Bordeaux (Day 2)

Once again, we were up early this morning. Let us clarify though that early to us means somewhere around eight o' clock. Lazy. We can hear you, Marge. The sun was up, but it was cold. April 1st. Bring on the showers. Marge basked in the early morning sun that lit a sea of blue sky. We wanted to cycle back into Bordeaux this morning and take more of a look around before the forecast bad weather for this afternoon arrived. Retracing our steps of yesterday we wondered how cold last night had been for the rough sleepers in their tents under the pine trees. This was their home all year round whatever the weather. The wind was cold against our grimacing faces and we were glad when we reached the waterfront which was bathed in sunshine. Cycling along we stopped to photograph some of the sights.

 The historic city gate Port Cailhau, Porte de Bourgogne an 18^th century roman arch, the Grand Theatre, monuments and bridges. Unlike yesterday we were able to see clearly down the river. Stunning. A quick stop for coffee and it was time to head back to the campsite, taking one last look back at the beautiful historic buildings that line the waterfront. A view we will never tire of. Lunch baguette purchased we pedalled into a head wind. Oh joy. 

Chores to attend to we firstly gathered up all the garments that needed washing. Five euros and they were churning nicely. How long had we been wearing some of these clothes? Our tea towel was probably in a state of shock. Then showers. Angela couldn't be bothered to walk up to the new sanitary block opting to use the more semi-alfresco block near to Marge. They were nice and clean and there was hot water. Not for the faint hearted though. Today's temperature 8c, with a breeze. A breeze around your nether regions is all very well on a nice warm day, but today not such a good idea. Honestly, she'll be needing to tuck her vest in her pants to warm up. O.K. Marge. Embarrassing. All tucked in Angela returned to Marge suggesting John use the shower cubicles in the new block.

What's that? It's an RV Marge. Doesn't look much like a recreational vehicle to me. Nor us. We wondered how many miles to the gallon it did. The man driving it didn't seem to have a clue. As usual his wife stood right behind the vehicle in the blind spot as he reversed. We noticed a large scrape near one of the rear quarters. It was like a small coach. John concluded there was probably a car inside at the rear. There was. Not for us thanks. Marge is enough of a handful.

The forecast hailstorm at 4 pm didn't arrive. Our washing dried nicely in the strong wind. Then around 5 pm an angry cloud settled over Marge, the wind speed increased, Angela dashed out to retrieve the drying clothes and we waited for the heavy rain and hail to pass. Since then, we've had a mix of sunshine and showers. It wouldn't be April, would it? 

Tomorrow we will leave camping du lac Bordeaux. We're sure we'll be back another day. We need to think carefully now about our onward journey. We don't want to just cover old ground; we'd like to visit some new areas as well. Best get up early then. We'll see Marge, we've over three weeks until we have to be in Cherbourg. Time for lots of adventures yet.

Bordeaux

A beautiful sunrise this morning. Yes, we were up early enough to see it. The palm trees silhouettes against the rays of the slowly rising sun.

The vines lost in the glare. Today we were off to Bordeaux to Camping du Lac. Yes, a proper campsite! Bordeaux has no aire for the vans and it is certainly not a sutable place to leave Marge parked up whilst we go off exploring. Right team Hampton let's go. First shopping. Aldi was just a few minutes drive away. Perfect. We were able to buy some fresh produce to top us up for the next few days. 

The drive to Bordeaux took us through wine country. Vines stretched as far as the eye could see like a regiment of soldiers. Soon though we were thrown into the fast lane finding ourselves on the ring road around Bordeaux. Speed up Marge, the lorry drivers will not be happy if you dawdle. Just before noon we arrived at the campsite. Forty euros paid for a two night stay we found our pitch. Luxury, a large area under the trees, electricity, our own personal water tap. This was the first time we'd paid for an overnight stay since we left home. So you could say each night has cost us two euros. Bargain! We were more than happy to pay. We like Bordeaux and have stayed at this site three times before whilst cycle camping. It is close to the centre of the city by bike and Marge is safe here, so we're all happy.

 We have a view of one of the lakes. Our neighbours are mostly German. The couple next to us have a huge van.

