Sun Mar 9th
From Home to Canterbury, Little North Leigh Farm. £6. Miles driven 248
We set off from home just after 10am, it was sunny and bright. We stopped at Welcome Break at Oxford for a sandwich and drink. Between the services and the Buckinghamshire border we saw about 20 Red Kites soaring over the motorway. As we were driving on the M25 the weather changed and we had heavy rain with storm clouds.
We arrived at the site just after 3pm, there were a couple of heavy showers with brighter periods. It was a nice site on a farm but the Sat Nav took us round lots of minor roads to get to it. We saw some rabbits and a couple of Jays within minutes of arriving. Jan & Mike arrived about 5pm as they had been held up in traffic.
Mon Mar 10th
Canterbury to Dover – Folkstone – Calais – Le Touquet, Aire de Service, miles driven 91
For route see map link below:-
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=14423285884657009969,44.005020,1.382060%3B619818354489807529,43.828890,1.301710%3B4721234033000838531,43.593560,1.503770%3B114396137335358163,42.924700,2.994960&saddr=ct4+6bz&daddr=le+touquet&sll=43.905808,2.219238&sspn=3.751868,7.426758&dirflg=h&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=9
We had a very disturbed night due to strong winds and heavy rain. We listened to the local news and found out that Port of Dover was closed due to the weather. We could do nothing but wait around listening to the local news to know when the port reopened; we were so worried about the wind that we moved the vans to be alongside the hedge for a bit more protection. The weather was awful, gale force winds up to 80mph and heavy sleety rain. Eventually at about 5pm the rain and wind seemed to switch off, the sun came out, the birds started singing and rabbits came out on the grass. We then heard that Dover had reopened so set off straight away. When we got to Dover the port had been closed once again. We went to the Sea France check in to see what we needed to do as they were on strike and we had to be transferred to another ferry company. We were told that there would probably be no sailing till morning when we could wait to get on the next available ferry. We were given the alternative of transferring to the Euro Tunnel and decided to opt for that, even though we were all a bit dubious about using it. We drove on the Folkstone and were lucky enough to get on the next train at 1920hrs (we had been told that there was one and a half hours queuing) Dover and Folkstone were awash with lorries all trying to get on a ferry, there must have been thousands, mostly foreign, clogging up the streets.
We arrived in Calais at 2000hrs and changed our watches to European time. First stop was to fill up with fuel then on to Le Touquet. We arrived on the Aire at about 2200 local time. Got a quick meal then bed. Another stormy, blustery rainy night.
Tue Mar 11th
Le Touquet to Neuille Pont Pierre, Aire de Service, miles driven 260
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=le+touquet&daddr=neuille+pont+pierre&sll=50.844455,1.442665&sspn=0.822053,1.856689&dirflg=h&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=7
Up early and it was bright and sunny but still very blustery. Set off at 0900, it was soon raining again. We set off from Le Touquet and drove through Abbeville, Rouen, Bernay, Sees, Alencon, and Le Mans and ended up in Neuille Pont Pierre at just gone 5. It was a long tiring journey, heavy rain most of the way with a lot of flooded ground, not much wildlife saw 4 or 5 kestrels, lots of spotty cows and mistletoe in abundance.. Stopped at an Aire de Service in Neuille Pont Pierre, next to the Post Office, one advantage was that there was free electric hook ups.
Aire at Neuilly Pont Pierre
Wed Mar 12th
Neuille Pont Pierre to Soulliac, Aire de Service, miles driven 248
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=10787523645742829122,46.798230,1.638710%3B7142624128468113680,45.855900,1.248330&saddr=neuille+pont+pierre&daddr=46.950262,1.252441+to:D925%2FRoute+de+Ch%C3%A2tellerault+%4046.798230,+1.638710+to:D947%2FRue+de+Bellac+%4045.855900,+1.248330+to:Souillac,+Lot,+Midi-Pyr%C3%A9n%C3%A9es,+France&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=7&via=1,2,3&doflg=ptm&sll=46.225453,1.19751&sspn=3.602732,7.426758&ie=UTF8&z=7
Another stormy, rainy night. We started off at 0840 and headed through Tours, Chateauroux, Limoges and Brive La Galliarde. And arrived in Soulliac at 14.45. The journey was not as difficult as yesterday but there was still rain in varying degrees for most of the day. We drove through varying country, a lot of quite high ground, saw a few kestrels and half a dozen buzzards. Passing through Limousin we saw a lot of Limousin cows, all with horns and many had calves with them. Once we’d set up at the Aire and had a cup of tea we took a walk round the town of Soulliac, it is very picturesque with lots of pollarded trees, narrow back streets and a very old church.
Soulliac
Aire at Soulliac
Thurs Mar. 13th
Soulliac to Leucate, Aire de Service, miles driven 226
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Souillac,+Lot,+Midi-Pyr%C3%A9n%C3%A9es,+France&daddr=leucate&mra=pe&mrcr=0&doflg=ptm&sll=43.892306,2.266408&sspn=3.752865,7.426758&ie=UTF8&ll=43.905808,2.164307&spn=3.751868,7.426758&z=7
The first quiet night, still and dry, very peaceful. Set off and drove via Cahors, Montauban, Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Carcasonne & Narbonne to Leucate. It was fine when we set off but started to rain as we passed through Cahors. The scenery was mountainous and wonderful and we saw many vines, cherry trees and other fruit trees. Many of the roads were lined with the typical plane trees of France. We saw a few jays and a kite of some sort (black), we also saw some cages that were filled with carrots, we could not understand what their purpose was. As we came to the St Jory not far from Toulouse there were mile after mile of new cars stored in compounds.
