Pornichet

 

This morning Marge was once again covered in the red dust of the Sahara.

 Honestly Marge, four pounds was spent on you at the car wash before we left so you looked presentable. A quick wash over at the service point on the aire saved her embarrassment. Then it was off to the nearby hypermarket to top up on supplies for the next week as supermarkets on the Atlantic coast are few and far between, and smaller stores expensive and unlikely to be open out of season. Supermarket shopping in France always takes us forever. There's just so much to see, fresh live crabs to freshly cooked crepes. Shopping packed away, and a packet of dried contraband prunes (bought in England) discovered in our under-floor cupboard (in your face Europe), we began our drive over to the coast.

The weather was an improving picture, the cloud cleared and the sun shone out of an azure blue sky.

By four o' clock we were sat on the beach at Pornichet.

The wild Atlantic waves crashed over the rocks and white vapour trails from aeroplanes too high to see split the sky. John keen to paddle in the sea sported an Englishman abroad look.

He had come in search of sun, sea, sex and alcohol-free sangria. Well two out of four isn't bad! It is a thousand days today since John gave up alcohol. what an achievement. 

The sun was still warm at 6 pm, coaxing the lizards out on to the boardwalk. We were careful not to step on them as we made our way back to the aire, where Marge was the only van still bathed in the golden light of the sun as it slipped towards the horizon and an oil painting of a sunset. Our first this trip.

N.B. In the blog dated March 13th 2022 (Le Ferriere-aux-Etang ) we put the age of our grandson down as three and a half months. He is actually three and a half years old. That's auto correct for you!

Very old Common Puffballs

(lycoperdon perlatum)

Small Brown Job

La Chapelle Sur Edre

 

This morning Marge was once again covered in Saraha dust. That's two days running now. For John his breakfast contained that little extra something, fresh chives and rosemary foraged from near the lakeside.

Right Marge, head towards the Loire. This morning's drive took us along quiet roads lined with soft yellow cowslips clinging to life on the grassy banks. Birdsong and blossom entertained us as we took a gentle drive towards Ancenis. Breath in Marge, we're crossing the river Loire now over a bridge designed when vehicles were much smaller. Our destination was the sleepy town of Oree-Anjou where we arrived just as the church bells pealed midday.

A walk around the town devoid of people was pleasant. Behind closed windows we could see the townsfolk lunching around the table. The town sits above the river Loire.

We sat a while looking down on it, the sky tinged orange with dust blown over from the Sahara. It's a river we never tire of. After lunch having felt we'd seen all the town had to offer we fired up Marge and decided to find an overnight stop down beside the river, but our traveller friends were in residence, so sadly we moved on swopping the quiet Loire roads for the fast moving Nante peripherique.

This evening Marge is settled alongside two other vans at an aire just north of Nante. We expect a quiet night, behind us is the cemetery. The nearby church chimes the quarter hours and the train to Nante quietly rubbles by.

Tomorrow we will head to the Atlantic coast to begin our journey south. The weather forecast is good. We can't wait to be in warmer climes. 

John is now photographing every fungi he comes across for the Dorset Foraging Group he is a member of.

Brick Tufts

(hypholom lateritium)

Little Japanese Umbrella Toadstool

(coprinus plicatilis)

Le Lourox Beconnais

Yesterdays beautiful weather was not to be repeated today. We were awoken during the early hours by rain dripping on to Marge from the trees above. Fortunately by the time we left at noon the weather had settled. Another van from Wales had spent the night with us, they to waited for the weather to clear.

Our first stop today, Chateau de la Motte Husson. Since our last visit a designated parking area just off the road had been set up, obviously because so many people wanted to see this fantastic renaissance building. So, we parked Marge there whilst we marvelled at the chateau with its new roof and rendering. Dick's builder mate Steve was walking around by the outbuildings and gave us a cheery wave. After a while we thought we best leave, picking up a postcard of the chateau from the holder. But no, Marge was caught on the mud. After some rear wheel spinning she was released. Honestly Marge, try and exit a little more gracefully. She is now carrying a large amount of the chateau's soil around with her. We can hear you, Chris Webb. 'Bet mum will scrape some of that off to keep in a jar!' 

Next stop Laval where we were able to buy camping gaz and the very expensive diesel that Marge likes to drink. Then a gentle drive through the French country side.

After dismissing two overnight stops we settled at the small town of Le Louroux Beconnais. The aire is right beside a lake on the edge of town. By now it was six o' clock so we took a walk out. It doesn't become dark here until 7.30 pm so we were able to walk a while.

In the pine trees hung the nests of Processionary caterpillars. We didn't hover under them too long just in case. On the path a group of them congregated. Amongst the grass, under a tree a female mallard duck sat on her nest.

Nearby lay a collection of neglected duck eggs. The heady smell of hyacinths filled the air. So much nature in one small area. We have never been to France so early in the year and each day take much enjoyment from the sights of spring flowers, candy floss pink blossom on trees, lambs, calves and foals.

Lassay-Les-Chateaux

Despite a cool night, this morning dawned warm and bright. The view across the lake delighted us. Today was to be our first proper day in France.

Breakfast over early we walked up Mont Brule to the stone cross. A walk of rhododendrons and religion.

As we followed the trail our boots sunk in to a carpet of moss. Celandines provided the colour. So peaceful, no sound except for the birdsong.

In no hurry to leave La Ferriere-aux-Etangs we bought some pate, cheese, fruit and baguettes and lunched at the head of the lake. We were loving this slower pace of life. But we needed supplies, so left shortly in search of a supermarket. 

En-route to tonight's stop we passed through Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, a charming spa town in the Normandie National Park. Very pretty. Provisions purchased; it was then on to our overnight stop at Lassay-Les-Chateaux. Our visit to another chateau, La Motte-Husson would have to wait, we were happy to travel just a few miles today.

Lassay-Les-Chateaux is a town of character dominated by its 15^th century chateau. A walk around the town, with no need for a coat as it was so warm, made us feel lucky to be able to enjoy the freedom we have to explore this land. As with everyone, our thoughts are never far away from the people of Ukraine. 

Tired from our wanderings we ordered pizzas from Fred's to be collected at seven o' clock, then back to Marge for Angela to partake in a cheeky glass of Bordeaux. Cheers Marge. This evening we will plan for tomorrow. This trip we will take one day at a time. we have no real agenda.

The birthday girl, and our favourite blogger

For our regulars, this has shades of Brindisi!