Monday 21st April

We were expecting today to be wet and cold, but were pleasantly surprised when the sun arrived and shone all day.

We took a trip to a craft fair about an hour away from Steve and Pam's…had a mooch, coffee and MORE cake!...

[caption id="attachment_228" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Coffee and cake[/caption]

 

Being such a lovely day, and also really close to the Nantes Brest canal we decided on a walk by the canal…it was beautiful as usual. So serene. So colourful. I'm not sure how the flora and fauna is coming on at home, but the trees are really green, the gardens and roadsides just full of colour. There is so much space here…no need to all cram together….as we drive along there are fields as far as the eye can see..and so many of them are vibrant yellow with rapeseed growing.

[caption id="attachment_230" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Photo shot by the side of the canal[/caption]

How about this for a water feature idea???

[caption id="attachment_229" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Fantastic idea[/caption]

We did wonder what this sign by the cancel might mean…any suggestions???

[caption id="attachment_231" align="aligncenter" width="427"] ????[/caption]

This afternoon we spent in the garden. Winnie the wisteria was given a home under the direction on Pam and I….

[caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Directing the planting...[/caption]

It was then time for some male grooming….. Both Steve and simon decided that a hair cut was in order so…. Billy's turn first..

[caption id="attachment_233" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ha ha…. you really trust me with these scissors??[/caption]

Nest it was Steve's turn….

[caption id="attachment_235" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Finishing touches…getting up close and personal[/caption]

Not one to be left out…Pam had a go too….

[caption id="attachment_234" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Stage one[/caption]

 

Unfortunately, Steve only got half a hair cut until much later that evening when the clippers had recharged…good job Billy has Duracell batteries!!

It was a quiet evening scene….BT and Billy washing up, Pam finishing off Steve's hair cut…eventually….when the whole scene descended into riotous laughter as Steve was heard to say…"Dear….do you need to hold onto my ear whilst you cut my hair????" and as we looked round Steve's ear was at right angles to his head whilst Pam was zooming across his hair with the now fully charged clippers!!! All work came to a halt as tears of laughter continued into the night…...

 

Tuesday 22nd April 2014

A sad start today as we said a very fond farewell to the lovely Steve and Pam…thank you you two for your kindness and generosity…we are still full up from all your wonderful cooking!

[caption id="attachment_226" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Lots of love and huge thanks to these two amazing people xxx[/caption]

 

Our first stop…back in Bluebelle who has had a clean and is restocked with water and clean clothes, was at Quimper.

[caption id="attachment_236" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Wonky house![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_237" align="aligncenter" width="427"] A view of the Abbeye[/caption]





[caption id="attachment_241" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Inside the Abbeye[/caption]





I love the peace and tranquility found in these churches. Many candles flicker around the various chapels as people remember loved ones in prayer. We have seen so many little village churches…they have all been so pretty and obviously were so much of the village community.

[caption id="attachment_244" align="aligncenter" width="427"] A view of the Abbeye[/caption]

 

One of the things I have omitted to tell you…how I've forgotten I really don't know ….but, there are SO many gorgeous chocolate shops everywhere. I am usually dragged past them with my tongue hanging out…..leaving a trail of dribble along the ground! I suppose we could both end up the size of houses if we were to indulge!

[caption id="attachment_239" align="aligncenter" width="377"] The best looking chocolates ever![/caption]

Douernenez was our next stop….gold plated beer…by the beach...

[caption id="attachment_246" align="aligncenter" width="640"] They saw us coming![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="427"] At least the view was good![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_248" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ille de Tristan…old sardine canning factory[/caption]

We had a walk around the harbour…it is a HUGE bay…we couldn't actually see where it opened out to the sea. One of the things we have noticed around these costal villages is the amount of children out sailing…is it part of the curriculum or just an after school activity?

Our late afternoon/evening activity is to try to find somewhere to stay overnight. So far, we haven't paid for any camping. There are so many little side roads and car parks by the beach that you really don't need to pay…but you have to be self sufficient. We don't need hook up or loos etc which means that we can set up camp virtually anywhere. Whilst looking for the perfect place we came across this field of tulips….stunning colours







…and this was camp for the night...