The man opened the door of his garage (the cupboard that runs under the back of the van) and low and behold we could see his washing machine running. Don't look Marge. We haven't the room. Tomorrow though we will make use of the laundry facilities on the site. Heaven. a day off from hand washing. 

As we prepared to go out a French couple couldn't decide where to park their van. Should they drive in to the space or reverse. Hey, watch out you nearly hit Marge! They didn't like their pitch so wandered around looking at all the others. John changing in to his cycling clothes said, 'If I stand here naked singing the "Hokey Cokey" (a song our grandson Elliot has taught him) do you think it'll frighten them away'. Frighten them, more likely traumatise them! Thanks Marge. It worked they moved a little further behind us. 

It took us a thirty minutes to cycle in to the heart of the city along a well marked cycle route. As we passed by the pine trees we could see many tents pitched. This is a common sight in French cities so it did not surprise us. Later we noticed there were quite a lot of Syrians around begging.

Down by the river Gironde we saw the river cruise ships moored up. One of them was the Viking cruise boat we'd seen yesterday at Blaye.

We cycled along the river front and then into the town in search of cake. Two large slabs of chocolate cakes purchased we sat in a square in the afternoon sunshine. The area was busy. We love Bordeaux. Its architecture, people, river, art, history and at that moment cake.

A few pigeons shuffled around our feet hoping for a few crumbs. You must be joking! Exploring the narrow streets we found ourselves outside the cathedral.

 

An imposing gothic edifice. Beautiful. We both went inside, separately not wanting to leave our bicycles unattended even with the lock on. The majestic grandeur of the interior dominated by a huge pipe organ was beautiful. 

Just as we left the cathedral a few drops of rain began to fall. Angela was glad she'd had the foresight to pack our waterproof trousers. Quick, let's return to Marge. The cold stinging rain was unpleasant. We couldn't believe four days ago we were wearing shorts and T-shirts. But hey, we are on our holidays and as far as the weather goes you have to go with it. Fortunately the rain began to ease. The tyres of our bicycles cut a path through the rivers of primrose yellow pollen that fell onto the wet path from the flowering pine trees that overhung. 

Back at the campsite we could hear the call of the bull frogs in the nearby lake. We know we'll be able to hear them through the night. I hope not. Tell them we'll eat their legs. Be kind Marge. 

Blaye (Day 2)

When we awoke this morning the French couple opposite depicted a typical French scene. They were sat outside their small van on mis-matched chairs at a camping table under the palm trees eating breakfast. After packing up, the lady came over to say au revoir and wish us a bonnes vacances . The weather was a little miserable, a few spots of rain fell. We showered not rushing to do our chores whilst we waited for the weather to settle. Which it did. A group were being given a tour of the outside of the chateau. Quick close my back doors, your smalls drying are not part of the itinerary. O.K. Marge, we were trying to be discreet.

By noon we were ready to walk into town to buy food for lunch.

We sat by the estuary a while. A spring tide was evident as the tide line was clearly visible right up in the car park, the water now receded so much the sculptured sandbanks supported small boats left well and truly high and dry.

A Viking river cruise boat slipped quietly onto its berth, and right on cue the sun broke through the persistent cloud. 

We walked in to the citadel and found a picnic table in a sunny spot behind a wall. The temperature now 18c. We'd been spared the cold spell for now.

A walk through the narrow medieval streets stopping to look into the few open shops we came across the municipal campsite. Always tempted by a campsite we went in for a look despite it being closed. We both agreed it would be a wonderful place to stay in the heart of the citadel with views across the estuary.

Today has been a lazy day, but enjoyable. As we sat in Marge enjoying the late afternoon sun the English couple we met yesterday came over for a chat. They will be travelling in Europe for three months. Their first time. We discussed places to visit and stay. As we drank our evening aperitif. The sun low in the sky still warmed us. This is the life, Marge.

By the time we'd eaten a westerly wind had set in bringing a chill to the air. We walked through the vines down to the Gironde standing by one of the fisherman's huts watching the ruffled waves hit the river bank. We will miss the chateau when we leave tomorrow, it has been a wonderful place to spend a couple of nights.

Tomorrow Marge, Bordeaux.