Barfleur, Manche

This morning as we drove through the rolling French countryside on a sleepy Sunday morning, uphill and down dale, passing lush green pasture and newly plowed fields of corduroy we reflected on our trip. Had we really visited Barcelona? Did we really see the Alhambra? Was it really so hot in Seville? And so much more. This time last week we were in Bordeaux. Between now and then, we'd returned to Rochefort and spent three nights on the stunningly beautiful Ile de Re. We both agree that Spain was pretty much 'done'. We didn't really want to tour around it anymore. France is our happy place. We feel comfortable here. Angela can drive with ease. Understand the road signs. Converse a little. And the wines nice and cheap. Before we leave France early tomorrow evening Angela wanted to return to St. Vaast le Houque, so we could walk around the bay to the Reville Redoubt, a small coastal fortification.

We have happy memories of cycling around to the area in the past, sitting for a while reflecting on this beautiful place. Tonight at Barfleur a small village in Normandy where Wiĺliam the Conquer set off for England will be our last night in Margery this trip.

We know we must return home to set off again. Which is exactly what we will be doing. After a medical appointment, and some TLC for Muddy Marge, we hope to be heading to Scotland at the end of May. Life has a habit of running away from you. We intend to try and keep pace with it.

Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet, Manche

We couldn't understand why the little campsite at Clisson didn't have very good reviews online. The toilets and showers were clean and modern, it wasn't expensive, and it seemed popular.

This morning, as the sun rose we enjoyed listening to the birds as they fussed. A little robin, called to say hello. Then a quick stop at the supermarket opposite to recharge our gas cylinder and we were away, glad it was a Saturday, as we had to drive on part of the ring road around Nantes, which we've done before on a weekday, and it wasn't pleasant. Our destination, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet. Upon arriving we stopped at the free site by the lake, but didn't fancy it. So we booked onto the municipal campsite. Cost, £7.50. Our cheapest paid for overnight stop so far. It appeared we'd arrived in the town just in time to see a cycling event take place.

Two disabled cyclists, laying prone on their cycles turned the cranks using their arms. They stole the show, with many people photographing them.

Short on 'steps' yesterday, we walked into the town, stopping at the imposing church, where inside we were wowed by the beautiful colours streaming across the pews and stonework from a kaleidoscope of colours created by the bright afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. It was stunning.

Then a turn around the lake.

This evening pizza at the Mona Lisa pizzeria, before yet more walking. Tomorrow will be our last full day in France, so we intend to leave early to make the very most of the day.