Its one year on, and at last I have got my dads to get out of the rut and do another big milage adventure. We have done a few trips in Uk, and had a great time, but I need to meet my European fans again..
So on Friday 01 feb they are taking me back to France and Spain for 6 - 8 weeks, to take in the rays !!!
UPDATE: Autumn 2008 trip underway. Catch up at (click)
http://leostravelautumn.blogspot.com
My blog from the spring of this years is (click)
http://leostravels2008.blogspot.com
Look forward to you enjoying my trip with me
Leopold
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Sunday 18 March 2007
Over and out (well for now anyway)
.Mileage to finish : 5485
Well we needed to be re-acclimatised, we woke to thick fog, my walk not only involved sniffing for England but making sure I did not lose sight of dad. Breakfast seemed a little quiet, we were all thinking about the fun we all had over the last 7 weeks (we don’t mention “the problem day”).
By the time we left, the fog was a little thinner, but still thick enough to make the crossing the Pont de Normandie bridge easier for Guy who does not like heights and had experienced the bridge on a Harley a couple of years ago. Once clear of Honfleur, and the River Seine, it cleared, and we had a sunny journey most of the way.
I forgot to t
ell you yesterday of the “Tom Tom” incident (I also forgot to tell you that we now have a very nice English cabin crew, who asks us to go around the island NOT the rotary as the American did!). We were at he last stage of getting to Honfleur, and the voice made us all jump, when we were told to take the exit in 2km. Guy questioned it, but we did as instructed, and left the motorway to take the next motorway. One problem, as we paid our toll, and drove away from the peage, THE MOTORWAY HAD NOT BEEN BUILT YET!. In front of us was just big machines used I am told to build roads. We then to had go off a side road round and island and take a ticket at the same peage to rejoin the last motorway (I think by the sounds of things Tom Tom does not have many more lies left – some sort of sacrificial end is close if he co**s up again)
On arrival in Calais, there off to the City of Europe, which turns out to be a huge shopping complex, apparently built for the UK “shopping trips” so maybe their going to get me some duty free chews!. There is a minor problem all the car parks have a barrier with height restriction of 2mt, (not going there!), but in the end they decide they will use the bus car park, as it will take Priscilla’s height. I know when they are on the way back I can hear this almighty rumble and rattling of bottles being pushed in a supermarket trolley, which are them secreted into the bowels of Priscilla.
A little luncheon the car park before setting off to the last night and last site, apparently it’s about 20km out of town (in summer there are quite a few Aires, but non open for a couples of weeks).
I sometimes think they stage manage things. You will all remember the disaster of day 1 in Rouen, well we are about 1 mile from site, when we see the sign for the site, and Tom Tom says turn left. (Can he see signs too?). Just about to do as instructed when, another sign “3.1mt height restriction”.
Our blood runs
cold, the brakes go on, we lurch forward, as we come to a stop. Pull back, return to the main village road, and under the mutterings the humans are trying to find an alternative route. A u turn, as fast decision by Guy to take a small road through some houses, a junction, a local stands on the roadside, when asked they way points right, and blimey 100yds we are here. Now I think they were a little unfair when they were meet by the owner, who popped up from nowhere to ask if we had a reservation, the first time in 6 weeks we needed a reseration. Guy asked if they had a convention on, and were booked out? No, it was just that many of the pitches were not in use because of the wet ground, so we were told to park on the Boules pitch. The site is a camping/hotel location and the guy had only bought it and taken over a couples of weeks before. Dads were chuckling because they said he was a dead ringer for John Cleese in Fawlty Towers (who ever and what ever that was), every time he popped up they would smile. He was doing a good job, trying to rebuild bits of the site and greet every new arrival, but even I ended up smiling at his walk.
We meet a very nice couple in the caravan parked next to us. They had a very nice little bitch, who seemed to like me (even if she was a bit frightened by me – I ask you !). Dad lent them our spare hook up cable to solve a problem they had. The site had a big field so I got a nice walk, and we continued into the village. Dads had to go and look at the low bridge, which turned out to be part of the old town wall. The sign at each end of the road said 3.1 mt, but on the wall it was 3.3mt (which if we had ducked, could have got through – just)
Again a shock when we woke, now it’s a thick frost. Further acclimatisation.
Off to the Tunnel, picking up a tank of cheap diesel on the way. My check in at “PAWS” the pet checking in area, was easy. Scanned my chip, looked at my passport and the entry from the vet in Honfleur. All ok, so off to check in. We were offered an earlier train at no extra cost (so the humans are happy) which we take.
We are no
w back on home soil. Guy has arranged to meet up with his sons, who are my mates, for lunch. The only problem was I had recall, and thought we were back in Italy. The road in Sussex are so bad, it matches the roads I had my nuts bumped on in Italy. Great lunch outside in the sun. Then we are of “up;t north”.
Home at last, not sure how I feel about it, and dads look in the same mind.
We all had the most fantastic holiday, we have seen some fantastic scenery. I think you will agree with us, that we have had many adventures, and fun, that 5½ thousand miles have passed with such speed. Hymer have made a carriage that has served us brilliantly. As did Hymer themselves when we were forced to visit them.
I have meet up with all my friends in the village, especially my best mate Debbie, and am so excited to be home, but am sure I will feel different tomorrow, and want to be in the Mediterranean sun again – and I know dads feel the same.
ITS BEEN GREAT
I have had a ball, dads have been in my shadow, but I think they like that, and are happy to help me meet my friends.
We all have so many memories of this trip, and will lead dads to new plans for the next trip.
So for now that’s it, over and out.
The humans tell me that we will be off on another adventure soon, if you have enjoyed our blog and would like to follow our next trip, email me with your email address and I will let you know when the next blog starts.
leopoldonholiday@btinternet.com
Thank you for following our travels, for the many e.mails you have sent me, and for all the humans who have chatted and petted me. The adventure has probably changed the three of us (for the better !)
From Bellissimo, Au revoir
Ps dads say that for all you humans who also Motorhome, they are going to add a page giving the best 10 and worst 10 items of the trip, (yawn!)
Well we needed to be re-acclimatised, we woke to thick fog, my walk not only involved sniffing for England but making sure I did not lose sight of dad. Breakfast seemed a little quiet, we were all thinking about the fun we all had over the last 7 weeks (we don’t mention “the problem day”).
By the time we left, the fog was a little thinner, but still thick enough to make the crossing the Pont de Normandie bridge easier for Guy who does not like heights and had experienced the bridge on a Harley a couple of years ago. Once clear of Honfleur, and the River Seine, it cleared, and we had a sunny journey most of the way.
I forgot to t
ell you yesterday of the “Tom Tom” incident (I also forgot to tell you that we now have a very nice English cabin crew, who asks us to go around the island NOT the rotary as the American did!). We were at he last stage of getting to Honfleur, and the voice made us all jump, when we were told to take the exit in 2km. Guy questioned it, but we did as instructed, and left the motorway to take the next motorway. One problem, as we paid our toll, and drove away from the peage, THE MOTORWAY HAD NOT BEEN BUILT YET!. In front of us was just big machines used I am told to build roads. We then to had go off a side road round and island and take a ticket at the same peage to rejoin the last motorway (I think by the sounds of things Tom Tom does not have many more lies left – some sort of sacrificial end is close if he co**s up again)On arrival in Calais, there off to the City of Europe, which turns out to be a huge shopping complex, apparently built for the UK “shopping trips” so maybe their going to get me some duty free chews!. There is a minor problem all the car parks have a barrier with height restriction of 2mt, (not going there!), but in the end they decide they will use the bus car park, as it will take Priscilla’s height. I know when they are on the way back I can hear this almighty rumble and rattling of bottles being pushed in a supermarket trolley, which are them secreted into the bowels of Priscilla.
A little luncheon the car park before setting off to the last night and last site, apparently it’s about 20km out of town (in summer there are quite a few Aires, but non open for a couples of weeks).
I sometimes think they stage manage things. You will all remember the disaster of day 1 in Rouen, well we are about 1 mile from site, when we see the sign for the site, and Tom Tom says turn left. (Can he see signs too?). Just about to do as instructed when, another sign “3.1mt height restriction”.
