When we arrived at last night's park up we were pleased to see another English van. It turned out to be the one who arrived late evening on the aire when we were at Treguier a few days ago. Angela remembers them arriving because the man hopped out of the van, rubbed his hands together, announced what a lovely spot it was. 'Freeman's', as well. Then he proceeded to set out his table and chairs, something not allowed on French sites, unless you're actually French. We hoped he wouldn't engage us in conversation. Luckily he didn't. Today we decided to drive further up the western side of the Contentin peninsula, rather than cross to the west as we usually do. We'd forgotten how pretty the drive was on the west side. The vibrant green leaves of the sweet corn crop, swaying in a light breeze and the regiment lines of carrots and leeks thriving in the sandy soil, alongside fields of horses, the foals out for the count, and cows with heavily laden swelling udders, portrayed a perfect rural scene. Spotting picnic tables we stopped for lunch, realising we'd stopped at the same location once before, The Pont Du Roque.
In 1944 the old bridge was destroyed by the allies as part of operation cobra, to impede the German retreat, it also hampered the allies who needed to cross the river, so a bailey bridge was erected to connect the two damaged ends of the bridge. Then onto Port-Bail was our destination, a little further up the coast. Arriving at the parking, some of the French looked displeased to see us. 'Don't you look down your nose at Margery, just because she's a small van and not a whopping great big eyesore of a white box'. Honestly, it was unbelievable they that they gave us a sideways glance, but not the eyesore of a caravan ratchet strapped onto the chassis of a flat bed truck that left shortly after our arrival.
The Germans however were friendly. We were pleased to be back in Port-Bail, not having passed this way for quite a few years when we were cycling. We were pleased to see it was as beautiful and unspoilt as we remember. The only difference, the church Notre-Dame was being used as an art gallery. Seemed a bit random, but the paintings and sculptures were nice.
Port-Bail is just one of those places that's makes you feel relaxed. As abandoned wooden boats, their ribs long broken, grace the shore, other seaworthy vessels sit drunkenly on sandbanks awaiting this evenings tide which will reposition them.
As yesterday evening, we know another incredible sunset will soon arrive. We intend to enjoy, it, as it will probably be our last of this trip. We are feeling a little subdued now, tomorrow we will return to Barfleur where our holiday began four weeks ago. Then we were full of excitement and felt free as birds. Hopefully after all the things that need addressing when we return home are dealt with, we'll be off on yet another adventure. And adventures don't need to cost a fortune.They can be a day trip out, or a holiday. On this trip we've not covered as many miles as we normally do, so our fuel costs are down. And paid overnight stays have totalled only £243.00. Most of that cost being our time spent at Camping Bel Air on the Ile de Re. So we have euros still in the kitty, and we can't wait to spend them. Sorry French people, Margery will be returning!
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