[caption id="attachment_253" align="aligncenter" width="640"] and so to bed….[/caption]

 

Happy Easter!

Friday 18th April 2014

Brrrrrr!!! A chilly start today, even though the sun is shining! We took a stroll up to the village hoping to find some fresh croissant for breakfast, however, all we could find open was a the local bar and a very meagre shop. We opted for a coffee in the bar…along with the locals…before heading back to the van and on to the next village where we knew we could find some breakfast. One of the things we are really enjoying about this trip is mixing with the locals…finding little bars and cafes for coffee along the way, it gives us a real sense of belonging and being part of a bigger community. Everyone we have met has been incredibly kind and so patient with us as we try out our very poor french! Not too many misunderstandings so far! The only problem as far as I'm concerned is that the coffee comes in such minuscule cups…just not enough to get me going in the morning!

In Saint-Domineuc we found the most amazing bakery. Fresh out of the oven croissants and pain au raisin were bought …. the best we have had so far…mmmmm….we are both unsure that we will be able to fit into our shorts when the warm weather eventually arrives as our waistlines are expanding by the day!!! :o))))

[caption id="attachment_199" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Breakfast by the canal at Saint-Domineuc[/caption]

We found this idyllic spot by the canal for breakfast….and watched chidden messing about in boats…there was much fun and laughter…what a great start to the day.

[caption id="attachment_200" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Messing about in boats![/caption]

Completely and utterly stuffed…again, we set out trusty Tom Tom to find the nearest McDonalds on our route into Brittany….not because we needed any more to eat, but for free wifi so we can upload our blog posts and catch up with friends and family. An hour later and uploading done we set off for Lac du Guerledan.

What a stunning place. We drove along the edge of the lake to where it is fed by the Nantes/Brest canal.

[caption id="attachment_201" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Nantes/Brest Canal[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_202" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The blossom has been fantastic this year.[/caption]

 



[caption id="attachment_204" align="aligncenter" width="640"] On yer bike![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_205" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Happy![/caption]

We had a cycle along the canal…it was beautiful. The trees are all beginning to show green, the birds are singing their hearts out and we even heard a cuckoo!

We were very excited about the next stop on our journey….to visit our lovely friends Steve and Pam Loy! Having seen so many gorgeous wisteria along our way, we decided that this would be the perfect present to take with us…a reminder of our visit every time they look at it! So, we set off on a search to find a garden centre…having seen oodles yesterday, we saw NONE today! At the last minute we found one and it had a lovely wisteria…..We loaded it into Bluebelle and set off ….

[caption id="attachment_206" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Precious cargo[/caption]

We had both thought that the house would be easy to find….pop a postcode into trusty Tom Tom and we'd roll up just like that! How wrong we were!!! At least half an hour of driving backwards and forwards through the town of Guisgriff we gave in and had to phone for directions!

Our arrival couldn't have been more lovely! Bunting was strung across the driveway to celebrate our arrival….we felt very special indeed!

[caption id="attachment_207" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bluebelle and bunting![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Home[/caption]

And so…this is home for us for a few days…..wonderful friends, a proper bed, hot shower and fantastic food!

Saturday 19th April 2014

 

Not to be one to miss the opportunity to help out and have some fun, Simon set out to help Steve re roof a lean-to on the barn…the metal sheets were rusting and letting in rain, so it was decided to take the sheets off, turn them over and put back.

[caption id="attachment_208" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Getting ready[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_209" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Bottoms up![/caption]





This job was slightly (ever so) precarious at times….Pam and I arrived with coffee only to find that Simon had had a very lucky escape from serious injury when the beam that his ladder was resting against, as he was taking fixings from the metal sheets, gave way. Simon hung on for dear life…who needs Disneyland Paris when you can have the same adrenaline rush from falling from a ladder….!…as the ladder came crashing down, fortunately coming to rest on an old animal pen before hitting the ground. The only injury sustained was a large scratch all the way down his side! that was a close call!

[caption id="attachment_213" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A close shave![/caption]

It took all day, but they finished it. Well done boys, you did a great job!

