East Yorkshire

Wednesday 22nd October - Willow Lane CS, Beverley

    We set off early-ish (8.30am) as we were going to travel over 200 miles up to Beverley in East Yorkshire.  I was the first to drive and after a bit of a break, it did take a short while to get the hang of it again but the muscle memory soon kicked in.  It was easy roads anyway (no single tracks like in Scotland).  We wanted to get to our destination as soon as possible so took main roads which made for a slightly boring driving & passenger viewing but our goal was to ‘get there’.  We saw quite a few ‘wide loads’, one of which was taking up 2 carriageways and had an escort with them.  We also saw what appeared to be a shed being trailed by a van.  It turned out it was a coffee trailer being taken to its next gig.  It did bring a smile to our faces though.  Nothing else of note apart from no road works on the M1.  That was a surprise!

    Seven  hours later we arrived at Willow Lane CS, it's not far from the Minster and a relatively easy walk into Beverley town.

    On arrival we were able to choose out own pitch.  There were fallen apples everywhere so it was seeing which pitch had the least trodden apples and wasn't not too much in the shade.  There was a Bentley car parked in one pitch - the most level one - which was strange on its own but didn't think much of it.  It also meant we had to choose a different pitch.  Anyway we set up and sat down for a cuppa.  Later, we see the Bentley drive away and leave the pitch free.  It was a little annoying.

Thursday 23rd

    A relatively good night's sleep.  We'd come prepared for a cold night with hot water bottle and blankets but, although I had a bottle neither of us needed the extra blankets and we didn’t have any heating on either.   No doubt later in the year we will require these extras.

    After breakfast we walked into Beverley.  I'm glad I went back for my walking stick as I needed it even though we only walked a total of 2.5 miles.

    Beverley is a real surprise.  It's a lovely town.  Mainly pedestrianised, the old buildings housed many different shops, some chains but also independent and several charity shops.  There were roads called Saturday Market and Wednesday Market, presumably each had their own markets on their particular days in the past.  There was a lovely market square surrounded by shops and in another open space, a band stand.  There were also some framed photograph prints on walls and railings taken by a man called Fred and recreated in a ‘soft’ way.  Fred came from Beverley.  Of course there was also the Minster.  I would have called in but it was £8 entrance fee and I didn't want to see it that much.  I realise these places need to make some money for upkeep but I would prefer to make a donation. Mike did take my picture outside it and as I had a hat on it was dubbed, ‘Paddington does Beverley’.

    A rest in the afternoon as we are going out to dinner at a Greek restaurant later.

    Going out at night is really different from the day time.  So many lights and the minster lit up too.  We called into the Monks Walk Inn for a beer before our meal.  A wonder olde worlde pub which seemed to go on for ever.  It even had a beer garden although it was too cold for that.

    Dinner at Greko's was a real treat!  It was a meze style where you order several dishes and they come out when they are ready but each dish is for sharing so you are able to try a variety of dishes. Not too expensive either, although we didn't have wine but plumped for and Ouzo each and a Mythos.  I would recommend it if you like Greek food.

    We were back in the motorhome earlyish so Mike tried to get the TV working but it refused to play the game so we just chilled.

Friday 24th

    We moved onto another site but as we couldn't get onto it before 1pm. We packed up, slow time, then meandered across to Spurn Head to stay at Kew Villa in Kilnsea.  Basic amenities and luckily we didn't need electric as there was a caravan already hooked up to the only electric supply.  Hard standings but not very level.   Once set up, we took our bikes and headed to Spurn Head.  Part of the road has been worn away by the wind and sea so we had to push the bikes across the beach.  It was relatively hard sand but not hard enough to ride on.  It was a hard slog. Eventually we could re-join the road/path but then parts of that had been covered in sand and again we were unable to ride on that, although we tried and nearly came a cropper a few times.  Eventually we got to the lighthouse.  

