Saintes-Marie-de-le-Mer, Camargue (Day 2).

A dull start to the day here in the Camargue. Our overnight stop is at Domaine De Menjes. A family estate open to the public.As the sun escaped the shroud of cloud the white horses were galloped into the yard.

Amongst them the little shetland ponies keeping pace. As the tourist attraction came alive we bought rice grown in the local paddy fields from the shop and paid to take the little train around the lagoon where we saw flamingos and other wading birds along with coypoius who swam in the muddy shallows.

It was an O.K. trip, but at eight euros each we didn't feel it was value for money. Today we also saw our first swallows.

Very exciting. Nest building was taking place  in the public toilets. As you enter the building they fly out at you in formation hoping to ward you off. It's going to be an interesting few weeks for anyone frequenting the loo here. Having felt we'd spent more than enough money to show our appreciation of being able to stay overnight here we drove to the nearby ornithological park. Despite being busy we squeezed Margery into a space near to the entrance where she received adoring glances from almost everyone who passed by. She's a looker, no doubt about that. Another sixteen euros on admission fees and we realised that the train ride at Domaine De Menjes had been a right rip off!

This park was fantastic. Our first sighting dozens of pairs of herons nesting in the nearby trees. We were mesmerized by the herony. As the birds came and went flying gracefully and then landing clumsily we photographed with abandon. The shallow waters attracted a variety of birds but of course the flamingos were the main attraction.

Always a joy for Angela to see these graceful birds. We spent a very long time watching them squabble, court, preen and mate. Every so often they took flight the bright orange feathers on their underside flashing in the sunlight. Stunning.

Tired from our walking we refreshed with coffee and hot chocolate whilst lost in the world of the wonderful bird life around us. Now late afternoon, it made no sense to move on so we returned to Domaine De Menjes to spend another night thankful for the light breeze that blew through the tall grasses. That'll stop the mosquitoes. If theirs one thing they don't like it's wind.

Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer, Camargue

This morning Angela's knee hurt, so we walked out to try and ease her discomfort. Down by the river, the sky grey and overcast, we took one last look across to the city before heading back to the campsite.

We weren't required to vacate our pitch until midday, so there was no rush to leave. Our first stop a supermarket. We were down to our last satsuma and Angela had no wine. But we must ask. How many supermarkets have sheep grazing tight outside the door?

Today we were supposed to drive for a couple of hours to the coast. By the time we'd lunched it was well after two and we still had the Abbaye Troglodytique de Saint-Roman to visit. The weather still overcast, we put on a jacket and began the walk up the path. As we walked up, the sun made its first appearance of the day and the temperature rose. By the time we reached the Abbaye, we were more than a little moist. Despite our red sweating faces, we were pleased we'd come to see this amazing building built on a rocky limestone outcrop affording spectacular views down the Rhone river.

Inside this amazing creation our eyes darted everywhere. To think this building had been crafted using just hand tools. By the time we returned to Margery is was four o'clock clock and the thought of at least a two hour drive wasn't appealing. Plus there was more we really wanted to see in the area. The aire at nearby St. Gilles was full, and not wanting a repeat of Saturday night we decided against staying in the main car park, although some vans did. A fifteen minute drive down the road took us to a fantastic spot next to a bull ring with a walk through a nature reserve.

(The barn we're parked next to is the same vintage as John)

It's quiet, and there are only two other vans here. On the downside, the mosquitoes are the huge. Divebombing us every time we leave the van.

They peer through our windows menacingly. Our neighbours in this peaceful spot are Shetland ponies in an adjacent paddock, and a lot of black bulls in a nearby field. Should we be worried, about the Shetland ponies?

Avignon (day3), Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur

Being near to a river means you are prone to an early morning mist. That is exactly how our day began. But it soon disappeared and we decided to hand wash some more clothes whilst we had the use of a deep sink and clothes line.

Chores complete we took the small boat across the river to the city walls. The boat is free, so therefore popular. With no need to rush we walked the streets of Avignon, and visited the indoor market where we saw the biggest assortment of cheese ever, the photos are just a fraction, and John bought some omelette herb mix from another stall.

Once again ate lunch in the gardens and visited the Palace of the Popes.

Whilst in the town centre we could smell the familiar scent of a Lush store. Poole where we live is where Lush have their H.Q. 

We stepped into the shop and we're greeted by Mary. A very pleasant enthusiastic sales assistant. When we told her we'd come all the way from Poole she was delighted. We felt like celebs. After chatting for a while and telling her we knew one of the managers at Lush, who she also did, it was time for a selfie. Mary, we will no doubt mention you when we talk of Avignon in the future. This is our third night now on the campsite. Each evening our neighbours change. Margery appears to be parked in the German section. Tomorrow we are leaving Avignon and heading down to the Mediterranean coast. The weather in southern Spain, where we are headed, looks a little unsettled until the weekend, do we are in no rush to arrive there.

A beautiful evening to end the day. A peach of a sun lights the city as it slides away. We watch it from the river bank. Beautiful Avignon. We are so glad we returned to this interesting and stunning medieval city.