La Flotte, Charente-Maritime. (Day 3).

After a sweltering day yesterday today was forecast to be ten degrees cooler. It was. In fact at some points, it felt autumnal. But the weather didn't spoil our day. In fact it suited us, as we wanted to once again walk along the coast back towards the bridge that links the island to the mainland, and spend a couple of hours 'just chillin' on the beach, knowing that on a day like today it would be quiet.

We were surprised at just how quiet the area was compared to four weeks ago. As always, cyclists were 'a plenty'. The easiest way to get around the island is by bike. Sadly most are electric, some so powerful they are a danger, especially to us walkers. 

Fortunately at Rivedoux Plage the cyclists are kept separate from pedestrians. But this is France, and when French people walking meet people they know they block the footpath whilst they exchange pleasantries, shake hands and kiss. We just happened to be on the tail end of a group who did just this and were included in the handshaking and kissing! Weird.

After a pleasant afternoon and with a walk of nearly eleven miles done, we bought a take out pizza from the pizzeria and sat by the bustling harbor at La Flotte to eat it.

We are loving being here, and more so being able to enjoy long leisurely days rather than driving from place to place. Spending time looking out at a vast expanse of sand with the tide way of shore, and then enjoying the same view when the tide returns, the waves lapping the shore is our timepiece. And the great thing is. We get to enjoy all this again tomorrow.

La Flotte, Charente-Maritime. (Day 2)

We are very happy to be back at La Flotte. Because the site is so busy, we had to move to another pitch, and tomorrow we were supposed to find somewhere else for the night. But thanks to a cancellation, we are now sorted for the rest of our week here. Margery now has an XL pitch under the pine trees at the bottom of the site. It is cooler, quieter and like little England, much to the annoyance of the French couple next to us. They are literally surrounded. Today has been hot. Too hot.

So we packed some salads and walked down to the harbor where we spent a pleasant afternoon in the shade of the Mulberry trees. Reading, talking, dozing. We can't remember the last time we were this grounded.

We liked it, and must make time to do it more often. This evening on the campsite we were glad we'd had to change pitches.

Our area of ​​​​the site is much more peaceful. We can hear the birds which we love. This evening Angela thinks of the couple from Yorkshire. She hopes they will be able to travel as they wish. He was particularly conscious that his parents passed away in their early seventies, and worried the same fate may be awaiting him. Buying our first van in 2018 after Angela's mother passed away changed our lives. Before, we'd always gone away, mostly just for long weekends camping. Now retired, a whole new world has opened up for us. Within reason, we can travel as we wish, and for as long as life's plans allow. We're sure our family realized how important this is for us, and of course we miss them. Who knows how many years lie ahead until our health will compromise our travels. The moral of this tale. You don't have to start big. Just start. There's a lot of experiences, and places to visit waiting for you!

La Flotte, Ile de Re, Charente-Maritime

We were woken by a thunderstorm around three, which we welcomed as it would clear the air. Despite a disturbed night we were away early, keen to arrive on the Ile de Re.

By midday Margery was all settled on her pitch at Camping Bel Air, La Flotte. Bliss.

Now we could slow down. There is no rush for us, as we decided to forego meals out to treat ourselves and stay on the campsite until next Thursday.

With our ACSI card we are paying just £17.00 a night for a three star campsite with swimming pool. Bargain.

However, upon arriving at La Flotte we'd had a little 'contendre' with a French couple at the van parking where we stopped before checking with the campsite if we could come on early. 'Your van is too small, the parking is for large motorhomes, you need to move for my van to park', really. Well Mr Frenchman, we think not. You're not paying to park, and neither are we! So as it's a free for all, tough. After a heated exchange, Angela agreed to move Margery across to the shorter space, which still didn't really suit him, as his friend also had a large van to park. The whole exchange ended in Angela using her best uncle like English. Wrong day to pick on Margery mate! We're all settled on the campsite now. Nearby are a couple from Yorkshire, early retired with a lovely new van. Unfortunately grandchildren duties are tying them down, but they'd really like to be traveling. We can't say it enough, so little time, so much world to see!

After a some nice salad lunches courtesy of Margery it was time for a walk around La Flotte.

Marans, Charente - Maritime

We are determined to travel at a slower pace this trip. And what better way to start than to watch this mornings sunrise over the sea, albeit at a 'too early's five-thirty in the morning. Stunning. As the sun penetrated the clouds, the colours in the sky were amazing.

A pallet of red, orange, yellow and purple. Moments like this are yo be witnessed. Who needs too much sleep? Also appreciating the moment a cuckoo calling out to the other birds to come see the start of a new day. Us, the sunrise and the birds. Perfect. Now back to bed. By now we were awake, so at six gave in to the comfort of our bed and got up. By eight thirty we were on our way. Our choice for tonight's overnight stop was Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier. A small town of medieval character.

After a familiar drive along the road south, glimpsing the Mont St. Michel, always a joy, we arrived late morning at the pretty little town, Immediately recognizing it as a place we'd stopped for afternoon refreshment whilst cycling on a very hot day a few years ago.

Keen to stretch our legs we walked out to the ruins of the chateau, stopping to walk around the small campsite by the lake for a nosey. As it was still early we decided to drive further on. After all, we are keen to reach the Ile de Re. Having left there around four weeks ago we'd been itching to return. Another night stop turned out to be no good, so after trying to rehydrate a rather poorly toad we left deciding to press on to a town near to La Rochelle. The temperature now 35c, it was cooler in Margery with her air con than in the shade outside. So here we are after nearly seven hours of travelling. So much for a slower pace. Tonight's exclusive stop.

The Super U supermarket car park at Marans. Nothing wrong with that. It's free. Shopping & fuel available and free Wi-Fi until nine this evening. Most of the vans are French. Of course Margery is attracting the curious, or should we say nosey French. Especially as she's so petite. When it comes to camping-cars, most French feel size matters! We look at Margery as a rose amongst thorns. After a bite to eat we explored Marans only again to find we had visited the town on our bikes many years ago, and stayed at the towns campsite!

Tomorrow we be a more relaxing day. We are a short drive now from the Ile de Re. We're excited about returning, even though we were only there less than four weeks ago. We know the island will be very busy, and as tomorrow we need to shower, particularly after the heat of the day, making us more than a little moist, we've booked onto the campsite at La Flotte. Fortunately there was just one space available.

The pitch is classed as an XL comfort pitch. Only the best for Margery!

Barfleur, Manche

Just over three weeks ago we were parked at the campervan parking area in Barfleur, and that is where we are once again. After leaving France, we were determined to return as soon as possible, and our idea was to walk some of the coast. That idea was abandoned, as at home we have the start, or end (depending on which direction you walk it), of the south west coast path on our doorstep. So at our young age we invested in some equipment ready to set off on June 5th. Sadly the weather forecast was terrible. So we abandoned. Before the weather changed though we walked from our house to Swanage via the Agglestone rock.

It was only eighteen miles! Needless to say we caught the bus home. So forced to change our plans we decided over the next four weeks to look for better weather on France's Atlantic coast and in southern Brittany. Fingers crossed upon our return we will walk a section of the south west coast path to Lyme Regis or beyond.

Today has been a long day. Awake just before four this morning, must have been excited, we were glad when the car ferry arrived at Cherbourg.

France is so much busier now, and we were lucky to secure a parking place for Margery. This holiday will involve lots of walking, we need to keep our steps up. And after our mammoth drive through France, Spain and Portugal last time Margery will be taking life a little easier.