Our blood runs
cold, the brakes go on, we lurch forward, as we come to a stop. Pull back, return to the main village road, and under the mutterings the humans are trying to find an alternative route. A u turn, as fast decision by Guy to take a small road through some houses, a junction, a local stands on the roadside, when asked they way points right, and blimey 100yds we are here. Now I think they were a little unfair when they were meet by the owner, who popped up from nowhere to ask if we had a reservation, the first time in 6 weeks we needed a reseration. Guy asked if they had a convention on, and were booked out? No, it was just that many of the pitches were not in use because of the wet ground, so we were told to park on the Boules pitch. The site is a camping/hotel location and the guy had only bought it and taken over a couples of weeks before. Dads were chuckling because they said he was a dead ringer for John Cleese in Fawlty Towers (who ever and what ever that was), every time he popped up they would smile. He was doing a good job, trying to rebuild bits of the site and greet every new arrival, but even I ended up smiling at his walk.We meet a very nice couple in the caravan parked next to us. They had a very nice little bitch, who seemed to like me (even if she was a bit frightened by me – I ask you !). Dad lent them our spare hook up cable to solve a problem they had. The site had a big field so I got a nice walk, and we continued into the village. Dads had to go and look at the low bridge, which turned out to be part of the old town wall. The sign at each end of the road said 3.1 mt, but on the wall it was 3.3mt (which if we had ducked, could have got through – just)
Again a shock when we woke, now it’s a thick frost. Further acclimatisation.
Off to the Tunnel, picking up a tank of cheap diesel on the way. My check in at “PAWS” the pet checking in area, was easy. Scanned my chip, looked at my passport and the entry from the vet in Honfleur. All ok, so off to check in. We were offered an earlier train at no extra cost (so the humans are happy) which we take.
We are no
w back on home soil. Guy has arranged to meet up with his sons, who are my mates, for lunch. The only problem was I had recall, and thought we were back in Italy. The road in Sussex are so bad, it matches the roads I had my nuts bumped on in Italy. Great lunch outside in the sun. Then we are of “up;t north”.Home at last, not sure how I feel about it, and dads look in the same mind.
We all had the most fantastic holiday, we have seen some fantastic scenery. I think you will agree with us, that we have had many adventures, and fun, that 5½ thousand miles have passed with such speed. Hymer have made a carriage that has served us brilliantly. As did Hymer themselves when we were forced to visit them.
I have meet up with all my friends in the village, especially my best mate Debbie, and am so excited to be home, but am sure I will feel different tomorrow, and want to be in the Mediterranean sun again – and I know dads feel the same.
ITS BEEN GREAT
I have had a ball, dads have been in my shadow, but I think they like that, and are happy to help me meet my friends.
We all have so many memories of this trip, and will lead dads to new plans for the next trip.
So for now that’s it, over and out.
The humans tell me that we will be off on another adventure soon, if you have enjoyed our blog and would like to follow our next trip, email me with your email address and I will let you know when the next blog starts.
leopoldonholiday@btinternet.com
Thank you for following our travels, for the many e.mails you have sent me, and for all the humans who have chatted and petted me. The adventure has probably changed the three of us (for the better !)
From Bellissimo, Au revoir
Ps dads say that for all you humans who also Motorhome, they are going to add a page giving the best 10 and worst 10 items of the trip, (yawn!)
Thursday 15 March 2007
I did survive
.Mileage from start : 5090
This bl***dy >French keyboqrd is doing ,y pqzs in – (again) this French keyboard is doing my paws in(not to mention my head – must concentrate)
I got a nice walk, the site is very large, and the bottom end is not open yet, so just me and me dad. It goes right down to the end of the island, I got my sniff quota in, and we were off. It’s a long one today they tell me, over 375km to Honflleur our next stop, a pretty uneventful trip as it happens (but give it time!).
Tonight is going to be an public Aire, and Tom Tom finds it no problem, right on the harbour, just a couple mins from town. However there is the small matter nagging in my mind – THE VETS ( I am sorry I just hate them – not personally, I’m sure most are really nice humans- I just don’t like going to them)
But before we get to that part of the itinerary, we experience the daily “wobble”; Apparently it costs 7€ which has to be put in a parking ticket machine. Not enough coins, so Guy goes off into town to find change, 20 mins later returns with money. Cover your ears(or should that be eyes) put money into slot – nothing – now imagine, you will be close. A little later Guy finds a man who’s wo
rking on the site, who tells him nobody ever bothers to pay (now imagine what was said). Then just as we leave for town the machine collectors arrive, and guys goes to them; first they say no money is in the machine (not the right answer) to more French discussion; In the end they give him a hand written ticket ( so we were the only legals on site) so lots of muttering.
A walk round town ‘dads were here with their motorbikes a couple of years ago( just before my time), then to the dreaded appointment, the vet was a nice human – but – I survived, although dads had to save the moment; I had to have 3 pills, and she thought I would like them squashed in dog food !!
Now I ask you, do I look like a squashed dog food lover?; Dad has a way, undignified but they get pus
hed to the back of my mouth and they go;
However they found the next bit difficult to swallow, the bill 52€. All they could do was equate it to 20 bottles of wine (I’m worth it!). Back to town for some shopping, funny for once the shops were open, so Alan was happier !
I had a snooze while they went back to town for dinner, their end of holiday treat, I did not mind not going, I was so relieved that I had survived the Vet.
Tomorrow another 235km, and our last day for adventures.
Over and Out
This bl***dy >French keyboqrd is doing ,y pqzs in – (again) this French keyboard is doing my paws in(not to mention my head – must concentrate)
I got a nice walk, the site is very large, and the bottom end is not open yet, so just me and me dad. It goes right down to the end of the island, I got my sniff quota in, and we were off. It’s a long one today they tell me, over 375km to Honflleur our next stop, a pretty uneventful trip as it happens (but give it time!).
Tonight is going to be an public Aire, and Tom Tom finds it no problem, right on the harbour, just a couple mins from town. However there is the small matter nagging in my mind – THE VETS ( I am sorry I just hate them – not personally, I’m sure most are really nice humans- I just don’t like going to them)
But before we get to that part of the itinerary, we experience the daily “wobble”; Apparently it costs 7€ which has to be put in a parking ticket machine. Not enough coins, so Guy goes off into town to find change, 20 mins later returns with money. Cover your ears(or should that be eyes) put money into slot – nothing – now imagine, you will be close. A little later Guy finds a man who’s wo
rking on the site, who tells him nobody ever bothers to pay (now imagine what was said). Then just as we leave for town the machine collectors arrive, and guys goes to them; first they say no money is in the machine (not the right answer) to more French discussion; In the end they give him a hand written ticket ( so we were the only legals on site) so lots of muttering.A walk round town ‘dads were here with their motorbikes a couple of years ago( just before my time), then to the dreaded appointment, the vet was a nice human – but – I survived, although dads had to save the moment; I had to have 3 pills, and she thought I would like them squashed in dog food !!
Now I ask you, do I look like a squashed dog food lover?; Dad has a way, undignified but they get pus
hed to the back of my mouth and they go;However they found the next bit difficult to swallow, the bill 52€. All they could do was equate it to 20 bottles of wine (I’m worth it!). Back to town for some shopping, funny for once the shops were open, so Alan was happier !
I had a snooze while they went back to town for dinner, their end of holiday treat, I did not mind not going, I was so relieved that I had survived the Vet.
Tomorrow another 235km, and our last day for adventures.Over and Out
Sabotage suspected !
.Mileage from start : 4785
You will note my parting line last night. You will also know the routine now “no day without an incident”. Well why should today be any different.
We decided to stay an extra day here at Camping Chez Gendron. Its such a fab Sunday. Sitting in the sun, having breakfast. The humans decided to log on and use the free Internet. They did say to upload my blog, not too sure, but it was time for “that moment”.
Now even I know liquid and technology do not mix . So its no surprise that when they knocked part of a cup of tea into the keyboard, the PC decided not to function. Lots of trying to dry it out, but by the end of the day it still did not work, am I paranoid, or are they sabotaging my blog, cus the worlds learning their human limits ?