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ta dah![/caption]

 

Sunday 20th April 2014

HAPPY EASTER

[caption id="attachment_219" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Happy Easter xxx[/caption]

Chocolate at breakfast…yum!

[caption id="attachment_218" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Spring is springing[/caption]

Whilst I sit and write this post, Pam has popped off to work for a couple of hours and the boys are moving boxes in order to clear a room ready for alterations and improvements to the house.

The weather today is grey and cold…I think we could be heading for some rain in the next few days….but my toesies will be kept lovely and toasty warm ….

[caption id="attachment_220" align="aligncenter" width="549"] New slippers![/caption]

…as Pam has very kindly given me a pair of slippers she has knitted…they are so comfy and warm…thank you! x (I just wasn't able to sneak in my slippers from home….that would have been very naughty indeed…but these with squash up into a very small space….that's all we have available!)

To all our family and friends we love and miss you all and are thinking of you this Easter day. xxxxxx

D Day beaches and more….

On leaving Honfleur we made our way towards the D day beaches. Our next stop was a free camping Aire in Merville-Franceville-Plage. This was our first overnight in a ‘proper’ camping aire....it’s basically a car park that allows campers to stay overnight. It was full when we arrived...there was a large family having a BBQ....and several other large vans parked up....as you can see from the photo...we look tiny!!!

[caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bluebelle hidden in amongst very large campers![/caption]

After a short cycle ride around the town...to see if we could find somewhere for a shower and toilet....not really having one on board ourselves...although, I will introduce you to our toilet facilities at a later date!....we climbed into bed.

By the way, Simons son Tom and my brother-in-law Scot, ran the London marathon today and both finished in good time. Well done guys, we are so proud of you both xx

Monday 14th April 2014

Today is the beginning of our brief tour of the D Day beaches. We have learnt so much and read so many stories as we have travelled these amazing places, that our heads are almost full....and we still have so many unanswered questions and many facts and figures to read. What has struck me most has been the tales and accounts of individuals who have gone to war...of their heroism and sacrifice. These have really brought home to me the human tragedy of it all.

Our first stop today was to visit Pegasus Bridge. Have a look on the internet for more information.... It was one of the first places to be liberated on 6th June 1944. The story is amazing and the planning and accuracy superb. I’m staggered by the skill of the glider pilots....and they are huge gliders carrying up to 30 men in each. The house on the bridge was the first house to be liberated and is now a cafe.

[caption id="attachment_133" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Pegasus Bridge cafe[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_134" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Above the door[/caption]

At the time of liberation a four year old girl lived there with her parents. The young girl, Arlette, is now running the cafe daily welcoming people into her world of memories. The cafe is crammed full of memoribilia....on the wall next to where we sat and had a coffee were several poems written by the loved ones of those who had died. We were once again in tears!

[caption id="attachment_135" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pegasus bridge..not the original[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_136" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The original bridge, now in a museum[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_137" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Replica of a glider[/caption]

Moving on from there we made our way to Sword beach. On the way we hapeened to come across a boat yard......funny that.....but, we were able to have a sneaky shower....much needed at this point...and fill up with water. It’s amazing how different the world seems when you are clean!!!

We cycled along Sword beach

[caption id="attachment_140" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Sword beach[/caption]

as far as Lion sur Merwhere we read a fantastic quote from Franklin D Roosevelt, January 6th 1941.....hopefully you can read this...

[caption id="attachment_139" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Roosevelt quote[/caption]

We drove along by Juno beach, on through Courseilles sur Mer....for those of you who live in the westcountry...it’s twinned with Dartmouth!...and on to Arromanches, which is at the far end of Gold beach. Simon’s step father, Richard, came ashore here as part of the D Day landings, so it is particularly poignant to visit. Again a bit of extra reading is needed here....google ‘Mulberry Harbours’.

[caption id="attachment_141" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Remains of the Mulberry harbour at Arromanches[/caption]



Simon was so looking forward to our visit here and was certainly not disappointed. We arrived a low tide and saw the remnants of the vast (the same size as Dover) temporary harbour...designed to last 100 days in 1944!!!...scattered across the beach.