    We'd previously seen a programme with Helen Skelton and Dan Walker who had explored this part of Yorkshire.  This was the reason we decided to head over this way for this trip.  They had been able to go up the lighthouse to see the view from the top.  Unfortunately, the light house was closed when we were there.  We cycled/plodded on as far as we could with the bikes.  We came across dilapidated buildings that had been in use during WWII and a path that eventually ended  at the actual head of this spit of land but as it was up and down and meandered away we decided not to do that part.

    Then it was turn around and go back the way we'd come.  Another hard slog across the sand but we did see some very impressive waves with the wind taking spray off the top of them.  By the time we got back to Daisy we felt very wind battered and very tired.  So tired in fact that we decided to go to the pub for a meal instead of cooking.

    A lovely sunset over the Humber estuary then to the pub.  The food sounded good but I'm afraid my chilli seemed like it was simply mince cooked up then spices added later and there were no kidney beans but a few chick peas.  quite disappointing.  Mike's pie looked and tasted OK, although the carrots were not liked.  The staff were welcoming enough and it was very well attended, so much so, that we were offered a table then asked if we would prefer a quieter table, which we took.  We felt so exhausted that we went back, played a few games of Uno then fell into bed!

Saturday 25th

    A slow start then set off for Hornsea. Leaving Spurn Head we travelled through Patrington where the meridian line runs through and also Welwick famous for Guy Fawkes who was born there and his parents both buried at St Mary's Church.  There is also a sculpture just outside the village of Guy Fawkes and his friends whilst they were plotting the gun powder plot.  In the village, and taking credit from the village fame, was a pub called the Plotters Bar.  We continued across country along some B and C roads which meandered around crop fields so there were plenty of 90 degree bends. Looking ahead and seeing chevrons you knew exactly what was coming.  The land is very flat so you can see for miles but not see very much as there is nothing to focus on. However, very good land for growing crops.

    We had planned to get set up then cycle into Hornsea 4 miles away but as we were still knackered from our jaunt yesterday decided to find a place to park up on the way.  We got to Hornsea and drove around looking for somewhere to park but many of the car parks had height restrictions and those that didn't weren't large enough for us to park without hemming someone else in.  Even the sea front didn't have anywhere that we could see.  But there were some amazing waves - again.  The parking issue got very frustrating.  In the end, Mike dropped me off at the Hornsea Pottery Museum and went to park up outside of town.

    The Museum was very good and included the farm house dwelling and barns of the Burn family who had farmed there continuously for 300 years.  The displays captured farm house life during the 19th century and the barns held displays of other work such as blacksmith, dairy, milling.  There was also a display of the railway at Hornsea and the Life Boat men.  The Burns family had the horses that pulled the life boats out of the water after a shout.  And of course the Hornsea pottery display.  There were over 200 items displayed but apparently that is not the complete collection.  It was sentimental seeing the coffee, tea and sugar canisters that Mike bought for my parents before we were married.  It was called Tapestry.  I noted there was also a set called Claire but it was very floral and not really to my liking (so I didn't take a picture).

    Mike and I met up again and travelled onto the site.  I'm glad we weren't cycling; it seemed so far!  We had to pay at a house down the road a short way.  It turned out the house was on the site of the local Pumpkin field and was open to families wanting pumpkins for Halloween.  Having never been to one of these before, I was surprised at the other merchandise also for sale - anything to make a fast buck.  Although, having said that, this site is cheaper than the one at Spurn Head and includes electric and is very well kept and spacious.

Sunday 26th

    Another jaunt across country heading to Flamborough Head.  Some of the roads were so small we had to go on the verge when passing cars.  We noticed plenty of Kestrels in the area and put me in mind of the book Kes by Barry Hines.  We headed over to Bempton Cliffs to the RSPB bird sanctuary there.  We became members as it was £8 entrance but £20 for both of us to be members.  We will have to source other twitcher haunts now!  Another very windy day but we walked along the cliffs hoping to spot some sea birds.  There were plenty of feral pigeons, apparently food for the peregrine falcon, which we didn't see.  We did, however, see a Gannet and possibly a young Gannet and also a Razorbill and Cormorant.  We thought we also saw a seal in the sea but as it wasn't moving decided it was a lobster pot buoy.  Back to the café to warm up and some lovely leek and potato soup.