When we got to Leucate we had a bit of trouble finding the Aire but after a bit of wandering around eventually arrived. It was right by the sea and very quiet.
Aire at Leucate
Fri Mar.14th
Leucate to Tarragona, Camping El Prats, Camping Cheque. Miles driven 229
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=leucate&daddr=tarragona&sll=43.905808,2.164307&sspn=3.751868,7.426758&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&ll=42.045213,2.131348&spn=1.933578,3.713379&z=8
http://www.campingelsprats.com/
A quiet mild night woke up to sunshine and a view of the Pyrenees topped with snow in the distance. Set off and went to Perpignan and lost Jan & Mike. We contacted each other on the walkie talkie and decided to meet up after Barcelona. We got onto Motorway and passed into Spain at about 0950. Good road until Barcelona where it was a nightmare stopped at services and tried to contact M & J but failed. Carried on and found the site near Tarragona, Camping el Prats, we waited for J & M to arrive and booked in, nice site, clean super showers, and on the beach. It had been a lovely, sunny day. The road was a toll road and took us over mountains with a lot of viaducts. This was the first site we’d had to pay for as all the others we’d used were Aire de Services which are provided by local councils either free or with nominal charge, they have few facilities and not often electric hook up but when just passing through they are ideal.
Camping El Prats
Sat Mar.15th
Tarragona to Benidorm, Camping El Raco, miles driven 240
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=tarragona&daddr=benidorm&sll=42.045213,2.131348&sspn=1.933578,3.713379&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=7
http://www.campingraco.com/
We were going to stay at Benidorm a week but if we stayed 15 nights it was almost half the price 18euro per night not 30 so we stayed the 15 nights. 277euros.
Set off at 0800 and travelled via Castello de la Plana and on to the Motorway to pass Valencia. It started out grey and we were soon travelling through fog, this lasted until we got to the other side of Valencia then the sun came out and it was blue skies then. The country we passed through was mostly citrus and olive groves, very craggy, rocky Mountains with the road bridging many dry river beds. Arrived at the site, Camping el Raco at about 2pm, very full but we managed to get 2 pitches though not together. After setting up we walked down to a Chinese restaurant and had a nice meal for 4.90 euro, it included half a bottle of wine and was good value.
Sun Mar.16th
We stayed around the site and settled in, it was a nice sunny day Jan and I cycled to a shop for bread. Early night to recover from journey.
Mon Mar.17th
After breakfast we cycled and walked into Benidorm, the streets were heaving with people, this is winter time when it is supposed to be quiet, I would hate to see it in summer!! As we walked down there was some sort of ceremony going on with prizes being awarded. The participants were dressed in costumes from the 18th century, brocade and jewels and the girls all wore stylised wigs with hair ornaments, the boys had breeches and lace stockings, it looked very colourful.
The beach was full of people and sun beds, there was a constant hum of conversation and the cafes were all full.
It was a lovely sunny day. We ate our lunch sitting on the sea wall then made our way back. I had a swim then we lazed the rest of the day. Strolled around the site marvelling at all the fantastic set ups people have for “camping”, full cookers, settees, gardens, these are obviously people who stay for months at a time, there was a super sunset.
Tue Mar.18th
Woke to another lovely blue sky and decided to cycle to Albir, it was a very rough, hilly route and we were pushing our bikes a lot of the way. We began to wonder if we would ever get there but it was a lovely day and we were out in the country away from traffic so it didn’t really matter, we saw lots of caterpillar cocoons with caterpillars emerging on the pine trees, we were later told that these were processional caterpillars and can be very toxic. We finally arrived to find a busy town so we tethered our bikes outside a shop and went looking for the beach. When we found it it was worth it, a picturesque bay with a white shingle beach backed by palm trees.
Rich & I in Albir
We sat for a while and had our lunch and a drink in a café before setting off back. The journey back seemed easier than anticipated and on the way I saw a moussmoula, called nisparou in Spain in fruit so pinched some – lovely! I had a swim again in the site pool and in the evening we did a BBQ and Jan & Mike joined us. There was a beautiful sunset.
Wed Mar.19th
Today we had booked to go on a “Blanket Tour”, this is a free trip that takes you to a place of interest but included in it is a demonstration of pure wool mattresses and blankets that they hope you will buy. One of the reasons for coming to Benidorm was that Jan & Mike wanted to buy one. After the demonstration we went to Calpe another seaside town. The countryside we travelled through was full of fruit trees the main ones being what we know as moussmoula which here in Spain are called nisparou. It was very interesting to us as we had had this fruit in Tunisia years ago, taken seeds home and grown a tree but never had it to fruit and here there was mile after mile of them heavy with fruit. We had an hour and a half free time so we wandered around the harbour and watched the fishing boats come in and unload their catches, there was a great variety of fish, red snapper, bass, bream, octopus, shrimp, crab, crayfish and more we didn’t recognise.
Calpe
After getting lost and finding each other again we just had time for a quick snack and then back on coach. Dropping people off in Benidorm was a bit of a nightmare as the streets were crowded with badly parked cars in the narrow streets, it took almost half an hour to get round one corner with various people giving advice, they even tried to bump a car out of the way but only succeeded in pulling it’s bumper off! We were dropped off outside the camp site and after a short rest went to a different Chinese restaurant, this one was not as good as the first one we went to. It had been a sunny day but on the coast the breeze was chilly and the evening turned chilly as well.
