Cosne-Cours-Sur-Loire (Day 2)

Whilst we've been travelling, we've come across, quite a few people of a similar age to ourselves, who have been away a while. The English couple staying next to us last night, left England in April. Last night we watched the sun go down over the river Loire, the last of its orange light, catching the rippling water.

Until late, the occupants of the three vans here sat outside, knowing that to try and sleep in the uncomfortable night air, would be to no avail.

This morning, we awoke already hot, to the beautiful view of the river. Now we are nearing the end of our trip, we can afford to take our time and slow down, so we decided to spend another night here.

The plan this morning was to cycle alongside the Loire to Sancerre, but the heat built quickly, and we decided it would perhaps not be a good idea.

So instead, Angela took a walk over the bridge to take a look at the campsite, then back across to look at an interesting sculpture and nearby gardens. Just before lunch, a well dressed gentleman called on us to discuss Jehovah Witnesses. When we explained we were English, that was no problem, the website offered information in every language. Is there no escaping these people!

After a conversation with a locksmith back in Poole, regarding a problem with a front door lock on one of our properties, we decided to take a walk out to stretch our legs, and purchase some vegetables, for our evening barbecue, and a much needed ice cream.

When we were in Italy the temperature was around 34c, and we never imagined, that by the time we arrived back in France it would rise to be 40+c. At three o' clock this afternoon, the temperature was showing at 42c, so hot, the tarmac was melting.

Tomorrow we will move a little further on, along the Loire, making sure we reach our destination by midday, where hopefully a shady spot will await us.

John gathered up a few twigs, here in France tomato and other fruit boxes normally go onto the BBQ, and charcoal appears to be a very poor second.

Angela got a bit of a surprise when she found this beetle on her glass!

BBQ time is here!

Cosne-Cours-Sur-Loire

Lots of activity at the aire this morning, with the French moving their vans into poll position, as others left. The baker arrived, knowing he would have custom, as we were a little way out of town. Of course the English were of no use to him whatsoever, with their diet of eggs and cereal. What's wrong with eating butter filled products regularly?

Whilst we deny our blood vessels these lovely French delicacies, a couple of the boats, slip their moorings. Overhead a helicopter flies very low, the words out, the English have sneaked onto the aire!

On the way to tonight's stop, we called into a supermarket to buy twenty litres of water. The French housewives, doing the same, buying more than on their usual shop. We wanted to arrive early at tonight's aire, after such a long day yesterday. Whilst tidying up after lunch, Angela realised she had left her credit card, in the card machine at the Decathlon shop we visited yesterday, which was not close by. A hasty call, to England, quelled any anxieties, the card now cancelled, and a new one will be waiting when we return home. But what is it with these security questions they ask you, why can you never remember the answers?

Tonight we are right beside the river Loire at Cosne-Cours-Sur-Loire.

We cycled through here, a few years ago, when cycling the Loire section of Euro Velo 6. The river is in good flow, and as yesterday evening, we have the shade from the trees, and a breeze moving between them. Walking into the town, we were surprised to see both churches were inaccessible, secured by iron gates. Along one of the side streets we came across a printers, stopping to photograph something amusing in the window.

John entered the print shop, wanting to photograph the trusty old Heidelberg platen printing presses.

Just outside, a mayfly was resting in the shade, its gold body making it look like a ladies brooch. Earlier, we'd seen a sparrow, with a mayfly caught in its beak.

Returning from the town, we set up our chairs in the shade. Armed with a selection of leaflets from the tourist office, where we'd enjoyed watching the swifts flying in, and feeding their young in the nests above the doorway, we sat down with a cold lager.

Next to us, the Dutch couple were enjoying snacks with their early evening drink. When the lady appeared, with what looked like two sachets of cheese, on sticks, we wondered if it was Edam or Gouda cheese. Neither, she was holding two lemon ice lollies. "By golly, this lager's good stuff!" At seven o'clock this evening, the temperature was 38c, and even after our showers, we felt uncomfortable.

Later at nine thirty the sun was just starting to set over the river.

The forecast for the Loire, is for thunderstorms later in the week, with the temperatures remaining high.

Beaulon

We were pleased we moved to our peaceful overnight stop yesterday. Late evening, four men, in their thirties, arrived to play boules opposite. We were surprised to see them, as most boules players are older men. They played in the area lit by the street light, until eleven o' clock. This morning we chatted to the owner of the Swiss van next to us. He was on the return leg of his trip to Spain and Portugal, along with his dog. He had been away nine weeks so far.

Not long after leaving the aire, we were flung into the manic ring road around Lyon, the road slow and congested. We wonder what the roads must be like in August, when the French, and many other European countries, take their summer holidays.

The day has been long and hot. Last nights disturbed sleep, taking its toll. We stopped to do a little shopping at a couple of places, struggling with the heat, which we know is about to rise to around 40c soon, with the humidity making it feel around 47c.

After discounting three aires, we are now settled by the Canal Lateral a la Loire. It will probably be mosquito hell later, but we don't mind, it is shady under the trees, and there is a breeze drifting down the water. From the nearby, warmed roses, a pleasant scent fills the air, and the evening birdsong, alongside the musical trickle of the water through a gap in the lock gate, is soothing.

Tomorrow, we are planning a day of less driving, as we head to the Loire side, of Nevers. We are monitoring news from home, with regards to Angela's son, who is still in hospital.

A couple shots of the 'Spaceship' building spotted on the waterfront in Lyon

The cows in the field over the hedge behind us.

St. George's D' Esperanche

We left at ten this morning. The roads more level now, Marge bowled along. Sat on the edge of a wheat field we saw a lady, holding a brightly coloured umbrella to shield her from the sun, more likely to attract some custom.

We drove alongside the rivers Rhone. Drome and Ardeche. On the hills above, we're terraces, where grapes, apricots and cherries grew. Arriving at our planned stop in Vienne, we were a little concerned to see some gentlemen with two bbq's set up on the pavement, not a business, just thought it was a good place to cook their Sunday lunch!

Although the Aire was busy, it was in a not very nice area, so we both decided it was a "no", and that we would move onto the next one.

The nice sat nav lady wanting a laugh, directed Marge up a very narrow, steep road. Then she said, "turn left". What! Sorry Marge, this may be uncomfortable. It was, first gear all the way up.

Tonight, we are staying in a very nice, small town.

Behind us, are some allotments, with chickens roaming.

The local people stop by to feed them, greeting us with a cheery, "bonjour".

Today, we have felt tired. The heat and the travelling taking its toll. This afternoon the temperature was 31c. Also, there have been quite a few dramas since we left home, beginning with non payment of rent, by one of our tenants, which has now thankfully been resolved.

This evening, we hear, Angela's son Chris is in hospital after a severe asthma attack, and possible case of pneumonia.

Tomorrow, we will head up towards the Loire, awaiting news from home.