So we had a no tech day, just relaxing, they had to spend time reducing the wine lake, We got a map from the owner and went on a great walk through the woods, for over an hour, before returning. I just got them to feed me some very good human food (if any dog food makers are reading
this blog – when will you understand what us dogs would really love in our bowels). I think they finally got over the fact that they were at the only site to date with free wifi, and they could not use it. Pic of dad cooking dinner, he's so good even in this tiny kitchen
The big blue light was turned on, as those bugs were about, and we all passed out.
After the normal departure rituals, we were off, departing the vineyards for our journey north. They tell me we are going to Saumur, which in the Loire area (sounds like the back of a bottle again!). As we entered the area there were some very stylish BIG Châteaux, then we got to Saumur, and it has its very own, on a hill overlooking our site, which is on an island in the river. We had a great walk up to the Châteaux, the views over the town were fab, and lots of humans were looking and talking about me ( you would think I was an alien at times)
Now try this:
Zhile in tozn; they decided to buy q keyboesd, to pluj into the PC, zhile the keyboeqrd dries out; th eideq is fine but noz they expect ,,e to type on q French keyboeqd:
That was, while in town they decided to buy q*a keyboard, to plug into the PC while the keyboard dries out, the idea is fine but now they expect me to type on a French keyboard, why do they have to have all the letters in different places – I thought this was the united Europe (those words may be edited out when they see them – or we will have the stems out the ears again – if you ever meet them NEVER bring up the union!).
So typing is now very slow, but who cares, maybe I will finish the blog in French, then the keyboard will be OK.
We have had a great dinner, fresh roast French chicken, with all the roasts etc, and, as I expect I got all the carcass meat (and a bit of breast), a couple of roast pots, and I am more than happy. Dads are happy cus they are at one of those sites that is very friendly, but also right in town, so we get to see everything (even if Alan did not get some nice little delicacies from any of the three patisseries he passed)
I hqve hqd enough of this keyboeqd – I have had enough of this keyboard so paws down for the night;
Hope In can sleep, as the humans have booked me in to see a Veterinaire tomorrow in Honfleur ( they say I have to go or I cannot return home with them – if I find out they are fibbing I get my REVENGE)
You will note my parting line last night. You will also know the routine now “no day without an incident”. Well why should today be any different.
We decided to stay an extra day here at Camping Chez Gendron. Its such a fab Sunday. Sitting in the sun, having breakfast. The humans decided to log on and use the free Internet. They did say to upload my blog, not too sure, but it was time for “that moment”.
Now even I know liquid and technology do not mix . So its no surprise that when they knocked part of a cup of tea into the keyboard, the PC decided not to function. Lots of trying to dry it out, but by the end of the day it still did not work, am I paranoid, or are they sabotaging my blog, cus the worlds learning their human limits ?
So we had a no tech day, just relaxing, they had to spend time reducing the wine lake, We got a map from the owner and went on a great walk through the woods, for over an hour, before returning. I just got them to feed me some very good human food (if any dog food makers are reading
this blog – when will you understand what us dogs would really love in our bowels). I think they finally got over the fact that they were at the only site to date with free wifi, and they could not use it. Pic of dad cooking dinner, he's so good even in this tiny kitchenThe big blue light was turned on, as those bugs were about, and we all passed out.
After the normal departure rituals, we were off, departing the vineyards for our journey north. They tell me we are going to Saumur, which in the Loire area (sounds like the back of a bottle again!). As we entered the area there were some very stylish BIG Châteaux, then we got to Saumur, and it has its very own, on a hill overlooking our site, which is on an island in the river. We had a great walk up to the Châteaux, the views over the town were fab, and lots of humans were looking and talking about me ( you would think I was an alien at times)
Now try this:
Zhile in tozn; they decided to buy q keyboesd, to pluj into the PC, zhile the keyboeqrd dries out; th eideq is fine but noz they expect ,,e to type on q French keyboeqd:
That was, while in town they decided to buy q*a keyboard, to plug into the PC while the keyboard dries out, the idea is fine but now they expect me to type on a French keyboard, why do they have to have all the letters in different places – I thought this was the united Europe (those words may be edited out when they see them – or we will have the stems out the ears again – if you ever meet them NEVER bring up the union!).
So typing is now very slow, but who cares, maybe I will finish the blog in French, then the keyboard will be OK.
We have had a great dinner, fresh roast French chicken, with all the roasts etc, and, as I expect I got all the carcass meat (and a bit of breast), a couple of roast pots, and I am more than happy. Dads are happy cus they are at one of those sites that is very friendly, but also right in town, so we get to see everything (even if Alan did not get some nice little delicacies from any of the three patisseries he passed)
I hqve hqd enough of this keyboeqd – I have had enough of this keyboard so paws down for the night;
Hope In can sleep, as the humans have booked me in to see a Veterinaire tomorrow in Honfleur ( they say I have to go or I cannot return home with them – if I find out they are fibbing I get my REVENGE)
Saturday 10 March 2007
At last “As Advertised”
Mileage from start : 4605
Sun, blue skies – we’ve been here before, but yes it had returned.
We had our breakfast taking in the morning rays. Packed up and set off for our journey. As yesterday was so glum dads decided that we would drive to the little port and see it in the sun.
Sun, blue skies – we’ve been here before, but yes it had returned.
We had our breakfast taking in the morning rays. Packed up and set off for our journey. As yesterday was so glum dads decided that we would drive to the little port and see it in the sun.
It was a different place, little boats on blue water, little sheds with locals selling the Oysters, Cockles and other fruits de mer. Even the little beach was inviting, Alan was trying to see ships!. And the ducks looked happier.
Back to the main roads and a short journey of 80 miles to our next stop. More forest until we got to Bordeaux, when the whole landscape changed, in fact it could have been England. Over two big rivers, the Dordogne and Gironde and we were to be close to where they converge. Apparently both dads have been to the Dordogne, which is close to here (apparently know as Dordogneshire, as so many English have moved there.
Lovely site, run by a Dutch family and just to be really close to life, its in the middle of Guess what ?
vineyards – Bordeaux vines
The views from the top of the road are spectacular, and as there are some local dogs, I was able to get a quota of sniffs in. The I meet some very strange things, I stood staring through the fence at them and
dad said they were miniature nanny goats, very strange, they didn’t bark at me ! Then the surprise. After travelling to dozens of sites advertising Internet access (you’ve been following the saga) well its as advertised. In fact better, wireless Internet and FREE. They have been sitting in and catching up with my blog admin, their e-mails and time to surf for what ever they surf for.
Humans turn for the biting bugs, both have been eaten this afternoon, so the big blue lights been plugged in to zap them.
I’m off to dream land, so this keyboard will have to wait till tomorrowLeopold..
Anybody know where we can buy an Ark
Mileage from start : 4525
I was wrong, big time, ITS STILL RAINING. 48 hours and still going strong – not so monsoonish as persistent.
There are about 12 motorhomes here and half were UK’ers. And most had a mate for me to sniff after. The lad over the way is a veteran, and needs a ramp to get back inside (I tell you a thing – the humans got me one of those, very smart, black with a carpet up it for grip, folded up when not in use. Now I ask you, I’m 3 years old, in my prime, what the hell were they on when they bought it? And why did they think I needed it?. It’s in the garage at home – maybe useful when I get to be a veteran).
The site is Larrouleta at Urrugne just over the French boarder, and as I said is the Basque area, so they have their own language, and dads say they want independence from Spain and France. There is a Château, which is open to visit, but it won’t stop raining so we stay close to Priscilla, and have a cosy evening. There also a few Basque Cocks on site, I came across a couple of their chicks.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Country_%28autonomous_community%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Basque_Country
A stop at the s
upermarket for the weekend supplies and we are off to our next destination. We are off to Audenge just around from Cap Ferret which is a National Park area around a tidal lake.
The drive was dull and grey and wet. You drive a long time through the Landes de Gascogne, which is very flat and covered with pine forest. So all to see for most of the journey was pine trees as the road is cut through the forest.