Thurs Mar.20th
Woke to grey skies wind and clouds over the mountains, decided to have a rest day, there was a slight shower in morning but the rain set in for most of the day. In the late afternoon we walked to the supermarket but it was damp and cool. We had a game of cards with J & M before bed.
Fri Mar.21st
Walked into Benidorm to the Hotel Marina for a demonstration of health products and a free buffet lunch, Jan wanted to buy some cream that she had used previously for her back pain. When we arrived the demonstrator was there but she was not doing the demonstration as it was Good Friday and no-one would come, she said. Walked down to front and had a drink in Café then R & M walked back to site while V & J had a mooch round the shops, there are hundreds of them all selling much of the same stuff, mostly “grockle” shops selling tat, bought some postcards. It was sunny again but a cool breeze. After tea had a game of cards again, then bed.
Sat Mar.22nd
Went on another “blanket trip”, this time to Jalon Valley, we had the demonstration of merino wool bedding again and I ordered a pillow and underlay. We went on to Jalon Valley and as it was a holiday weekend it was heaving with people, we could not get in to a bodega for the people, there was a large flea market with lots of interesting stalls but again it was impossible to move for the amount of people. We made our way to a restaurant off the main street that J & M had been to before and had a super meal, very Spanish,
this restaurant got very busy and we had a rush to get back to the bus in time. Another lovely sunny day but cool, breezy and cloudy in afternoon. As we were having our card game it rained quite heavily.
Sun Mar.23rd
Woke up to clear skies and sunshine again, Rich watched Grand Prix (without sound as TV would not work properly) I did some washing. Jan did lunch for us then the men watched the Grande Prix in their van (their TV worked) Jan & I read in our van.
Mon Mar.24th
We had a lazy day around the site as it was the first really nice day without too much of a wind. Went for a swim had a sunbathe then had a BBQ with the last of the steak we’d brought from home. Jan’s back was bothering her so they didn’t come round for cards.
Tue Mar.25th
Jan & Mike went into Benidorm Rich & I went to MundoMar which is a wildlife park with aquatic shows. It was a beautiful day clear blue skies and sunny, best day yet. The park was very well laid out and clean, the animals all seemed well looked after and healthy. We watched the sea lion show which was very clever but I have to admit that I just wanted to cry to see wild animals made to do tricks that are completely unnatural to them, sea lions are not supposed to stand up on their hind flippers! The dolphin show was very good and did not seem quite as cruel to me but I expect that was because they always seem to be smiling and have a benign expression,
they are certainly well cared for, children having photos taken with them had to have hands and feet disinfected. Seeing sea lions from an underwater viewpoint playing with a ball on a rope seemed much more natural.
There was also a baby dolphin that had been born at the park this year. It was a nice day out but I would still prefer to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
Wed Mar.26th’s
We had been recommended to a Chinese restaurant in Albi so decided to go today, as Jan’s back was still bothering her we went on the bus. We found the restaurant “Nouyo Hong Kong”, it was nice and really good value for two of us it came to 11.50 euros for three course set meal with sangria, wine and liqueur, Rich had a steak which he said was very good and tender. When we paid our bill Jan & I were presented with some “jewellery”. All in all a good experience, Jan & I then went to a shop that sold M&S, Next, etc clothes while the men waited in a bar. I got a cotton top. When we met up with the men we then walked along the promenade to Altea and caught the bus back to site. It had been a lovely sunny day but started to cloud up as evening came. During the evening and early part of the night there were terrific winds, quiet scary at times when it gusted.
Thurs Mar.27th
Wind dropped in the night and another sunny morning but quite windy. Stayed around the site in the morning and I went for a swim. Walked up to “Round Britain” (a information centre for English people) to change some books, called for a drink, very hot again out of the wind.
Fri Mar.28th
Another lovely hot day, probably the best yet. Stayed around the site and sunbathed, had a swim, then a walk to supermarket and called for a drink on way back.
Sat Mar.29th
Another nice day, a bit cloudier than yesterday but still very warm. We started to pack up then I had a swim before lunch. Paid site fees (277.7 euros, 7.7 extra for electricity)then we met up with Vince & Kath (a couple J & M had met previously and caught the bus to Albir and went for a Chinese meal. Finished packing up and early night.
The site was very nice, toilet/shower blocks exceptionally clean, busy over Easter weekend but quieter since. There were lots of goldfinches in the pine trees, sparrows and collared doves, also parakeets in some palm trees. There was wifi available and I paid for it but was only able to get online a few times, a bit disappointing although I did manage to send a couple of emails.
On site at Camping El Raco Benidorm
Sun Mar.30th
http://www.campingsonline.com/marmenor/
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=benidorm&daddr=san+javier&sll=39.841665,0.3466&sspn=3.998143,7.426758&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&ll=38.182069,-0.483398&spn=1.023338,1.856689&z=9
www.campingsonline.com/marmenor/
Clocks went on an hour last night so not up as early as expected. Set off about 9.30and travelled to Camping Mar Menor. Not a bad trip got a bit mixed up bypassing Alicante but otherwise fine. Passed through salt flats and saw lots of birds, flamingos, egrets, duck etc. As we approached San Javier airport the Spanish aerial display team were giving a show. We got a pitch right on beach and set up,
On site Camping Mar Menor
it was nice and sunny but after an hour or so the wind got up so decided not to have awning out. Site very quiet a few English/Welsh motorhomers, quite a few sail boarding and fishing. We rode along the boardwalk as far as the promenade at the start of Los Alcazares. There were dozens of sailboarders out.