    Next stop in Daisy was the stop for the night near Flamborough Head at Seaward?? Farm.  There was a long driveway and I was very pleased we weren't going out for a meal!  The wind continues and now the rain.  Batton down the hatches tonight.

 

Monday 27th

    We start the day to relative calm and sunshine!  Slow start then head off southwards now to wend our way towards home.  We headed to the Humber Bridge.  At one point we thought it might have been closed due to the winds but luckily we were able to cross it. There was a really straight road, A15, between the M180 and Lincoln, so much so that you could see Lincoln Cathedral well in the distance.          Our stop for the night was The Fox Inn at Kelham near Newark-on-Trent.  The pub is on the A617 and is quite busy.  I tried to get down to the river for a walk but the walk was within the grounds of Kelham Halls and that entrance was quite a distance away so just walked around the roads a bit. Crafting in Daisy then and a quiet afternoon until our meal at the pub in the evening.

    The pub was OK and the food was excellent!  Mike had rump steak and I had Moroccan tagine. Sadly this experience was slightly marred by the smell emanating from the gents loos. Apparently there was a blockage and not only the urinals but the floor was swimming so when Mike came back to the table all I could smell was ‘the bad smell’.  He wiped his feet on the grass on the way back to Daisy which did the trick.  We were also advised to empty the black waste down the disabled loo which we didn't want to do so took it with us to our next stop.

 Tuesday 28th

    Onto our next stop near Banbury, The Lodge Farm.  Just a field on an old runway so plenty of hard standing. Very basic but there was black waste and water if you need it but apparently the pressure is low.  We are on the top of a hill - Edge Hill to be precise; the site of a battle during the civil war.  And as we are on top of the hill the views are amazing!  You can see for miles and miles to the North.

     We walked around the field but didn't want to venture much further.  I assume there would be walks around here but they would be very up and down!  We are the only ones at this site so it is very quiet - well it would be if the wind died down, but if there are no clouds tonight we will be star gazing for a while.  Unfortunately there were too many clouds - and it was cold.  We did have a very peaceful quiet nights sleep though.

Wednesday 29th

    Travelled home.  We tried to keep away from really big main roads but at one junction a lorry came around the corner not thinking there would be a large vehicle also trying to turn in the opposite direction and came across to our side of the road.  Nothing happened, thankfully, but we did take a wrong turn because of the change of focus.  Never mind, my navigational skills came to the fore and we got down to Swindon and only joined the A419 at the last possible moment.  A good time away but nothing is beating Scotland yet. 

 

Fordingbridge

 Midgham and Somerley Road, Fordingbridge

Friday 19th June

    Arrived to a mown grassed area at the end of a driveway with fields of horses.  The site is extremely quiet.  All you can hear are birds in the wooded area next door.  Unfortunately you can't get into the woods as it is private land.  Nor are there any circular walks but there is a walk across the road and over to Alderholt but on this occasion, we didn't do that walk.

    We arrived with Carol & John and we set up our units so that we could have cover outside if required (sun or wet weather).

We chilled whilst C&J dealt with their dogs. I am glad we don't have dogs.

    Carol and I went into Fordingbridge (Carol's car) to get some provisions and have a look around.

 Carol also cooked dinner - a lovely roast chicken and she had gooseberry crumble for afters. Mmmmmm.

 

    We have just upgraded our mattresses so we're interested in what our night would be like.  Mike slept better than me but I don't know whether I didn't because of the mattress or something else.

 

Saturday 20th

   Josey and Bob joined us in their camper van.  We all have a really good laugh when we get together.  

    During the day we played a few games one that Josey bought - throwing a beanbag into a hole and one we had, Petange. Strangely, Mike and I won that making us think we may be able to play when we go to France in September.