See: http://www.bassin-arcachon.com/
Today’s site is Camping le Braou, and its OK, will probably be better by the start of the season. Its still raining persistently, but I cannot stay in any longer, I’m getting very restless, and dads are too. So they get waterproofs on, I just go for it. A nice walk in the pouring rain, skies so overcast. Down to the edge of the basin, by a little marina. The edge of the road was the start of the nat
ure reserve and there were ducks everywhere. Saw where the water should have been, the tide was out and the whole lake was empty! We were drowned, as we walked back. Then the edge of the sky lightened, and within minutes the sun was out (in this family blog I cannot repeat what was said at this point – in fact I could not understand all the words).
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquitaine
So it was a sunny evening, the only thing was as it was the start of the weekend, ca
mpers were arriving and setting up until about 9pm, but we were not concerned, dads were taking the liquid tranquilliser, and I had been on a (wet) walk, so time to snooze.
Lets see what tomorrow brings.
I was wrong, big time, ITS STILL RAINING. 48 hours and still going strong – not so monsoonish as persistent.
There are about 12 motorhomes here and half were UK’ers. And most had a mate for me to sniff after. The lad over the way is a veteran, and needs a ramp to get back inside (I tell you a thing – the humans got me one of those, very smart, black with a carpet up it for grip, folded up when not in use. Now I ask you, I’m 3 years old, in my prime, what the hell were they on when they bought it? And why did they think I needed it?. It’s in the garage at home – maybe useful when I get to be a veteran).
The site is Larrouleta at Urrugne just over the French boarder, and as I said is the Basque area, so they have their own language, and dads say they want independence from Spain and France. There is a Château, which is open to visit, but it won’t stop raining so we stay close to Priscilla, and have a cosy evening. There also a few Basque Cocks on site, I came across a couple of their chicks.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Country_%28autonomous_community%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Basque_Country
A stop at the s
upermarket for the weekend supplies and we are off to our next destination. We are off to Audenge just around from Cap Ferret which is a National Park area around a tidal lake.The drive was dull and grey and wet. You drive a long time through the Landes de Gascogne, which is very flat and covered with pine forest. So all to see for most of the journey was pine trees as the road is cut through the forest.
See: http://www.bassin-arcachon.com/
Today’s site is Camping le Braou, and its OK, will probably be better by the start of the season. Its still raining persistently, but I cannot stay in any longer, I’m getting very restless, and dads are too. So they get waterproofs on, I just go for it. A nice walk in the pouring rain, skies so overcast. Down to the edge of the basin, by a little marina. The edge of the road was the start of the nat
ure reserve and there were ducks everywhere. Saw where the water should have been, the tide was out and the whole lake was empty! We were drowned, as we walked back. Then the edge of the sky lightened, and within minutes the sun was out (in this family blog I cannot repeat what was said at this point – in fact I could not understand all the words).See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquitaine
So it was a sunny evening, the only thing was as it was the start of the weekend, ca
mpers were arriving and setting up until about 9pm, but we were not concerned, dads were taking the liquid tranquilliser, and I had been on a (wet) walk, so time to snooze.Lets see what tomorrow brings.
Thursday 8 March 2007
The Windmills of my Mind!
Mileage from start : 4402
Today was like a time machine, we seemed to travel through the galaxy. Starting near the beach, blue skies, trees and humans. We hit the highway AP2, for our 460km journey (we had not been able to find any stop on route on any guide). Past a couple of sprawling towns, and we were free. We climbed upwards, and came to vast plateaux, all very pink, after a time it turned beige, then the ground appeared as a green/grey gravel. The sun had disappeared and clouds took over. This is the great interior of Spain, and its vast. Dad said it looked like some of the Australian outback.
Then we all took a double look, when we saw a huge road sign with “Greenwich” on. It was the fa
ct we were about to cross 0° and there was a iron span across the road when we cross the point. Made us all think of our friends back in London –Hi to you all, hope everyone is well.
There were vast fields of fruit trees in blossom, wild flowers at the edge of the road, and fields of them as well. Old villages in hills, very pretty. THEN we hit the hell that is Zaragoza, the absolutely beautiful road surface, which had been like a billiard table for 200km, now it felt like we driving over a field, and the noise was deafening. Hundreds of lorries, were trundling by us, and then it went black there was lightning, and a monsoon. This is a real industrial city in the middle of nowhere. As we approached the far city limit, the fields returned but the storm had brought the winds.
There were clusters of wind farms all turning, for the next 200km, thousands of them, and the win
ds got worse, we were blown sideward, luckily very light traffic so nobody to slide into. Dad said that they must have wired up the wind turbines wrongly, and the were acting as fans! In the end we pulled into an Aire to have lunch and take tranquillisers! I tried to have a pee, it went horizontal, and the wind blew up by backside, which I hate, so I insisted we return to the comfort of Priscilla. We needed fuel, so Guy got out to fill up, you should have seen the terror on his face as he had to hold onto a post while he fuelled, otherwise he would have been on one of the other pumps, and then he got the chatty Spanish man in the shop who was telling him his brother lived in London somewhere!
We set off, very slowly, the wind dropping slightly, then the sun came out and the scenery was like the moon, but mixed in with the lunar soil was young wheat, gradually turning everywhere green. This area was Navarra, and the Bardenas Reales. Then we looked ahead and there was a spectacular horizontal rainbow, filling an area between to hills. (the photo just did not do justice).
See http://www.turismo.navarra.es/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamplona
Finally our destination, Ezcaba Camping at Pamplona. Dads were busy chatting about how they wer
e surprised at Pamplona, they had expected a small old Spanish town, like they had seen the bulls running through. Instead it a vast new city, acres of new homes (mostly pink) of all sizes and all looking like they have been built within the last couple of years. No sign from the main road of the old bit.
We started to set up, and it started to rain, Dad was waiting it to slow a little so we could go out. However it steadily got worse, it did mean I got my favourite “Towelling”, but we battened down the hatches for the night.
It rained all night, and its still raining. The river I saw last night, is now over its banks, and the site is like a lake. We got the blog uploaded last night so, we set off early to get to the next site, which they tell me is only 70km away. However it was a bit of a journey, an “N” road up into the hills, following lots of lorries. The rain is torrential, and the windscreen keep misting up. The road in areas is full us holes, but with this many lorries its hardly surprising. After 60kms we get to the highway. A couple of km and its our third visit to France this holiday, as we go through the b
oarder control. And only a couple more KM and we’re here, in the Basque region, and the site is probably the most manicured one we have been to. The owner is very proud to be Basque and to have such a good site. However guess what was the problem at check in?
Yes, this site has a Wireless Internet network - BUT IT IS FAULTY - and not working – you could have knocked us down with a feather. But it does have a heated indoor swimming pool, and although it say no shorts, the humans say they may break the law and take a dip. I have a walk around the area, down to the lake, but everywhere is swamped so I cannot get to do much exploring.
24 Hours and its still raining, but skies are getting brighter (I hope)
Today was like a time machine, we seemed to travel through the galaxy. Starting near the beach, blue skies, trees and humans. We hit the highway AP2, for our 460km journey (we had not been able to find any stop on route on any guide). Past a couple of sprawling towns, and we were free. We climbed upwards, and came to vast plateaux, all very pink, after a time it turned beige, then the ground appeared as a green/grey gravel. The sun had disappeared and clouds took over. This is the great interior of Spain, and its vast. Dad said it looked like some of the Australian outback.
Then we all took a double look, when we saw a huge road sign with “Greenwich” on. It was the fa
ct we were about to cross 0° and there was a iron span across the road when we cross the point. Made us all think of our friends back in London –Hi to you all, hope everyone is well.There were vast fields of fruit trees in blossom, wild flowers at the edge of the road, and fields of them as well. Old villages in hills, very pretty. THEN we hit the hell that is Zaragoza, the absolutely beautiful road surface, which had been like a billiard table for 200km, now it felt like we driving over a field, and the noise was deafening. Hundreds of lorries, were trundling by us, and then it went black there was lightning, and a monsoon. This is a real industrial city in the middle of nowhere. As we approached the far city limit, the fields returned but the storm had brought the winds.