Mon Mar.31st
Very disturbed night because of strong wind rocking the van.
We sat around the site most of the day, lovely and sunny but windy, in the afternoon we cycled to the Mercadona for some groceries otherwise very lazy day.
Tue April 1st
Cycled into Los Alcazares walked round the market and bought some fruit. Checked Doug & Bren's house and parked by it then we went to the Chinese restaurant and back to van for lazy afternoon. It was very still overnight and in the morning but the wind got up in the afternoon again, very hot.
Wed April 2nd
A beautiful, still morning, stayed on the site and sat outside most of the day. In the morning we got a great view of the Spanish “Red Arrows” practising their show.
Thurs April 3rd
Another beautiful morning, we cycled into Los Alcazares and walked round “grockle” shops, bought a few things, then went for a drink & sandwich at the café on the pier, nice sandwich but waiter not at all pleasant. Cycled back via supermarket for a few groceries did a bit of washing then sat out for rest of afternoon. Rich managed to fall off his chair and hurt his bad knee and shoulder.
Fri April 4th
Quite windy when we woke, didn’t do much as Rich needed to rest his leg. Walked up to café on site to try and find shop but didn’t seem to be one, the lad in the café sold us some bread that he said they bake on site, nice and crusty. While looking for the shop I managed to twist my ankle on a rough piece of ground (not difficult to find on this site!) so that was 2 of us limping!! As it was a windy day there was plenty of activity on the Mar Menor, sail boards etc.
Sat April 5th
Rode into Mercadona for a few things then back to site, it was another calm sunny morning although the wind got up in the afternoon and the windsurfers where out on the Mar Menor again. Rich rode in Los Alcazares to watch the Grande Prix in a bar. Came back not much later annoyed because they did not show it.
Sun April 6th
Another hot, sunny day. We cycled to the Sunday market by the outdoor cinema, it was a big market, lots of the usual junk. We bought some nice fresh veg. and a cooked chicken. Back to the van and managed to get TV to work enough to get Grande Prix on, without sound. We have decided that out TV is just PAL and Spain does not broadcast in PAL and that is the problem, unfortunately we cannot get Sky to work either. It got windy in the afternoon and sailboarders were out again.
Mon April 7th
Woke up to grey skies for the first time, the sea was it’s usual morning flat, calm but very soon was whipped up by a cool wind. Stayed around the site as it was not a very nice day, cool and windy.
Tue April 8th
A bit better weather sunny but still windy. Cycled in to Los Alcazeres to market and then Chinese restaurant.
Wed April 9th
Our silver wedding anniversary, exchanged cards. Cycled to Santiago de la Ribera, quite a ride we had to circumnavigate the airport which took us on the main road and was quite scary but then there was a promenade for a long way. Very hot day windy but a warm wind but in the evening we had a very heavy downpour.
The site was adequate, nice and quiet, the facilities were not the best, not much room in showers etc but clean enough. We got a pitch right on the beach and the view made up for other shortcomings. The Mar Menor was right outside our door with views over to La Manga and The Strip and as far as San Pedro. Even though it was so close to San Javier airport the aircraft were no real problem, in fact we were treated to great displays by the Spanish equivalent of the Red Arrows most days, sometimes it was light aircraft but most days the jets went up and it was quite exciting to see their displays.
The Mar Menor is beautiful and changed from day to day, in the mornings it was quiet and hazy with the tower block of the Strip seeming to float on the mist, other times it was calm blue and sometimes grey and choppy. We saw various birds, gulls, little egret, Kentish plover, turnstone, moorhen, skylark, swallows, swifts and of course the ubiquitous sparrow, one day we saw a skein of 25 flamingos flying over.
Ryanair leaving Murcia Airport
Thurs April 10th
San Javier to Benicassim, Bonterra Park, miles driven 236
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=san+javier&daddr=benicassim&sll=38.182069,-0.483398&sspn=1.023338,1.856689&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=7
http://www.campingbonterra.com/
Set off at 0830 for Benicassim, went on motorways most of the way, paid about 25euro in tolls. The day started grey and overcast and around Benidorm was quite misty, the weather picked up in the afternoon and was sunny, the whole journey we saw mile upon mile of orange groves and the smell of the blossom was wonderful and we had lots of bees squashed on the windscreen, we also saw quite a few horses. We arrived at about 1.30 and set up, Jan had made dinner for us so we sat and nattered and then had dinner, J & M went to bingo.
Fri April 11th
After a nice evening it was very windy in the night but woke up to a nice morning. Did a bit of washing then walked along the promenade stopped for a drink then on up town to a Chinese restaurant where J & M treated us for our anniversary. Back to van for game of cards.
Sat April 12th
Woke up to blue skies again. Did a load of washing then I went to a card making class which I enjoyed and found interesting, made a small box and a card. After lunch we went to the Mercadona then later walked along the front calling for a drink and then to the grockle shop.
Sun April 13th
Another lovely day, blue skies and no breeze. Stayed on site, had a BBQ with J & M.
