. The view across the lake delighted us. Today was to be our first proper day in France.

Breakfast over early we walked up Mont Brule to the stone cross. A walk of rhododendrons and religion.

As we followed the trail our boots sunk in to a carpet of moss. Celandines provided the colour. So peaceful, no sound except for the birdsong.

In no hurry to leave La Ferriere-aux-Etangs we bought some pate, cheese, fruit and baguettes and lunched at the head of the lake. We were loving this slower pace of life. But we needed supplies, so left shortly in search of a supermarket. 

En-route to tonight's stop we passed through Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, a charming spa town in the Normandie National Park. Very pretty. Provisions purchased; it was then on to our overnight stop at Lassay-Les-Chateaux. Our visit to another chateau, La Motte-Husson would have to wait, we were happy to travel just a few miles today.

Lassay-Les-Chateaux is a town of character dominated by its 15^th century chateau. A walk around the town, with no need for a coat as it was so warm, made us feel lucky to be able to enjoy the freedom we have to explore this land. As with everyone, our thoughts are never far away from the people of Ukraine. 

Tired from our wanderings we ordered pizzas from Fred's to be collected at seven o' clock, then back to Marge for Angela to partake in a cheeky glass of Bordeaux. Cheers Marge. This evening we will plan for tomorrow. This trip we will take one day at a time. we have no real agenda.

The birthday girl, and our favourite blogger

For our regulars, this has shades of Brindisi!

La Ferriere - aux - Etangs

 Bonjour to everyone. Especially to our three-and-a-half-month-old grandson whose learning French at nursery. We need to have a conversation about frogs' legs with him!

Up with the lark this morning, we arrived at the ferry terminal in good time. At customs we decided all our answers would be no, unless they were yes. We felt a little guilty that we had four tinned plant-based meals on board. But despite check-in taking forever Marge was waved through. You've lost you appeal Marge, thank God.

After the stress of the last few days, filling in forms and stripping Marge of rations we found a comfy quiet area on the ferry and crashed out for a few hours. After two and a half years it seemed surreal to be travelling to France. Post Brexit we weren't expecting a very warm welcome. But hey ho. At Caen we slowly edged towards border control, a little nervous about the plant based tinned food. Would they be confiscated and us fined? No. No one asked, stopped or searched Marge, or any of the other vehicles around us. Perhaps the food police don't work Sundays. 

Not wanting to drive too far today we decided to stop at La Ferriere-aux-Etangs. The aire, a former campsite is situated alongside a fishing lake on the edge of the town. As expected, the French were not particularly friendly, despite our bonjours. Perhaps they'll warm to Marge over the next few days.

La Ferriere -aux-Etangs is just north of Mayenne, home of Dick and Angel Strawbridge. So tomorrow, not for the first time, some stalking. Angela is a massive fan, dragging John along to the theatre in Bournemouth to see their show in February. As a birthday treat for her, she'll be allowed a drive by, and perhaps a photograph.

Portsmouth

Should we, shouldn't we take Marge to Europe with 'Poo-Tin' threatening the west. Yes, you should, she would have said. So here we are overnighting at Port Solent, Portsmouth. Our ferry tomorrow departs for France at 8.15 am, but we have to check-in by 6.45 am.

New rules post Brexit and Covid19 have instigated a one-and-a-half-hour check in. Two days ago, Marge was loaded with lots of tasty food, most of which apparently is now not allowed to cross from England to France. Advice on-line. Wrap your sandwich in marijuana leaves and pack it in cocaine to avoid detection by the cheese and ham sniffer dogs. So, Marge, tomorrow morning could be interesting, prepared to be searched!

Monday is Angela's birthday. two years ago, she was sixty and due to covid this monumental birthday was not celebrated. Tonight, however all has been put to right. We enjoyed a lovely meal in an Italian restaurant the Sole Mio just across from Marge. Well worth the wait.

All being well we will be travelling for six weeks, hoping to reach Spain. This trip we will take our time, and be wary of the cost of fuel. Marge runs on the 'good stuff' at just under the shocking price of £1.90 per litre. From Caen we will head towards the Atlantic coast.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow, Marge. Are Thai green chicken cup a soup on or off the banned food list? We'll soon find out!

Poole

Despite the strong wind last night, Angela slept well. As usual we attracted the inconsiderate idiot. The engine on the van running for some time just before we went to bed. This morning the seagulls seemed excited, swooping and diving.

The sun briefly broke the grey cloud, a spotlight of rays clearly visible over the Isle of Wight picking out the detail. All in all, a pleasant last morning to our tip. Right Marge, take us home.

Eight weeks ago, we left home for Scotland. In that time the season changed. The scenery changed. Marge has consumed nearly eight hundred pounds worth of diesel and travelled three thousand miles. Our overnight costs have totalled less than two hundred pounds. We consider our trip has been good value. Now we are home it is hard to remember all the places we have visited so look forward to trawling through the hundreds of photographs we've taken. Marge has behaved all the time we've been away, but she does need a little bit of TLC, including a new exhaust. As for her leaking water tank, it turned out to be nothing too serious. 

Our Scottish guide books returned to the bookshelf we now have time to reflect. Marge has been our home for nearly two months. She has taken us to some beautiful and interesting places. We've met interesting people, climbed mountains, laughed, cried, rejoiced, been frustrated, frightened, challenged and educated. We are stronger and more confident for all these experiences. Travel certainly opens your heart, broadens your mind, fulfils your life and creates memories. 

What do you think Marge, shall we make some more memories soon?

Milford on Sea

 This morning we were all a little sad. This is it Marge, time to return home. We know, we don't want too either. Let's not then. What are you like Marge. Behave while we go into the Go Outdoors shop opposite to buy John some new walking boots. By eleven thirty we were on our way, Marge bowling happily along the A34, a road she and us have travelled many times. Stopping at the Sutton Scotney service area we discussed trying to fit in another trip before Christmas. Enough of that, you need to sort out your new house. Oh, Marge that can wait. Time to go.

Follow those soldiers driving the tank transporters. Where to? Milford-on-Sea, who wants to go home. Just one more night away, then back to Poole. 

Amazingly there is free overnight van parking right near the seafront at Milford, alongside the road to Keyhaven.

Marge meet Maureen, she's a nice little auto sleeper. Maureen meet Marge. Play nice you two while we take a walk.

Our feet slipped on the loose shifting shingle as we crunched along the path above the beach towards the Lighthouse restaurant where our brother-in-law held his sixtieth birthday a few years ago now. The temperature 18c. We of course were wrapped up in a warm coat with base layer leggings under our trousers.

We'd found summer. Where's the rain? The views across a sea of blue grey to the Isle of Wight was clear. We could easily see the chalk stacks of the needles and the red and white banded lighthouse standing proudly at the end of them.

At the last count there were seven other vans parked alongside Marge tonight. Not expecting to be away another night, a tin of curry was cracked open for dinner. It's going to be windy tonight. We know Marge around 25 mph, at least we're not high above the sea. Angela, Please make sure you're happy to be here buffeted by the strong wind. I don't want to be woken in the night to be moved to somewhere more sheltered. 

Early night tonight, Marge, we'll probably be home by tomorrow lunchtime. Why don't I believe that. I'm sure you'll want to stop off somewhere en-route. You know us too well Marge.