There were clusters of wind farms all turning, for the next 200km, thousands of them, and the win
ds got worse, we were blown sideward, luckily very light traffic so nobody to slide into. Dad said that they must have wired up the wind turbines wrongly, and the were acting as fans! In the end we pulled into an Aire to have lunch and take tranquillisers! I tried to have a pee, it went horizontal, and the wind blew up by backside, which I hate, so I insisted we return to the comfort of Priscilla. We needed fuel, so Guy got out to fill up, you should have seen the terror on his face as he had to hold onto a post while he fuelled, otherwise he would have been on one of the other pumps, and then he got the chatty Spanish man in the shop who was telling him his brother lived in London somewhere!We set off, very slowly, the wind dropping slightly, then the sun came out and the scenery was like the moon, but mixed in with the lunar soil was young wheat, gradually turning everywhere green. This area was Navarra, and the Bardenas Reales. Then we looked ahead and there was a spectacular horizontal rainbow, filling an area between to hills. (the photo just did not do justice).
See http://www.turismo.navarra.es/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamplona
Finally our destination, Ezcaba Camping at Pamplona. Dads were busy chatting about how they wer
e surprised at Pamplona, they had expected a small old Spanish town, like they had seen the bulls running through. Instead it a vast new city, acres of new homes (mostly pink) of all sizes and all looking like they have been built within the last couple of years. No sign from the main road of the old bit.We started to set up, and it started to rain, Dad was waiting it to slow a little so we could go out. However it steadily got worse, it did mean I got my favourite “Towelling”, but we battened down the hatches for the night.
It rained all night, and its still raining. The river I saw last night, is now over its banks, and the site is like a lake. We got the blog uploaded last night so, we set off early to get to the next site, which they tell me is only 70km away. However it was a bit of a journey, an “N” road up into the hills, following lots of lorries. The rain is torrential, and the windscreen keep misting up. The road in areas is full us holes, but with this many lorries its hardly surprising. After 60kms we get to the highway. A couple of km and its our third visit to France this holiday, as we go through the b
oarder control. And only a couple more KM and we’re here, in the Basque region, and the site is probably the most manicured one we have been to. The owner is very proud to be Basque and to have such a good site. However guess what was the problem at check in?Yes, this site has a Wireless Internet network - BUT IT IS FAULTY - and not working – you could have knocked us down with a feather. But it does have a heated indoor swimming pool, and although it say no shorts, the humans say they may break the law and take a dip. I have a walk around the area, down to the lake, but everywhere is swamped so I cannot get to do much exploring.
24 Hours and its still raining, but skies are getting brighter (I hope)
Wednesday 7 March 2007
My fifth country and I like it !
Mileage from start : 3718
I am sorry but you will get this update late. Dads helped getting my blog sorted, and copied to a memory stick (I’m not asking ) and went to the Internet point in the reception. So advanced was it that there was not PC so nowhere to stick the stick. They were back in minutes, and I had hoped to finish m
y sleep. Guy was telling Alan that the cost was 21€, (we remember the cost of Tuscany) and it was a bargain. The site was immaculate, and had attracted some very nice mates, including a Husky that made me look twice as I thought is was my mate Harvey (Hi Harvey, you have a double who lives with a Dutch family). The bungalows looked so much better than those we have seen to date. The reception, was high tech, staff very helpful, a supermarket, and in season plenty of things for the kids. Probably one of the best sites we have been on, and at a great price, so I look forward to a nice treat!
Plenty of out of town shopping, and they had to do it. Maybe that treat (they did spot Jumbones in case w
e have to stay longer) is in one of the carrier bags. Back to the autoroute and we are on our way south. We had taken on diesel and Guy was smiling, telling Alan he could drive faster if he liked as it was only 0.93€ lt (1.14€ in France). Today’s destination is Sitges, about 123 miles. Plane sailing – we found our site and again its VERY good. It certainly looks like the Spanish know how to run a site. Clean, immaculate, a bar, restaurant, and very good facilities, and all for 21€.
After lunch a walk into town, and it was great, I nearly wore out my nose. What an interesting place. Some very smart homes at the start of the walk, then a historic old town, with little lanes with shops and restaurants in all directions. And I had no dog attack today so I mark it a very good place.
It wa
s just a pity it was an overcast day. (I heard Alan chuntering as to why we always seem to be walking in towns during siesta when the shops are closed. Guy seemed to be smiling!)
Its now a big day on our big trip. Because of the trouble at the start of our trip (its getting hard to remember – so much has gone on and been seen) this is as far south as we go in Spain (and we are just beginning to enjoy it ). Tomorrow, is a long day as we have over 450km to go. Dads say its not going to be dogs that chase me when we get there. We are going to Pamplona, (they added it’s the Rioja area – would that be wine I ask?) and its famous I am told for chasing bulls –may have to stay in Priscilla !
They tell me its en route to Biarritz and back to France along the Atlantic coast. Originally we were going to meet up with Alan’s sister Val + husband Steve, at their Villa just outside Murcia, but that’s over 500km south. Sad that we are going north again, but its still 9 days before the holiday ends. (the humans are already adding plans and destinations to the next trip).
Bring on
the beef !
Hasta luego
PS. A lady said "que lindo" while out on our walk, so I am beautiful but not as beautiful as in Italy. The Italians are so cultured !
I am sorry but you will get this update late. Dads helped getting my blog sorted, and copied to a memory stick (I’m not asking ) and went to the Internet point in the reception. So advanced was it that there was not PC so nowhere to stick the stick. They were back in minutes, and I had hoped to finish m
y sleep. Guy was telling Alan that the cost was 21€, (we remember the cost of Tuscany) and it was a bargain. The site was immaculate, and had attracted some very nice mates, including a Husky that made me look twice as I thought is was my mate Harvey (Hi Harvey, you have a double who lives with a Dutch family). The bungalows looked so much better than those we have seen to date. The reception, was high tech, staff very helpful, a supermarket, and in season plenty of things for the kids. Probably one of the best sites we have been on, and at a great price, so I look forward to a nice treat!Plenty of out of town shopping, and they had to do it. Maybe that treat (they did spot Jumbones in case w
e have to stay longer) is in one of the carrier bags. Back to the autoroute and we are on our way south. We had taken on diesel and Guy was smiling, telling Alan he could drive faster if he liked as it was only 0.93€ lt (1.14€ in France). Today’s destination is Sitges, about 123 miles. Plane sailing – we found our site and again its VERY good. It certainly looks like the Spanish know how to run a site. Clean, immaculate, a bar, restaurant, and very good facilities, and all for 21€.After lunch a walk into town, and it was great, I nearly wore out my nose. What an interesting place. Some very smart homes at the start of the walk, then a historic old town, with little lanes with shops and restaurants in all directions. And I had no dog attack today so I mark it a very good place.
It wa
s just a pity it was an overcast day. (I heard Alan chuntering as to why we always seem to be walking in towns during siesta when the shops are closed. Guy seemed to be smiling!)Its now a big day on our big trip. Because of the trouble at the start of our trip (its getting hard to remember – so much has gone on and been seen) this is as far south as we go in Spain (and we are just beginning to enjoy it ). Tomorrow, is a long day as we have over 450km to go. Dads say its not going to be dogs that chase me when we get there. We are going to Pamplona, (they added it’s the Rioja area – would that be wine I ask?) and its famous I am told for chasing bulls –may have to stay in Priscilla !
They tell me its en route to Biarritz and back to France along the Atlantic coast. Originally we were going to meet up with Alan’s sister Val + husband Steve, at their Villa just outside Murcia, but that’s over 500km south. Sad that we are going north again, but its still 9 days before the holiday ends. (the humans are already adding plans and destinations to the next trip).
Bring on
the beef !Hasta luego
PS. A lady said "que lindo" while out on our walk, so I am beautiful but not as beautiful as in Italy. The Italians are so cultured !
Roses grow on you
Mileage from start : 3595
The lovely lady at le Vernis was around to settle up with, and a chat ( she was off shopping), then we set
off for a lost coffee with Robert + Geoff. When we arrived they were still waiting for the carpenter to arrive (Already over an hour late !). They were too tired to do the computer stuff last night, so no blog could be uploaded before we left (must find time to learn how to do it myself).See you back in London.