Mon April 14th
Another lovely sunny day with just a bit of a breeze. Went on bus to Castellon, had a look round the market then had a picnic in the port area, back to site and sat in sun and read. In evening went to a quiz night with Jan, Vince & Kath, we were joined by another couple and in spite of being the smallest team we won!! A box of Twilight chocolates.
Tue April 15th
Another lovely day, hot and sunny, went on internet in reception to check emails and bank and try to find route for Thursday. We then walked along the front to a local restaurant that had menu of the day for 7euros. It was most enjoyable except for my starter which I thought was brochette but turned out to be tiny cuttle fish on skewers!! Rich was a gentleman and took it off me and gave me his starter. Game of cards before bed.
Wed April 16th
Another nice day but a bit cloudy, did some shopping at Mercadona then started packing up, then Jan & I had a walk along front . Had a BBQ again with fresh fish we’d bought, delicious! It was not as sunny but still warm.
The site was nice and as we were booked as part of a rally there were all sorts of activities we could have joined in. It was a big site and very full, the pitches were hard standing and a good size with water on each one and hedges separating them, these hedges had lovely, sweet smelling blossom and I asked one of the gardeners what they were and they were Pitosporum. The toilets and showers were good and clean. It was not far to walk to the sea with a good long promenade to walk along.
On site at Bonterra Park
Thurs April 17th
Benicassim to Sant Pere Pescador, L’Amfora Camping, miles driven 254
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=benicassim&daddr=Sant+Pere+Pescador,+Girona,+Catalonia,+Spain&mra=pe&mrcr=0&doflg=ptm&sll=41.120746,1.571045&sspn=3.922774,7.426758&ie=UTF8&z=7
http://www.campingamfora.com/uk/index.html
Woke up 0615 to rain. Left site at 0800 and it got steadily worse, very bad on motorway passing Barcelona, lots of spray off lots of lorries; it took us 5 hours to reach the next site at L’amfora – 254 miles. The country changed as we drove along, it was not as dry looking and did not have the jagged mountains we had been used to, it was a lot greener and looked quite similar to home with green fields and deciduous trees, many in plantations, and there was also hawthorn blossom in some of the hedges. Rich saw a hoopoe. It was raining when we arrived and the site was muddy,we got our meals then had a game of cards before bed.
Fri April 18th
Sant Pere Pescador to Leucate, Aire de Service, miles driven 76
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Sant+Pere+Pescador,+Girona,+Catalonia,+Spain&daddr=leucate&sll=41.122195,1.574015&sspn=3.922774,7.426758&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&ll=42.563196,2.952576&spn=0.958874,1.856689&z=9
The weather was a bit better when we woke up but as the pitches were so muddy we decided to move on. R & me went for a short walk round the site to the beach, saw plenty of birds and it was a long empty beach. The site would be good if not wet, the showers were super, clean and plenty of shelves etc, the toilets had built in spray disinfectant to wipe the seat with. We set off about 10.30 for Leucate, arrived about 12.30 to find that the barriers were down on the Aire. Had to wait for office to open at 4pm. Around Leucate there were fields of espaliered fruit trees, we saw yellow iris growing in ditches and in a change from Spain there was water in the rivers. We passed through many vineyards and on approaching Leucate I saw a Marsh Harrier swooping over reed beds. While we waited for the office to open we spent the time looking at routes for next few days, when we called at this Aire on the way down it was before the season started so it was free but by now they were charging and as it was windy we decided against parking by the sea and went over the road to a more sheltered part. We decided to go to Avignon next. It was very windy and heavy rain clouds all around but thankfully kept off us. The wind dropped in the afternoon and it was quite pleasant for a while. We had to pay 6euros for the Aire and 5euros deposit for barrier key which didn’t open till 9am. It was very basic but secure because of the barriers, we could have used toilets/showers in adjoining camp site but didn’t bother as they were not too good. We got tea then had a game of cards before bed.
Aire at Leucate
Pyrenees with rain threatening
Sat April 19th Leucate to Avignon,Camping Cheque, miles driven 142
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=leucate&daddr=avignon&sll=42.563196,2.952576&sspn=0.958874,1.856689&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=8
http://www.camping-avignon.com/
Waited till 9.10 for refund of deposit then set off, it was a calm but cloudy morning. We took the toll road to Montpellier (14.5euro) through Lunel and Nimes then on to Avignon arrived at 12.45 and booked in. The route took us through mile upon mile of vineyards, there were a lot of poppies growing in the verges and lots of trees full of pink blossom (Daphne?) As we went through Lunel we passed a small park with a very impressive fountain and then a small replica of the Statue of Liberty. As we arrived at the site the sun came out. Jan & Mike arrived shortly after us and set up on the next pitch.
On site at Avignon
As we had lunch there were long tailed tits in the tree on our pitch. After we had lunch we walked down to the river Rhone and took a free shuttle boat over to Avignon, it was nice and sunny and we took the Petite train around the town which showed us all the sights, there was the Pope’s palace and many old streets as well as a street full of modern, high class shops, it was an easy way to see all the town in a limited time.
Sun April 20th
A bit cloudy but not too bad. After lunch Jan & I took the boat over to Avignon and had a good look round, we climbed the ramparts up to a park with great views over the river and countryside. It is an interesting town with many very old buildings including the papal palace where the pope lived in the 13th century. We looked around a church where there was on display a replica of the Turin Shroud, very interesting. It started to rain so we made our way back. The rain turned quite heavy when we were back in van. Had a game of cards before bed. It rained heavily all night.