The weather wasn't as warm as Friday but was perfectly OK for a BBQ that Mike did.  Josey bought salads and pittas.  Again it was lovely. 

    We paid our dues by cash to the house opposite.  We had make an envelope as we never take them away with us.  

 

Sunday 21st

    Again not a very good night's sleep for me but I don't think it's the mattress.  I'll use it for the festival we are going to next weekend then make a decision about it.

No one really want breakfast as we had rather a lot of food at the BBQ so after coffee and more chilling we packed up for home.

A wonderful site and probably our go to place fir peace and quiet.

 

2026 France 1st trip

 

6th - 7th May 2026

    We caught the 11pm ferry to France.  Most of the day we were kicking our heels waiting for the time to set off.  We did eventually set off early but it was just as well as there were hold ups through Salisbury and on M27.  There was a speed restriction for a ‘service test’ then all four lanes went down to one.   Eventually we got to the terminal about 8.45 - then we waited.  We didn’t get on board until 10.50.  It seemed that there was no chance the ferry was going to leave on time, however, it wasn’t that late leaving.

    We had booked a cabin for overnight but when we opened the door, we found only one bed!  We asked at the information desk and were told that the other bed comes down from the ceiling!  Well, I hadn’t been up a ladder to sleep in a bunk bed for quite some time so it was an experience and a slight worry that I would fall out of bed during the night as there was no guard rail!  However, due to the engines noise and vibrations making my head and body rock from side to side, I didn’t get any sleep so there was no need to worry.

    We had a wake-up call at 4.45 (our time) so quickly got washed and dressed and headed to the café for breakfast to ‘wake’ us up.  It wasn’t long before we were asked to return to our vehicles and finally docked and we had our first drive in Daisy on the continent (Mike driving thankfully, although my turn will come).  

Café Gondrée at Pegasus Bridge claims to be the first French house
 to be liberated following the D-Day landings

    We called into a supermarket, E. Leclerc, enroute, mainly to shop for dairy, meat and veg that we were not allowed to bring with us but also purchased a French Sim card.  What a palaver (or pavlova as Sophia thought it was) at the checkout especially as the lady didn’t speak English and we didn’t understand what she was asking, needless to say the sim is not activated.

     Our first site is at a village called Bonnetable. Mike had saved the journey with Google Maps and had done so exactly.  I didn't need to follow the map (although I did as I like to know where we are).  The site was easy to access. Having previously booked it we had a code to enter which lifted the barrier.  As we were relatively early, we also had the choice of 15 places to park up.  Most are hard standing but we are not completely level but nothing to worry about.  The sun is shining although there are a few clouds and a cold breeze but we sat out for a while.  

My first taste of Pistache dessert for a long time!

    Early evening, I went for a short walk around the site and nearby field.  The sound of grasshoppers or even cricket was good to hear.  There is also a petanque court at this site.  Shame that we didn’t bring ours with us.  Sadly no-one was playing.  On packing away our chairs, I noticed the dog from next door had left a parcel very near our motorhome so I bagged it up and left it beside their van.  Nothing was said, the next day although we did greet each other with Bonjour.  No hard feelings but we have noticed the French don’t always pick up after their dog like the Brits do (although not always, I know).  That evening we were both so tired that we watched a film, A Good Year (what a fantastic film) then went to bed early. 

Friday 8th

    A slow start to the day and exercises for me outside in the sun - bliss.  Just as I was finishing, a man from the neighbouring motorhome came around and without thinking I said ‘bonjour’.  It does feel like we are actually in France.  Another sunny day with less clouds than yesterday so summer clothes on!

 

Time for a rest as Mike's hip is playing up.

    We walked into the village along the footpath which came out opposite the gates of the local chateau.  We were disappointed to find most of the shops were closed though, then we remembered it was a bank holiday.  

    We did find a small supermarket open and bought a large tomato and baguette (which finally went into the specially designed baguette locker we have in the motorhome).  Relax outside, lunch al fresco and relax in the sun.  There are so many birds here and we have also heard a cuckoo.