Back to Narbonne, and pick up the autoroute, and we are on our way (very nice road !). We are heading towards Perpignon, and another wine label appears – Fitou – move over Gillly Goulden, I’m the new wine buff. With dads wine stock and an experienced sniffing nose like mine, well what else do you need.
Its not long before we enter Spain. Guy has tuned into Spanish radio so he can switch his brain over to yet another lan
guage to habla espagnol. Alan is chatting about his early working life in the Costa Brava, and how things may have changed.The sign for Roses apears and we turn off, and 20 mins later we have found our site. Its very smart, and everyone is friendly. After setting up and a light bite, we head for town. Alan is amazed, and Guy surprised, the place is very clean and smart. Hotels look inviting, even if most are still closed. Its out of season so not bursting at the seams. I had a great walk, could not go on the beach but hey, the prom was full of trees, and that means sniffs. A couple of hours, wandering around during "siesta" and only a smattering of tourists,and a viewing of Elvis who is alive in Roses (Cus we saw him) we were ready for afternoo
n tea (if only we had some of that trapizan to go with it, but then we all have waistline watch !)Roses has been voted by us a good destination, and well worth our first point into Spain. Viva Espanola
The Pink Flamingos of Peyriac de Mer
Mileage from start : 3485
I apologize to my regular readers for a slight gap, but I have been enjoying myself in Languedoc-Roussillon, which is in the south of France bordering Spain. My humans had arranged to meet our friends and neighbours from our London house in Marseillan. It was a lovely summery day, and the little town was very picturesque, an old fishing village built around its tiny port, where the Noilley Pratt f
actory is (booze again this time Vermouth – humans!) We went a walk around the town, saw another friend’s house (Hi Mark), faced the daily dog attack before settling down to lunch on the seafront. Yum Yum!
I helped dad deal with a steak Tartare and a plate of chips, and a basket of bread. I did not partake of the jug of wine – I’ve seen what it does to them! We then headed off to find our campsite near our friends house in Aigne. We drove up through Narbonne and Bezier. And I yawned as we drove through vast areas of – yes you’ve guessed – vineyards. More than ever before, all interlaced with Chateaux and wine estates. Many of the roads were lined with silver barked trees, making an avenue, and I guess in summer would be even more dramatic. There was a bit of a panic on arrival at Camping Vernis. The local Mayor had closed down all the camping sites in the area. Dads said it is called local government or was it stupid bureaucuracy?. All the sites must cut down all he trees that surround them. Seems daft as in Italy we could only park if we were under the canopy of a thick wood. The owner,a lovely Dutch lady, said she had spent 18 years fighting the French system, and was now retiring. And as she was so nice she told us we could stay, but only as friends, and showed us where to park-up. While dad
s were busy chatting to the lady, I went on a big sniffathon, well they do talk a lot at times. I was not in the good books when I got back, as Alan found a tick crawling up my face, so I ended up with the nit nurse routine (it so embarrassing!)
Robert and Geoff then took us to their house, which they are restoring and doing up, its big and dads said it will be very nice when the work is finished. There was a lot of laughing about how difficult it was to get the French workmen to work to schedule. Apparently every time Robert and Geoff leave so do the tradesmen, usually cus they have several jobs running together. It’s, who’s at home to see them that gets the work done! Then dads got reliief as we were driven by Robert in a car, me sitting between my humans on the back seat. I think they had got a bigger car when they knew I was visiting, they are so thoughtful. Off to Minerve, an ancient fortified town built in a gorge. After parking it’s the "dog attack" by the world’s ugliest dog, before I could get into town. This time I was protected by four humans pretending to "shoo" it away. They all talked about how interesting the town was, and the startling views around the gorge. Apparently the river runs underground in large caves which you walk into, but we did not go right down to water.
Back to their home over the Canal du Midi ( Rick Stien again – in fact the restaurants we were by was one of the one featured on the programme).
We had a fabulous dinner, which Geoff prepared for us, and then some computer fiddling (talk about wireless network – what ever that is). When they had finished flushing their systems with vino, we had a lift back to Priscilla, for some shut eye.
Sunday started as a very warm sunny day, and the humans had planned plenty to do. Robert and Geoff arrived to pick us up and off we went to a market in the town of Saint Chinian. They bought
some local olives of which the vendor said were the Mercedes of olives, they laughed and said they probably had loose nuts (don’t ask me !). Got some bread and croissant, and got a table at the busy café on the street corner. It was a great sitting there watching the busy market, but apparently they do serve the worst coffee in France! It was also strange that there were so many people speaking English or Dutch. We were told there were a lot living in the area. I got a lot of attention, one French lady just wanted to rub my fur to see how soft it was (like a TV commercial!).
Back to the car and zoomed to Narbonne for Lunch. They said its was originally a Roman town and there was part of the original road- Via Demetia - displayed in the square. Dads got a waitress to find me a nice table under an umbrella. I did notice a King Charles Spaniel sitting on a chair with his humans, being feed at the table. Cheeky Robert caught me on camera, licking my lips when our lunch arrived.
If there had not been a big sign saying no dogs, we would have gone into the indoor market, which apparently is one of the best. Now its time to walk off the lunch (and didn’t we need it). To the coast and Peyriac de Mer, famous for pink flamingos, and we saw them, and another very popular village.
There is also another little known fact about the area, it is where my very dear friend Valerie did some skinny dipping last year, apparently Geoff offered her, his water wings but then realised she didn’t need them !! So much fresh air – would we make it home?
We did, and another great dinner at our friends home, (it was NOT tea-total ) then absolute delight – bought at the boulangerie earlier - a fantastic specialty from St Tropez - a Trapezin – sponge pastry with cream and cream and cream.
Off to bed, tomorrow they tell me it au revoir France and Ola Espagna.
Leopard – "Il Belliisimo – il est beau (waiting to find out who I am in Spain)"
I apologize to my regular readers for a slight gap, but I have been enjoying myself in Languedoc-Roussillon, which is in the south of France bordering Spain. My humans had arranged to meet our friends and neighbours from our London house in Marseillan. It was a lovely summery day, and the little town was very picturesque, an old fishing village built around its tiny port, where the Noilley Pratt f
actory is (booze again this time Vermouth – humans!) We went a walk around the town, saw another friend’s house (Hi Mark), faced the daily dog attack before settling down to lunch on the seafront. Yum Yum!I helped dad deal with a steak Tartare and a plate of chips, and a basket of bread. I did not partake of the jug of wine – I’ve seen what it does to them! We then headed off to find our campsite near our friends house in Aigne. We drove up through Narbonne and Bezier. And I yawned as we drove through vast areas of – yes you’ve guessed – vineyards. More than ever before, all interlaced with Chateaux and wine estates. Many of the roads were lined with silver barked trees, making an avenue, and I guess in summer would be even more dramatic. There was a bit of a panic on arrival at Camping Vernis. The local Mayor had closed down all the camping sites in the area. Dads said it is called local government or was it stupid bureaucuracy?. All the sites must cut down all he trees that surround them. Seems daft as in Italy we could only park if we were under the canopy of a thick wood. The owner,a lovely Dutch lady, said she had spent 18 years fighting the French system, and was now retiring. And as she was so nice she told us we could stay, but only as friends, and showed us where to park-up. While dad
s were busy chatting to the lady, I went on a big sniffathon, well they do talk a lot at times. I was not in the good books when I got back, as Alan found a tick crawling up my face, so I ended up with the nit nurse routine (it so embarrassing!)Robert and Geoff then took us to their house, which they are restoring and doing up, its big and dads said it will be very nice when the work is finished. There was a lot of laughing about how difficult it was to get the French workmen to work to schedule. Apparently every time Robert and Geoff leave so do the tradesmen, usually cus they have several jobs running together. It’s, who’s at home to see them that gets the work done! Then dads got reliief as we were driven by Robert in a car, me sitting between my humans on the back seat. I think they had got a bigger car when they knew I was visiting, they are so thoughtful. Off to Minerve, an ancient fortified town built in a gorge. After parking it’s the "dog attack" by the world’s ugliest dog, before I could get into town. This time I was protected by four humans pretending to "shoo" it away. They all talked about how interesting the town was, and the startling views around the gorge. Apparently the river runs underground in large caves which you walk into, but we did not go right down to water.