Pont D'Avignon with our site in background
The "Turin Shroud"
Mon April 21st
Avignon to Port Grimaud, Holiday Marina, miles driven 126
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=avignon&daddr=port+grimaud&sll=43.434605,3.871025&sspn=1.890787,3.713379&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&z=9
http://www.holiday-marina.com/
It had stopped raining by the time we got up, we packed up and set of at 0830, we drove to Port Grimaud miles and arrived at 12.15.
A typical French road with Plane trees
We drove through Aix en Provence, St Maxime St Baume, Brignoles & Le Luc we then turned off the main road and took a mountainous road down to Grimaud and on to Port Grimaud. We booked in and set up, Jan & Mike arrived a while later as they had stopped at a supermarket. The pitch was at the end of the site and next to a busy road. We sat outside in the sun and 2 large lorries arrived both carrying 2 mobile homes, it took them 3 hours to unload them right outside our pitches!! It was quite interesting watching them but very noisy. Did a bit of washing and it was sunny and blowey so dried nicely. Just as we finished tea we had a short sharp thunder storm.
Tue April 22nd
It was very windy in the night and although it was sunny when we got up there was a very strong wind all day. We did a few chores in the morning and then walked to Port Grimaud after lunch. It is very pretty, a purpose built village and marina started in 1966 with room for thousands of (very expensive) yachts. We were hoping to have a boat trip around all the “canals” but the boats weren’t running (industrial dispute we heard).
We caught the “Petite Train” which took us up to Grimaud a very picturesque village in the hills above us, founded by the Grimaldis.
We had a look round and climbed as far as the ruined castle, from where there were wonderful views over St Tropez Bay, had a drink and got the train back down. When we got back to site there were 2 more mobile homes being delivered and they were badly damaged in transit. Jan cooked us dinner then we had a game of cards before bed.
Wed April 23rd
Woke up to blue skies and lovely sunshine with no wind. In the morning Rich & I cycled to find a supermarket and got a few groceries, it was actually a large shopping mall. After lunch we all biked to St Maxime, about 9kms away, there was a cycle path all the way and it followed the coast, very scenic but also alongside main road, very noisy!! St Maxime was a busy beach resort, being Wednesday the children were off school. We cycled back and had a BBQ and a game of cards before bed.
Thurs April 24th
Cloudy to start but turned into a beautiful afternoon. After lunch we cycled to Port Grimaud to find out where the ferry to St Tropez went from. Went back to site and I had a swim and read on lounger by pool for a couple of hours. In the evening we went to “Monroe’s” restaurant for a meal. It was not a wonderful meal but ok, seemed like a pub chain.
Fri April 25th
Woke to blue skies again. In morning J & M went to supermarket and then in afternoon we all went on ferry to St Tropez. A very pretty town with wall to wall yachts, we had a walk around harbour and up into town before catching ferry back, it clouded up a bit in afternoon but still warm.
Sat April 26th
Didn’t do much a lovely day so sat around site. In afternoon Jan & I went to supermarket then went to pool, I had a swim and then we read, glorious sunshine. In the evening R & M went to bar to watch Grande Prix practice.
Sun April 27th
Another glorious day, probably hottest of the holiday. In the morning we worked out route for next week then had a BBQ.
Rich cooking BBQ, note new "pinny"
In afternoon J & I went to pool again.
In evening men went to bar to watch Grande Prix.
On site at Port Grimaud
The site was very nice it was mainly static vans either rented or owned, there were about 3 dozen touring pitches, we were, unfortunately, allocated pitches right by the main road which was very busy for most of the day. We were also by the back gate and they were taking delivery of new vans on the days we were there, this involved very noisy, very large lorries ticking over just by our vans for hours at a time whilst they winched the vans off, Rich found this very interesting and sat and watched it all, better than a film to him!! Each of the touring pitches had its own bathroom, these were portacabins divided into 4, one between 4 pitches, each one having a shower, toilet, washbasin and heated towel rail, on the outside wall there was another sink for dishwashing. We were very pleased with this arrangement it was a novelty and very convenient. There was a swimming pool on site, outdoor but heated with a nice surrounding area for sunbathing with glass walls for windbreaks. There were great tits calling all the time and one had a nest in the gate. through which the new vans were being delivered, they were getting very agitated.
Mon April 28th
Port Grimaud to Les Egats, Camping de L’Obion, miles driven 210
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=5425266100691704815,43.657430,6.924060&saddr=port+grimaud&daddr=Unknown+road+%4043.657430,+6.924060+to:44.079693,6.223755+to:les+egats&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1,2&doflg=ptm&sll=44.0718,5.998535&sspn=1.870715,3.713379&ie=UTF8&ll=44.359206,6.020508&spn=1.861608,3.713379&z=8
The route today took us on the Route Napoleon which was quite interesting, we saw statues of Napoleon and Imperial Eagles by the road side. For more info see :-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Route_Napol%C3%A9on
http://www.camping-obiou.com/site/Home-94.html
Up and away by 0915, we set off for Les Egats in the Alps, the route was spectacular it took us on twisty mountainous roads and there was snow on the highest.
We spotted processional caterpillar webs in pine trees along the route and saw a couple of large birds of prey, buzzards or black kites? We were amazed at the number of cyclists along the twisty, narrow, dangerous, mountainous road. We arrived at the site at about 4.30 J & M arrived shortly after, it was cool and breezy. We had tea, checked the route for tomorrow, I was able to use wifi for free, and had an early night.
