La Chapelle Sur Edre

 

This morning Marge was once again covered in Saraha dust. That's two days running now. For John his breakfast contained that little extra something, fresh chives and rosemary foraged from near the lakeside.

Right Marge, head towards the Loire. This morning's drive took us along quiet roads lined with soft yellow cowslips clinging to life on the grassy banks. Birdsong and blossom entertained us as we took a gentle drive towards Ancenis. Breath in Marge, we're crossing the river Loire now over a bridge designed when vehicles were much smaller. Our destination was the sleepy town of Oree-Anjou where we arrived just as the church bells pealed midday.

A walk around the town devoid of people was pleasant. Behind closed windows we could see the townsfolk lunching around the table. The town sits above the river Loire.

We sat a while looking down on it, the sky tinged orange with dust blown over from the Sahara. It's a river we never tire of. After lunch having felt we'd seen all the town had to offer we fired up Marge and decided to find an overnight stop down beside the river, but our traveller friends were in residence, so sadly we moved on swopping the quiet Loire roads for the fast moving Nante peripherique.

This evening Marge is settled alongside two other vans at an aire just north of Nante. We expect a quiet night, behind us is the cemetery. The nearby church chimes the quarter hours and the train to Nante quietly rubbles by.

Tomorrow we will head to the Atlantic coast to begin our journey south. The weather forecast is good. We can't wait to be in warmer climes. 

John is now photographing every fungi he comes across for the Dorset Foraging Group he is a member of.

Brick Tufts

(hypholom lateritium)

Little Japanese Umbrella Toadstool

(coprinus plicatilis)

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!