Monday, 19 May 2025

Poole, Dorset


We chose our neighbors well on our last night. Danish. No television, liked reading and crocheting. Perfect. Margery was in the end space on the aire at Barfleur, so double result. We had a nice side garden area. Today we were heading home. Others would just begin their adventure. How we envied them. We envied them so much, that they were staying in France, whilst we were leaving, that we decided to change our plans. Scotland could wait until September. After spending a couple of weeks at home, we hope to return to France, either walking or cycling. Yet to be decided. We have really enjoyed our travels through France, Spain and Portugal, clocking up nearly 4,000 miles with Angela driving every one. Some of our overnights stops have been amazing. The total amount spent on campsites and Aires just £400. Margery has been the perfect traveling companion, never grumbling, or missing a beat. Unlike some Marge's we could mention.




Before leaving Barfleur we walked out towards the lighthouse, then back into town for coffee by the harbour, before taking a slow drive along the coast to Cherbourg. We wanted to savor every last minute we had left in France. Arriving at the ferry terminal just as the car ferry to Poole was being loaded, we flew through passport control and were waved onto the boat.



That's the way to do it. No waiting for ages in queues. Once on board we sat with a nice couple from Taunton and talked about everyone's travels.







Arriving in Poole just as darkness fell, the Purbeck hills and harbor looking stunning. We realized what a beautiful area we lived in. This morning we walked out, the outstanding views taking our attention. And this evening a walk through Poole park, now home to newly hatted cygnets and goslings.



The last seven weeks felt like a dream. Now we were more than ready to dream again. You can't beat an experience, it really is the greatest teacher. Book yourself one now, you'll wait a long time for someone to give it to you.

Below is a summary of our 2024 April & May trip to France, Spain & Portugaul, just CLICK on the date and place or photo to open any particular date or place.

July 2025









































Sunday, 18 May 2025

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.