I've had a tough day today. 35 degrees is just too hot for me and I’ve really struggled. So much for it being cooler in September! Anyway, we’ve done a section of the Via Ardèche, a cycle path along an old railway. It was lovely, although I'd have enjoyed it far more if I hadn't... Continue Reading →
Paddling to Pont d’Arc
This morning we paddled from the campsite and under Pont d’Arc, which is said to be the world’s highest natural river arch with a river still beneath it. The 6 kilometre section of the Ardèche that we paddled today is really just a warm up paddle for the 2-day paddling and camping adventure in the... Continue Reading →
A normal holiday day?
Today we’ve had what I think most people would consider a ‘normal’ holiday day, without any long hikes, bike rides or similar. John did choose the walk into Vallon Pont d’Arc that went over a hill instead of along the flat road, but it was worth it. The path wound its way up through old... Continue Reading →
On the road to Vallon Pont d’Arc
We’ve travelled to Vallon Pont d’Arc today, where we’re staying for a week to do some pack rafting in the Ardèche Gorge. On the way we had a little detour to visit a waterfall, Cascade de la Beaume. It was a lovely walk through woodland, in dappled shade along a babbling brook. The rivers in... Continue Reading →
Stunning sights in Le Puy-en-Velay
I woke at 6 then read until 7.30, by which time I was bored so I got up to make a brew, in the hope that John would wake up… cruel I know, but he’d had 9 hours! 😈 Once we were ready, we left the aire, paying our €5 for the night with no... Continue Reading →
Driving and technology
We were the second campervan off the ferry at Dieppe, then we were directed straight through passport control onto dark empty roads... very eerie compared to packed well lit British roads! Overnight stop in Forêt de Roumare I'd found an aire at an animal park in the forest outside Rouen where I didn't think we'd... Continue Reading →
Newhaven – Dieppe
The morning started with an unproductive detour through High Wycombe to a petrol station with cheap fuel. Despite me noting it might not be open at 7.45 on a bank holiday Monday, John insisted on driving up and down steep residential streets with speed bumps and, when we finally got to the destination on his... Continue Reading →
Early retirement…
… let’s hope it’s all it’s cracked up to be. 😜 Today we are setting off on our first long-awaited post-retirement adventure… no more fighting the school holiday crowds, and sweating in the August heat… I hope. I’m excited and looking forward to meandering down through France, then exploring the south east of the country.... Continue Reading →
Last day of the trip…
…so we’re making it a good one. We had a lovely meal in Esch last night, which we’re particularly grateful for because so many restaurants have been closed at this time of year in the small villages we’ve visited in Luxembourg After each having a different 3-course set menu and feeling suitably full, we wandered... Continue Reading →
Wandering around Esch-sur-Sûre
It’s our last full day of holiday today so we’ve spent it relaxing in Esch-sur-Sûre. Tomorrow, we drive back up to Dunkirk, ready to catch the ferry back to Dover on Sunday morning. Two weeks have flown by! The morning began with a lie in, then croissants and coffee for breakfast. Three ducks, who’d also... Continue Reading →