Back to their home over the Canal du Midi ( Rick Stien again – in fact the restaurants we were by was one of the one featured on the programme).
We had a fabulous dinner, which Geoff prepared for us, and then some computer fiddling (talk about wireless network – what ever that is). When they had finished flushing their systems with vino, we had a lift back to Priscilla, for some shut eye.
Sunday started as a very warm sunny day, and the humans had planned plenty to do. Robert and Geoff arrived to pick us up and off we went to a market in the town of Saint Chinian. They bought
some local olives of which the vendor said were the Mercedes of olives, they laughed and said they probably had loose nuts (don’t ask me !). Got some bread and croissant, and got a table at the busy café on the street corner. It was a great sitting there watching the busy market, but apparently they do serve the worst coffee in France! It was also strange that there were so many people speaking English or Dutch. We were told there were a lot living in the area. I got a lot of attention, one French lady just wanted to rub my fur to see how soft it was (like a TV commercial!).Back to the car and zoomed to Narbonne for Lunch. They said its was originally a Roman town and there was part of the original road- Via Demetia - displayed in the square. Dads got a waitress to find me a nice table under an umbrella. I did notice a King Charles Spaniel sitting on a chair with his humans, being feed at the table. Cheeky Robert caught me on camera, licking my lips when our lunch arrived.
If there had not been a big sign saying no dogs, we would have gone into the indoor market, which apparently is one of the best. Now its time to walk off the lunch (and didn’t we need it). To the coast and Peyriac de Mer, famous for pink flamingos, and we saw them, and another very popular village.
There is also another little known fact about the area, it is where my very dear friend Valerie did some skinny dipping last year, apparently Geoff offered her, his water wings but then realised she didn’t need them !! So much fresh air – would we make it home?
We did, and another great dinner at our friends home, (it was NOT tea-total ) then absolute delight – bought at the boulangerie earlier - a fantastic specialty from St Tropez - a Trapezin – sponge pastry with cream and cream and cream.
Off to bed, tomorrow they tell me it au revoir France and Ola Espagna.
Leopard – "Il Belliisimo – il est beau (waiting to find out who I am in Spain)"
Saturday 3 March 2007
Not quite a year in Provence
Mileage from start : 3365
Last minute changes to itinerary, not going to stay at Aix en Provence now but further on at Arles. This is because we are meeting friends at Marseillan across from Sete (recently an area dads were watching with Rick Stein the Chef on TV).
Never got to meet the Bernese with the French humans next to us, but I know from our barks through the hedge, it was my long lost love from Fũssen, so am I bovvered ?
Our journey started in high winds, and lots of Spanish lorries zooming up the E80 returning home. By the time we had got to Provence, the winds were lighter and the stormy clouds had gone. Sun was again the order of the afternoon (wonder if it’s cooler being a white hound in the sun?). It ended up at 23.5C on the internal thermometer. Now at 20.15 we are sitting in Priscilla with the windows open watching the BBC and seeing the rain forecast tomorrow in the UK and 6C – bet you wish you were here
Our pitch for the day is Les Rosiers, and I give it a good reference, it has a great field for us various hounds to sniff and relax in. I’ve had my monies worth, been down there 4 times already. Looks like there are about 5 motorhomes visiting, so were not alone.
My only beef for the day was not about the roads, which were very smooth, but the number of times we had to stop to pay money at a “peage”. Obviously France has an unemployment problem, so instead of call centers, they place people in booths on the motorway to collect money!
Short update today, I’m going to take in the late afternoon rays, tomorrow its Languedoc-Roussillon. Sounds like the back of a wine bottle to me!
Last minute changes to itinerary, not going to stay at Aix en Provence now but further on at Arles. This is because we are meeting friends at Marseillan across from Sete (recently an area dads were watching with Rick Stein the Chef on TV).
Never got to meet the Bernese with the French humans next to us, but I know from our barks through the hedge, it was my long lost love from Fũssen, so am I bovvered ?
Our journey started in high winds, and lots of Spanish lorries zooming up the E80 returning home. By the time we had got to Provence, the winds were lighter and the stormy clouds had gone. Sun was again the order of the afternoon (wonder if it’s cooler being a white hound in the sun?). It ended up at 23.5C on the internal thermometer. Now at 20.15 we are sitting in Priscilla with the windows open watching the BBC and seeing the rain forecast tomorrow in the UK and 6C – bet you wish you were here
Our pitch for the day is Les Rosiers, and I give it a good reference, it has a great field for us various hounds to sniff and relax in. I’ve had my monies worth, been down there 4 times already. Looks like there are about 5 motorhomes visiting, so were not alone.
My only beef for the day was not about the roads, which were very smooth, but the number of times we had to stop to pay money at a “peage”. Obviously France has an unemployment problem, so instead of call centers, they place people in booths on the motorway to collect money!
Short update today, I’m going to take in the late afternoon rays, tomorrow its Languedoc-Roussillon. Sounds like the back of a wine bottle to me!
Hectors House
Mileage from start : 3220
As I said yesterday, Hector is a great mate.
Today we had a bit of a play while the humans had their breakfast. Then we got them to take us out, a quick visit to Priscilla to drop off the Laundry and it was decided we should spend the afternoon in Antibes. Hector and I were taken to a very nice restaurant for lunch, because were are both “big” boys the owner decided to give us a large table inside, which was a plus for us all. They had the heaters on in the front conservatory, and with the sun, we could have been on the menu (as yesterday – when do the locals feel warm?)
Great meal I got a good taste of my dads food, they made good choices off the menu. Then as usual we had that daily “challenge” but this time it was their friends who entertained. We were at the end of our meal, and I had such a nice fuss off the
waitress. Then we started to get up, while Guy settled the bill. Chris stood up and moved off but forgot he had Hector fixed to his chair leg – cabaret – Chris and Hector went into free fall as did all the chairs. After the shock on everyone’s face, it was laughter all round (including all the other customers).
Antibes was a very nice place. The humans took us to the old to town and the harbour full of apparently very expensive yachts, what ever they are. I did spend some time looking out over the harbour wall with Alan telling me what it was all about, unfortunately Hector is not big enough to get his paws on the wall, so I gave him an update later.
We have had such a good time at Hectors House. I did not get to see much of the main part of Nice, but I did hear dads talking about the town with Chris and Laurent. Apparently they are putting in a tram system with Euro funds (another town reinventing the tram they said). It has chewed up the main streets in Nice badly, and the feeling was the city had lost it’s lustre, where many of the other South of France areas had been investing and kept pace with the needs of its residents and visitors. (you see, I like to get into my dads conversations to help me be more worldly) Our hosts know Nice and Cannes very well as they have been running a business and living here for some time, you get a better perspective than just being a visitor.
A
treat followed, as Alan suggested a visit to a Patisserie for a delight to go with their tradition of afternoon tea. Now I had the dominatrix yesterday, Alan got it to day. I was with him outside the cake shop, when a lady human came up and asked if I was a white hound (I ask you – how white am I?) I could see the “She’s a loony” on dads face. Apparently she was German and had had white hounds at home for there aggressive nature. She had always liked the distinctive colour and style of my breed, but we are to domestic (I began to feel the urge to go off and find some good sniffs. Alan was nice to her, and as she finally left, said that apart from white hounds she also liked MEN and dad, Chris and Guy were very NICE men (Laurent was in the shop or she would have drooled over him too) why do we attract these people?
The delightful patisserie was perfect with tea (although I don’t go for the tea – I do insist I get to sample the cakes).
As we sat outside, another motorhome pitched up and they had a Bernese, I do
hope I get to meet up before we set off. (I will of course let you know – maybe it’s the love that got away in Fũssen, !!)
We have an email from Ron who spotted me when I arrived here, it would have been great to have meet him and Karine (I’m not sure if Kitty their cat would have joined us) but apparently we need to get to Provence tomorrow, so we had to decline – sorry.