One of the best sites we’d been on, small but very friendly, the owner was very helpful, the shower/toilets were very clean and hot, the only drawback being that they were mixed men & women, most disconcerting and also there were no seats on the toilets, which apparently is common in France.
Tue April 29th
Les Egats to Villerest, Aire de Service,miles driven155
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=10573646880067943816,45.504310,5.112900%3B5544599834566428648,45.592360,5.068650%3B13973234902675278371,45.529100,4.873570&saddr=Les+Egats,+Saint-Laurent-en-Beaumont,+Is%C3%A8re,+Rh%C3%B4ne-Alpes,+France&daddr=D518+%4045.504310,+5.112900+to:45.494796,5.020752+to:N7%2FQuai+Pajot+%4045.529100,+4.873570+to:villerest&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1,2,3&doflg=ptm&sll=45.434875,4.90388&sspn=1.827167,3.713379&ie=UTF8&z=8
We were woken by the dawn chorus, it was not as cold as last night but grey and overcast with clouds on mountain tops. Rich heard a cuckoo. I went for a shower and it was the best one we’d had, plenty of room,& hooks and lovely and warm. We set off at 0840 the route was mountainous at first and spectacular views although the mountain tops were swathed in cloud. We saw a couple of birds of prey again and a red squirrel on the roadside barrier. I spotted a field of cowslips and there was plenty of blossom, broom, lilac etc. We noticed that the rivers were a very cloudy, white colour, until we got to the Rhone at Lyon and that was dirty and muddy looking. As we came down out of the Alps the scenery changed, it became more like home with rounded green mountains and fields of crops, cows and sheep. We arrived at Villerest at 1pm, the Aire was super, alongside a lake. J & M arrived and me R & J walked into Villerest, it was very interesting, a medieval town which was like a warren. On the lake we saw, ,buzzard and geese, ducks, heron, egrets, grebe, cormorant, gulls, buzzard and kite flying over, goldfinch, siskin, It was a lovely still spring evening and I took a walk along the lake before bed.
Aire at Villereste
View from Van
Wed April 30th
Villerest to Poilly Lez Gien, Les Bois du Bardelet, Camping Cheque, miles driven 74
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=10573646880067943816,45.504310,5.112900%3B15421880523665487712,45.495760,5.052890%3B13973234902675278371,45.529100,4.873570&saddr=villerest&daddr=poilly+lez+gien&sll=45.434875,4.90388&sspn=1.827167,3.713379&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&ll=46.833892,3.317871&spn=1.781283,3.713379&z=8
http://www.bardelet.com/campsite-france.html
Woke to grey skies, up and away by 0815 a long less scenic trip than previous days. It rained on and off. The scenery was mostly farm land, oil seed rape and grain with lots of cows, mainly Charolais/Limousin with some sheep as well, we then entered wine country again, on the way we passed the French Grand Prix circuit at Magny Cours which was of interest to Rich. Arrived at site 10 to 1, took ages to find as we had diverted to a supermarket only to find it closed, on this diversion we saw a small replica of the Eiffel Tower. J & M arrived just after us and we booked in, it started to rain. We did not do anything as it was so wet, R & I got a takeaway from site café which was not bad except the sausages were not what we call sausages! We decided to move on as none of us liked the site as it was miles from anywhere in woods and felt gloomy, the weather didn’t help, the showers were gloomy and the water was cold so that made up our minds. We found another site further up country rang and booked and had an early night. In rained most of the evening with a short thunder storm
On site Bois de Bardelet
Thurs May 1st
Poiily Lez Gien to Les Andeleys, Camping de L’isle Des Trois Rois,Camping Cheque, miles driven 167
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=15266304649039935921,48.449710,1.483920&saddr=poilly+lez+gien&daddr=Boulevard+Charles+P%C3%A9guy%2FN23+%4048.449710,+1.483920+to:49.240914,1.39801&mra=mi&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=9&doflg=ptm&sll=48.868328,1.562805&sspn=0.856368,1.856689&ie=UTF8&z=9
http://www.camping-troisrois.com/
Up early and packed up, it had rained most of the night but I woke at about 3am and looked out and the stars were so bright in an inky sky I had to go out and have a look, the Plough was directly over head, it was quite spectacular. As we were both awake I made a cup of tea, of course come morning I did not want to wake up!
We got away for 0815 and had a good journey to Les Andeles as it was May Day and a bank holiday there was very little traffic on the roads, particularly lorries and coaches, the roads were good and it was a good run 167 miles. We passed through lots of open country stretching for miles either side of us, it was mostly grain and oilseed rape. We passed a huge gypsy encampment in one village and there was a large area full of wind turbines pylons which covered a vast area. We saw a field with llamas, camels, donkeys and ponies, there were lots of kestrels hovering, I also spotted a couple of deer and we noticed flower sellers in every place we passed through, there were also lots of cowslips growing wild on verges and in fields. We arrived at the site at 1215 and had to wait till 2pm for reception to open. We booked in and the site was very nice, between the river Seine and a lake, large grassy pitches and overlooked by Chateau Gaillard.
On site at L'Isle de Trois rois
We sat having a cup of tea with J & M and there was a terrific thunder storm with hail which covered the grass, it soon passed and was warm and sunny again, a bit later on we had another storm. Had a game of cards before bed.