 Saturday 9th

Time to move on.  We were booked into this site until 11am so we emptied tanks and filled the water tank before we set off.

     Once again Mike's planning of the route was precise and took us exactly where we were meant to go.  This time we also saw our first Fleurette in a carpark as we passed by.  Once again, we called into the E.Leclerc supermarket enroute to buy BBQ meats and milk.  Mike also managed to get another sim card, this time managing to talk with someone who knew what they were doing so it actually worked this time.  Hooray!

Crossing the Loire to Amboise

    We arrived at Amboise on the Loire River and a very imposing Chateau Royal on one bank.  Our site is on a large island in the middle of the river.  We tried the PIN Mike was given when he booked but to no avail.  Then someone came to help and said we need to go to the reception to book in.  They didn’t have any details for us.  Eventually it became apparent that we were booked onto another site close by.  The PIN worked for that one.  Unfortunately the site Mike thought was among the trees was the one running alongside the municipal site with the trees.  And the sun is shining and it is really hot without any shade.  Oh well.

    We set up the awning and put our new hippy style sheet up for extra shade.  It looks really good!  Mike also did a search for the price difference between the two sites and the municipal one is twice the price of this one so we don't feel as envious.

    We took a stroll around part of the island along footpaths and roads.  We tried out some of the gym equipment dotted around the place and took many opportunities to sit down.  It was really hot and luckily there were many places to sit.  At the end of our little sojourn, there was a bar so we stopped for a beer.  Boy was it strong!  But then we hadn’t eaten much either.  We are on  diet so have not been drinking, nor eating, much of late so it went straight to our heads.

    Our BBQ was lovely albeit a little on the dry side.  That's the trouble with dieting, no, or very few sauces or chutneys are around.  

    We ate al fresco as the sun was still out but by 9.30 we went inside and it wasn’t long before we went to bed as we were so tired.

Sunday (Dimanche) 10th

    There was a market on today, probably due to it being a bank holiday weekend, so we walked into Amboise across the bridge towards the impressive Chateau Royal where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.  Cloud cover today but it still felt warm but no rain during the morning.

    Walking along the Loire river on to the market was lovely.  We took a slow walk. There were a few sculptures along the way and a rose Arbor.   There was a street busker playing a cornet along to music and many people.  The market was large, taking up what I assume to be a carpark.  There was food and drink and clothes and kitchen utensils and plants  and cheese for sale.  

    I couldn’t get over how long the queues were for cooked chicken (poulet)!  We stopped for café au lait but as I was taking them to the table I dropped one.  Boy was it hot over my hand.  No harm done though and I did say sorry (‘pardon’) to a gentleman who got some on his jacket. I liked the coffee but Mike didn’t so me dropping it was meant to be.  We bought some local honey but nothing else then ventured into the town.  

    What a lovely place especially around the chateau area where there are many many restaurants and eating places. 

We bought a postcard then had to go looking for a stamp (timbre) which was at the Tabac just up the street. 
The stamp looks very plain but it does have ‘Le Poste’ on it so hopefully it is legit and will reach its destination.  I also partook in the public toilets which were free and clean and stocked.  I was impressed.

    Walking back, we saw the leg of a sculpture of Leonado Da Vinci behind a tree but didn’t go to investigate.  Maybe we'll do that tomorrow.  It rained in the afternoon and there was also a rumble of thunder.

Monday (Lundi) 11th

    Rain and dull day so we stayed in for the morning.  Once it had tailed off, we ventured out and walked into Amboise town.  There was no market on today and most of the shops were closed.

    No idea why but possibly due to the bank holiday, although the bin men came today.  We got back to a well earned break.  Mike's Fitbit had registered 7,000 steps so that will do.  However, as it was still relatively early and as we are departing tomorrow, I went for another walk to the head of the island.  I didn’t see how far it was but it took about an hour.  Whilst out I passed a group of young lads on their bikes.  The first said ‘Bonjour mademoiselle’.  After I’d said ‘Bonjour to them all, and they had passed, I realised what the first one had said.  It did make me chuckle.  A well earned sit down and a bottle of Pelforth Blonde.  That really is the end of walking for today.