As time runs out, it looks like my dads will not be using the swimming pool they said was very enticing. “The Rules” say speedo NO shorts (glad I just have fur!) they don’t have anything but swimming shorts, so they will not be using the pool that is not used by any of the winter long stay residents. They said it kept down the cost of cleaning the pool – set the rules so that people don’t use it – clever but daft. Then again this area of France does seem to be locked in a time warp, apart from French prices which are in the future. Food and diesel apparently are much more expensive than Italy. Fuel was about 0.08€ a lt more and the buckets of wine at supermarket was 3 times the price ,the gin 2.5€ more (you have the perspective I hope ! – good job they bought all my food from UK or I would be on a diet by now !)
Oh well. C”est la vie. Merci Chris, Laurent et Hector.
As I said yesterday, Hector is a great mate.
Today we had a bit of a play while the humans had their breakfast. Then we got them to take us out, a quick visit to Priscilla to drop off the Laundry and it was decided we should spend the afternoon in Antibes. Hector and I were taken to a very nice restaurant for lunch, because were are both “big” boys the owner decided to give us a large table inside, which was a plus for us all. They had the heaters on in the front conservatory, and with the sun, we could have been on the menu (as yesterday – when do the locals feel warm?)Great meal I got a good taste of my dads food, they made good choices off the menu. Then as usual we had that daily “challenge” but this time it was their friends who entertained. We were at the end of our meal, and I had such a nice fuss off the
waitress. Then we started to get up, while Guy settled the bill. Chris stood up and moved off but forgot he had Hector fixed to his chair leg – cabaret – Chris and Hector went into free fall as did all the chairs. After the shock on everyone’s face, it was laughter all round (including all the other customers).Antibes was a very nice place. The humans took us to the old to town and the harbour full of apparently very expensive yachts, what ever they are. I did spend some time looking out over the harbour wall with Alan telling me what it was all about, unfortunately Hector is not big enough to get his paws on the wall, so I gave him an update later.
We have had such a good time at Hectors House. I did not get to see much of the main part of Nice, but I did hear dads talking about the town with Chris and Laurent. Apparently they are putting in a tram system with Euro funds (another town reinventing the tram they said). It has chewed up the main streets in Nice badly, and the feeling was the city had lost it’s lustre, where many of the other South of France areas had been investing and kept pace with the needs of its residents and visitors. (you see, I like to get into my dads conversations to help me be more worldly) Our hosts know Nice and Cannes very well as they have been running a business and living here for some time, you get a better perspective than just being a visitor.
A
treat followed, as Alan suggested a visit to a Patisserie for a delight to go with their tradition of afternoon tea. Now I had the dominatrix yesterday, Alan got it to day. I was with him outside the cake shop, when a lady human came up and asked if I was a white hound (I ask you – how white am I?) I could see the “She’s a loony” on dads face. Apparently she was German and had had white hounds at home for there aggressive nature. She had always liked the distinctive colour and style of my breed, but we are to domestic (I began to feel the urge to go off and find some good sniffs. Alan was nice to her, and as she finally left, said that apart from white hounds she also liked MEN and dad, Chris and Guy were very NICE men (Laurent was in the shop or she would have drooled over him too) why do we attract these people?The delightful patisserie was perfect with tea (although I don’t go for the tea – I do insist I get to sample the cakes).
As we sat outside, another motorhome pitched up and they had a Bernese, I do
hope I get to meet up before we set off. (I will of course let you know – maybe it’s the love that got away in Fũssen, !!)We have an email from Ron who spotted me when I arrived here, it would have been great to have meet him and Karine (I’m not sure if Kitty their cat would have joined us) but apparently we need to get to Provence tomorrow, so we had to decline – sorry.
As time runs out, it looks like my dads will not be using the swimming pool they said was very enticing. “The Rules” say speedo NO shorts (glad I just have fur!) they don’t have anything but swimming shorts, so they will not be using the pool that is not used by any of the winter long stay residents. They said it kept down the cost of cleaning the pool – set the rules so that people don’t use it – clever but daft. Then again this area of France does seem to be locked in a time warp, apart from French prices which are in the future. Food and diesel apparently are much more expensive than Italy. Fuel was about 0.08€ a lt more and the buckets of wine at supermarket was 3 times the price ,the gin 2.5€ more (you have the perspective I hope ! – good job they bought all my food from UK or I would be on a diet by now !)
Oh well. C”est la vie. Merci Chris, Laurent et Hector.
Thursday 1 March 2007
I’d almost forgot what it’s like !
Mileage from start : 3220
Well a full day in Nice. I have met Hector, he’s a Weimaraner (like one of my girls friends Emma – hi Emma hope you liking your new home in Cambridge ) and he’s such a great mate. He welcomed me into his home totally we have been having a great time, he quite young and likes to play a bit more than me, but hey I’m on holiday.
After lunch we went for a walk into the hills behind Nice. It was great. We did have to take care on the first bit, as there are caterpillars hatching out of big white silky cocoons. These apparently are VERY dangerous to us dogs, so we took great care. Soon we were past the area, and free to run and sniff, great open air. All the humans were looking at the view over the city, and our hosts Chris and Laurent, were pointing out the points of interest.
We were out over an hour and it was quite warm, especially for me with my thick fur, but I don’t ca
re I soon cooled down when I got back lying on the cool tile floor.
A night for everybody to catch up, chatting, although Hector and I were soon dosing, and waiting to go to bed.
And I had almost forgot what it was like to have a normal bedroom, room to stretch and move about, Priscilla is OK I have learnt how to make the best of the space. But now a bedroom, and I made the most of sprawling over the floor. Then deep deep sleep.
Hector is such a great mate, he’s just like my best mate Harvey the Huskey who lives next door to me at home. He’s a lot like Emma and Hector, full of energy the point of its exhausting just to watch them sometime. Harvey and I go out walking together sometimes, but he likes to run as fast as a greyhound, and I am not built for speed. Harvey sent me an email the other day (Thanks Harvey) keeping me updated with all that’s going on in the village while I’m away. The lamp post sou
nds like the first think to investigate on return. I hope all the construction work next to you studio has been completed, hope you managed to get a bit a shut eye in between the hammer and drill noises.
Hold on to your sanity with those cats, I’ll be back soon, and my two will be OK again, when they get me to pester, I’ve been taking some advice from my mates over here, so they may be for a bit a shock when I return.
Another day, in Nice, and I will update you all later.
Well a full day in Nice. I have met Hector, he’s a Weimaraner (like one of my girls friends Emma – hi Emma hope you liking your new home in Cambridge ) and he’s such a great mate. He welcomed me into his home totally we have been having a great time, he quite young and likes to play a bit more than me, but hey I’m on holiday.
After lunch we went for a walk into the hills behind Nice. It was great. We did have to take care on the first bit, as there are caterpillars hatching out of big white silky cocoons. These apparently are VERY dangerous to us dogs, so we took great care. Soon we were past the area, and free to run and sniff, great open air. All the humans were looking at the view over the city, and our hosts Chris and Laurent, were pointing out the points of interest.
We were out over an hour and it was quite warm, especially for me with my thick fur, but I don’t ca
re I soon cooled down when I got back lying on the cool tile floor.A night for everybody to catch up, chatting, although Hector and I were soon dosing, and waiting to go to bed.
And I had almost forgot what it was like to have a normal bedroom, room to stretch and move about, Priscilla is OK I have learnt how to make the best of the space. But now a bedroom, and I made the most of sprawling over the floor. Then deep deep sleep.
Hector is such a great mate, he’s just like my best mate Harvey the Huskey who lives next door to me at home. He’s a lot like Emma and Hector, full of energy the point of its exhausting just to watch them sometime. Harvey and I go out walking together sometimes, but he likes to run as fast as a greyhound, and I am not built for speed. Harvey sent me an email the other day (Thanks Harvey) keeping me updated with all that’s going on in the village while I’m away. The lamp post sou
nds like the first think to investigate on return. I hope all the construction work next to you studio has been completed, hope you managed to get a bit a shut eye in between the hammer and drill noises.Hold on to your sanity with those cats, I’ll be back soon, and my two will be OK again, when they get me to pester, I’ve been taking some advice from my mates over here, so they may be for a bit a shock when I return.
Another day, in Nice, and I will update you all later.
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