Fri May2nd
Woke up to a nice morning, sunny and warm. Cycled into Les Andelys to find supermarket to stock up on food. Back for a bit of lunch then cycled out again along river Seine, it was a fantastic place very picturesque and we could go quite a way along river bank, we saw some large fish and ducks with 8 very young chicks, there were huge barges making their way up & down the river.
I then went to have a look round the old town Rich went back to fish and J & M went to town centre. It was very old with many half timbered buildings and looked down on by the Château, built by Richard the Lionheart, in the 12th century.
When I got back to site I decided to climb up to the chateau, it was quite steep but well worth the effort, the view from there was wonderful, looking down on the town and the camp site.
The ruins were huge but had been robbed for their stone to build the church after it had fallen in to ruin in the 16th century.
Back to site then went for meal to café on site. It was a super meal and the owners were very pleasant and could not do enough for us, we even got a free drink of calvados. All the time we were on the site the cuckoo was calling continuosly.
Sat May3rd
Les Andelys to St Valery en Caux, Aire de Service, miles driven 115
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=7417745469490068526,49.237580,1.401170&saddr=Les+Andelys,+France+%4049.237580,+1.401170&daddr=49.573321,0.898132+to:st+valery+en+caux&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1&doflg=ptm&sll=49.498458,1.142578&sspn=0.845533,1.856689&ie=UTF8&z=9
Up early and packed up, away for 0915 (had to wait to get refund of key deposit) Got to St Valery En Caux at 1215, The Aire was very full but managed to find a space and J & M arrived just after us and we squeezed in next to each other.
Aire at St Valery en Caux
The journey through Normandy was through rolling countryside much like home only on a larger scale, oilseed rape and grain in vast fields and very distinctive farmhouses low and half timbered or tall and flint decorated. We walked round St Valery, not a large town but a few old houses, particularly one that was called Henri IV house.
The town centre was more modern, obviously rebuilt, maybe after war damage? (found out later that there was a battle in June 1940) When we got back to van R & I went for a mooch on the beach as the tide had gone out, very interesting rock pools, crabs, including a hermit crab in a whelk shell and lots of slipper limpets other shells and men fishing for shrimps.
Sun May4th
St Valery en Caux to Wimereux, Camping Municipal L’Olympic, 30euros, miles driven 115
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=457625362529167237,49.910420,1.074450%3B15980944347736222796,50.060190,1.409590%3B307889718769437478,50.172920,1.644490%3B14558688572188064176,50.244140,1.649660%3B2454289641104163899,50.385540,1.613840&saddr=st+valery+en+caux&daddr=D925%2FRocade+de+Janval+%4049.910420,+1.074450+to:Unknown+road+%4050.060190,+1.409590+to:D940+%4050.172920,+1.644490+to:D940+%4050.244140,+1.649660+to:D940%2FRoute+de+Berck+%4050.385540,+1.613840+to:50.509933,1.625977+to:wimereux&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=6&sz=8&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&doflg=ptm&sll=50.200215,1.263065&sspn=1.666665,3.713379&ie=UTF8&z=8
http://www.tourisme-nordpasdecalais.fr/fr/campings/HPANPDC0001000JK/camping-municipal-l-olympic.html
Up and away by 0730, good drive through Normandy, Somme and Flanders regions, mostly agricultural with lots of cows, including some highland cattle, horses and sheep. The countryside was different to what we had been seeing more like home, the towns looked a lot like home with houses behind fences and hedges, the houses in Normandy were very distinctive, very close half timbering, brown and cream with low roofs with an overhanging end. We passed a couple of war cemeteries, one at Etaples. We caught up with J & M at a supermarket, unusually open on a Sunday, got a couple of things and carried on. Arrived at the site in Wimereaux at about 1120 booked in then after lunch and a relaxing sit in the sun, very hot, we walked into Wimereaux, along the front and back through the town, it was very hot and quite close.
House in Wimereux
On site at Wimereux
Cheers!
Mon May5th
Last day, can’t believe it’s gone so quickly. J & M had to take Millie to Vet so we walked into town with them, got bread etc for lunch then walked back along prom. Very hot so just sat outside in shade. In evening R & I went into Wimereaux and had a meal in a café on the prom.
Tue May6th
Wimereux to Calais, miles driven 32,
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=457625362529167237,49.910420,1.074450%3B15980944347736222796,50.060190,1.409590%3B307889718769437478,50.172920,1.644490%3B14558688572188064176,50.244140,1.649660%3B2454289641104163899,50.385540,1.613840%3B9940695292869907746,50.502530,1.627280&saddr=wimereux&daddr=calais&sll=50.394512,1.466675&sspn=1.659918,3.713379&doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&ll=50.886575,1.779785&spn=0.205325,0.464172&z=11
Dover to Home miles driven 257.
Up early and away for 0800, drove to Calais and called for fuel and then to Sainsbury for cheap wine. Got onto an earlier sailing 1100hrs and after a smooth crossing landed in Dover 1230 – 1130 local time. Drove straight home on motorway all the way, very different roads, much more congested with heavy traffic going both ways and not the views we had been seeing in France, it only cleared a bit when we got onto the M54. We saw the Red Kites again over the M40 and lots of cowslips on the verges, the hawthorn blossom was out in full and it was a lovely sunny day. Arrived home at 4.20 pm
Ferry Fare £97.85
Total mileage for trip 3660
Total Site fees or trip £635.11 Average £12.21 per night
Total fuel price £547.9 Average 15p per mile