Leonardo's been touched for luck so many times!

    This site seems rather transient as many motorhomes stay for just one night.  There is quite a mixture of visitors from Germany, Netherlands, UK (and not just us), France, of course and even Estonia.

Tuesday (Mardi) 12th

    A travel day along the Loire to Saumur but before we set off we filled and emptied.  Trouble is, we had trouble working the water machine.  We knew we had to put the camping booking number in but no water.  A German came to our rescue and mentioned that we had to take note of the tap we needed to use, in this case number 1.  Of course we’d already connected it up to number 2 so had to swap it over.  All systems go after that.

    The journey was good following the road alongside the Loire for much of the way.  We thought at one point we might have incurred a charge for the clean air zone at Tours but we didn’t see any signs so assume not.

    Along the way we saw a field of donkeys.  Quite a rare sight these days.  We also saw parts of houses built into the rock at St Etienne de Chigny.  We have previously seen this further south and it seems strange they are in this area but, as Mike pointed out, we have something similar in Britain.

    Saumur also has a chateau on the hill in the town so it is almost the first site you see on the approach.  Once again we are staying on an island in the Loire, this time the île d'Offard. The site is an Aire so basic but set out better than the last one.  And, like the last one, set alongside a huge camping park although this time we can’t see it from the site.

    After a cup of tea we took a walk into Saumur across the bridge.  Apparently, this bridge was the first to be built across the Loire.  The Saumur Chateau is prominent and can be seen from many places.  That is built in the gothic style and has much gold inside.  This is mirrored on one turret outside.

    Once we crossed the bridge, we spotted a land train which runs around the town so we jumped aboard to see the town from that perspective.  We were taken almost up to the equestrian school which is huge and is the main equestrian school for a large area.  We passed many buildings and towers which were formed when the town had walls.  When we got off the train, where we got on, we walked around the town and took many more photos of buildings, many of which had statues of men holding the buildings up or of ladies holding their boobs up!

Sophia would have loved this!

    On the way back, we stopped at the bar that is very near our site and had a beer. 

 It is a quirky place with many mismatched chairs and tables including some easy leather chairs that are all outside.  

    The bar is a converted caravan.  It had a really good atmosphere.

 

    Neither of us wanted to cook dinner so we decided to go out to the boat restaurant we'd passed during the day.  The menu didn’t seem very appetising so we both plumped for the burger with oven potatoes and salad.  But when we ate it it was lovely.  Such a surprise!  We also had pudding.  Mike was told his was blueberry tart however it was actually black currant which was much better.  I had a small coffee with 3 tiny puddings.  Also excellent.  Back to the bar for a night cap then back to the site.  Such a wonderful, impromptu evening.

Wednesday (Mercredi) 13th

    In the morning we both took a walk around the Eastern side of the island.  At the top, we saw a causeway going from the island to the north bank of the river.  I walked part way, just to see it and back again.  

    Our walk ended at the bar (quelle surprise!) so we had a coffee.  We sat at an old school table and there was another nearby.  Then headed back.  After a sit down, I took myself off to walk around the rest of the island. 

 There was a footpath on the south side but I had to take the road on the north side.  I passed an area where there was a sculpture and some memorials.  Turned out to be an area of memorial for those fallen during various wars, including the civilians (that was the sculpture). 

    Our aire is on the Boulevard de Verden and I took a photo of Daisy there.  Phew!  I needed a sit down after that!

    Into the early evening, I noticed a couple with a UK plated motorhome looking around seemingly a little lost so I went out to see if I could help with anything.  They were glad of the offer and I told them about how the water and waste worked and that if they had any other concerns just knock on our door.      We settled down to watch a film (DVD) and part way through that there was a knock on the door.  They couldn't get the electric to work so Mike went with them and managed to sort it out.  Their fuse had tripped.  They had only had that van for 6 months so they were still getting used to it.  Glad to be of help.

