Around ten-thirty last night we decided to move. The thought of the French couple from the van to our right returning late after drinking with friends up by the canal since lunchtime, didn't appeal. So we decamped to the sunny side. The unrelenting heat keeping us up, we sat outside, eventually giving in to our drooping eyelids. Our timing to retire to bed was perfect. From Margery's pop top roof, we must have had the best view in the house to witness the sun's final moments before it bid us farewell.
The glow it emitted enhanced the quills of the popular trees, stunning silhouettes against a glorious satsuma orange sky. Too hot to sleep we took time to settle. But as daytime changed to night-time, slowly shards of bright light appeared to surround a waning crescent moon, its sliver of silver light piercing an inky blue sky. Keen to be able to make progress before once again the heat halted all today's planned activities, we were away early. Our destination a campsite that we stayed on whilst cycling in the area ten years ago. It is a couple of miles out of Josselin, close to the canal and set in beautiful countryside. It's our kind of place. Calming and peaceful. We desperately needed to shower after three long hot sweaty days, and also had washing to attend to. The lady at reception was really welcoming, and she helped Angela practice her French.
With the heat building, we once again thought we'd be holed up with a few other campers and the resident goat, pig and some strange 'tents'.
But Angela was determined we would go out. After waiting until five when we thought the temperature might start to dip from 97f, and an excursion out would be safe, we planned to cycle along the canal to the town. But after Angela walked out to do a 'recee', it was obvious that conditions were too dangerous for walking or cycling. But hey, we had wheels. We had a Margery at our disposal. Although 'it's a bit of a faff' packing her up, it didn't matter. She was our key to freedom. So off we drove into Josellin, where arriving at the town we were greeted by the huge chateau that dominated the canal side.
It's a stunning piece of architecture. Fortunately we were able to walk around the historic centre, the tall half timbered brightly painted medieval buildings casting welcome shade.
A much needed cool alcohol free beer at a bar opposite the church, and then pizzas ordered to take away and eat down by the chateau, we were glad we'd decided to make a break for it. Tomorrow will be July 1st. Where did June go? We haven't travelled too far in that time, but we've seen some wonderful sights, and met some really nice people. With only ten days left until we return home our minds are already full of all the worries and jobs awaiting us with the leaving of tenants, and the concerns of choosing the right new ones. Not wanting to wish our lives away, we'll be glad when it's the end of August and hopefully all will be sorted. Perhaps for now we should heed the words of buddha. 'Do not dwell on the past'. 'Do not dream of the future'. 'Concentrate the mind on the present moment'.