 Thursday (Jeudi) 14th

     Not much to report on today.  We made sure the UK couple from last night were OK then we set off for Heric.  As it was a longish journey (around 2 and a half hours) we stopped for a brew then changed over drivers.  Mixed weather too including some heavy rain falls. 

    Our next stop is La Pindiere just outside Heric. This time it's a campsite and with a laundrette as we were in need of doing a bit of household chores.  The owner met us at reception when we were booking in and spoke very good English.  So much so that I asked if she was, she replied no but I can also do a sexy English which she did.  It was all evocative of 'Allo 'Allo. 😄 While we were at reception, we ordered bread & croissants for breakfast.

    We then took some washing over to the laundry and met an English lady so got talking to her.  She and her partner are on a 5 week holiday (that’ll be us come September).  The site also has a snack bar so we had dinner, a takeaway.

    Such a lovely site! Most pitches are separated by a hedge or amongst static huts which are also available (presumably). There is an indoor swimming pool, which we didn't partake in but could see it was good for swimming.

Friday (Vendredi) 15th

    Our breakfast bread & croissants came in a personalised paper bag and the croissants were HUGE!!

 A very friendly place in a very quiet area.  Would definitely return again.

    We journeyed on with a stop at the local supermarket - Super U - and to get diesel.... and who should we see doing the exact same thing as the lady who we spoke to at the campsite.  They are heading down south to hopefully better weather.

     The journey to Naizin (or Levellys on the map) was OK and there was sunshine, rain and dull cloudy, so a mixed bag of weather. But we did see a red squirrel and a hare enroute.  We also saw bales of straw bundled up to imitate a bride and groom who are getting married in August.  

    There were also lilies in peoples gardens and in parks the same as our Amy had in her wedding bouquet.  Daisies are growing almost everywhere!  There were a few roundabouts that had decorations in the middle so we took a few pictures of them.

     The site at Naizin is also a Camping-Car Park and initially we thought our code didn’t work but you had to really press the enter button hard to open the barrier.  

    Pitches are dotted throughout the trees which is lovely but it does make for damp ground.  We also saw many caterpillars dangling from branches.  We later found out they would make a web-like structure and decimate the leaves.  We are so close to one bush that we are hoping they don’t decide Daisy would make a good home!

 

Saturday (Samedi) 16th

    We took a walk into the town signposted Naizin.  There wasn’t much there but the food shop was open as was the butcher, baker and hair salon.  What wasn’t open, and wouldn’t be until Sunday, was the restaurant that we were hoping to get a meal at today.  

There was a guildhall (Marie) and a church with very colourful stained glass but apart from that nothing else. 

    We did hear some very loud music but by the time we went to investigate, it had finished.  

    So a relaxing day was forced upon us although we did go for another walk around the lake.  Maybe we’ll get out on the bikes tomorrow.

 

Sunday 17th

    We decided to move on, get out of the trees and  so travelled northwards to Salines d’Or des Pins, on the coast.  We booked the camp site last night but only paid half so paid the other half on arrival.  I managed to say we had a reservation for the night in French and she answered in English.  Just as well as she also explained about the shower bracelet and that it was only activated for 2 x 5 minutes.  Nowhere near enough for me to wash my hair and shower so I had a shower in the van.  Our site is down a small lane adjacent to the estuary with a path through the salt marshes into town.

    We walked into the town.  It was good seeing people about and open spaces again - and of course the sea!  We booked into a restaurant, again I asked in French and the whole exchange was in French.  It felt good.

    When we got back to Daisy, we were able to sit outside for a while before it got too cold.  This is only the second time that we have sat out this trip.

    Out again in the evening for our meal.  Boy, the wind was cold.  Although I’d dressed up (a bit) I’m glad I also took my light rain coat.  We were too early and although we tried the door it was locked, then someone came out to say the staff were having their dinner and to wait until 7pm.  Once inside, it was nice and warm so we were happier then.  The food was OK and I fell off my ‘no fish’ pedestal and had a fish stew with 4 different varieties.  It was lovely.  Mike had steak and chips which ‘wasn’t anything to write home about’.  We also had pudding/cheese and a bottle of Chinon wine (red but it still tastes good with my fish). 

 Monday 18th

Another decorated roundabout

    Onwards again to Mont St Michel, stopping at Carrefour enroute for last minute shopping.  Again we are staying at a Camping-Car Park and this time is quite large but feels open even though the motorhomes are relatively close together.  It is about 5 km away from Mont St Michel, so tomorrow we will cycle there to have a good look around.

    We went for a walk around the village to have a look but also see what restaurant we fancy for tomorrow, our last night here.  There is not much here, mainly restaurants and tourist shops.  The restaurants keep strange opening times.  Some are not open again until Thursday, Some not open until tomorrow.  Some closed Thursday and Friday and when they are open they open their doors at 7pm, as we experienced last night.  

We did find the cycle path that goes all the way to Mont St Michel which we will take tomorrow (hopefully sans rain).

    On returning to the site we had a look around and noticed how many motorhomes there were from different countries, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, UK.

    We tried to book a table for tomorrow and although I said everything correctly in French (Mike had a translator going at the time) we never received a call back so don’t know if it is booked or not.  We’ll go tomorrow and hope.

Tuesday 19th

    Rain over night so I thought our cycle ride would be out of the question.  Also Mike was suffering from backache quite badly but he said he wanted to go to ease it off.  So after breakfast, we got the bikes ready and lo and behold the sun started to break through the clouds.

 

    There is a foot and cycle path all the way from our site at Beauvoir which was also flat so an easy cycle ride.  

It looked like a lightning strike was imminent!

    5km later were were at Mont St Michel.  We have been here before but this time it felt much steeper!  Many touristy shops and cafes and restaurants near the base of the rock and plenty of people.  We took a slow saunter up then I left Mike perched on a wall and walked up the rest - well as far as I could without paying.  

    To look around the Abbey itself is €32 so I decided not to do that.  We met up with each other and after buying something for the grandchildren from one of the shops we took the bikes ride back to the site - before the rain.   We did stop off for a drink and half a roll each.  It was hard going against the wind but I purposefully didn’t use my battery just to get some exercise.  I feel I haven’t done much this trip.  But by the time we got back, we were both knackered so we settled down to a relaxing afternoon.

    We venture out again in the evening, this time in search of food.  We are relatively early (the restaurants don’t seem to open until 7pm) and manage to bag a table.  I had tried phoning last evening and left a message in French with my number but never had a return call.  The restaurant is very popular and soon fills up.  The food is very good and we even have puddings.  This is our last big meal before heading for home so it is good to finish on a high note.  On a side note, we had some gorgeous marinaded olives as a starter. When asked what the marinade was, the waitress said Raspberry vinaigrette.  We tried replicating it but no avail. 😞

 

Wednesday 20th May

    No real rush to leave the site as our ferry doesn’t leave until the late afternoon.  This site has been the best even though it is also the biggest. 

    En route for Ouistreham, we stop at a supermarket to buy last minute things to take home - not that there is much.  We have also created a snack hamper for our daughter and her family instead of taking tacky tat back for them.  It has been quite exciting creating this hamper and have gathered snacks from all the places we’ve been to, albeit in the supermarkets.

    The ferry trip seemed to be a long one.  We had booked seats and found that they were facing the bow and we could see where we were going.  We were right in the front row.  However, I suspect these seats are taken quite regularly and they had become a little uncomfortable.  Around dinner time, we ventured to the self service but found it shut.  They don’t open until 7pm and they are running on English time so by the time we do eat it is closer to 8pm French time.

 Not too painful through passport control and were were home by 11pm.  It felt good to be home.