[caption id="attachment_143" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Scattered remains[/caption]



It really has to be seen to be believed.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="640"] …and a fly past![/caption]

Our spot for the night was right on the beach, overlooking Arromanches beach.

[caption id="attachment_148" align="aligncenter" width="640"] BBQ on the beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_150" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Our spot for the night[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_151" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shells on the beach[/caption]

Tuesday 15th April

 

Just on the outskirts of Arromanches is a 360 degree cinema showing a film of ‘100 days of the Normany war.’

The 25 minute film is a compliation of archive photos and film of the D Day landings and onwards. It is a truely amazing and film and just brought the war alive to us. Having looked at numerous photos and read many articles, to actually hear the sounds of war too had a massive impact.....yes, more tears!

Being so close to Bayeux, we just had to go...also, we desperately needed some internet connection...good old McDonalds...to be able to upload our blog and catch up with a few people. Neither of us have seen the Bayeux tapestry so we walked into the city to take a look.

[caption id="attachment_152" align="aligncenter" width="640"] This is where the Bayeux tapestry is housed[/caption]

It is impressive! At 70 metres long and only 50cm wide it tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. I was amazed at the quality of the craftmanship and the depth of colour after all these years. It has an amazing history too...how it has managed to survive is beyond me! Yet another history lesson...not only about the battle but also of how the wools were spun and dyed, how life was back in 1066.

A quick walk around the city, into the Abbey

[caption id="attachment_153" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Bayeux Abbey[/caption]

and we were back on the road heading for Omaha beach. I am ashamed to say that we didn’t get out and walk this one...we have either cycled or walked the others, but, because, despite the sun shining, the wind was howling a gale and was bitterly cold!

One of the places that I was fascinated by the most was Pointe de Hoc. This is where American rangers scaled a cliff to overcome German guns that were overlooking Omaha beach. The site has been left as it was once the forces eventually moved out...broken and shattered gun implacements, but also many, many craters that were made as a result of bombing raids made by the British. Having seen footage this morning of bombing raids, and the devastation they caused, it was amazing to see the craters themselves.

[caption id="attachment_156" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The view from Pointe de Hoc[/caption]

And here our tour of the D day beaches ends. Its been an emotional journey so far, but so good to learn and understand more and also to come to the place where family were involved.

 

Our resting place for the night was again by the beach. This time alongside one of the biggest mussel and oyster farms we have ever seen.

[caption id="attachment_158" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Camping on the tractor motorway!!![/caption]



[caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Nighttime spot[/caption]

An amazing site...however, we didn’t realise that we would be kept awake most of the night by tractors and lorries passing by! We had plonked ourselves slapbang next to the tractor runway to the sea farms!

 

Wednesday 16th April 2014

 

Its amazing how much time one can spend doing everyday chores...have you ever thought about how long it would take you to do even the most mundane of things, like laundry, if you didn’t have the necessary means on your doorstep? We drove to Carentan to do just that. First its a trip to the oturist office to locate the laundromat, then physically locate it, then move the van close by...remove bedding, collect together the washing and finally pop it into a machine to wash it! Next challenge...finding water! These days we are always on the look out for taps. Simon says there is always water available in a boat yard but I think it’s just an excuse to look at yet another boat yard...one is much the same as another isn’t it??? Fortunately, Simon had the foresight to bring along a monkey wrench and spanner....(!!!!)... which came in handy when locating water today. The tap we found had been capped off, so with a little help from monkey and spanner, we have a full tank of water! By which time the washing was ready to be dried, so off we trundle to the laundromat and pop the washing into the drier...another 30 mins wait. But wait, there is some happy news....across from the car park was a Boulanger....and YUMMY cakes, so after all this trundling and popping we felt we deserved one...each!

Two hours later and the washing was done....yay...clean bedding and clean pants!

Back in Bluebelle we crossed the Cherbourg penninsular. Just leaving the town and being so overwhelmed at the thought of clean clothes, we had a very near miss with a VERY low bridge. We came screeching to a halt within inches of it when we realised that it was only 2m 40cm high and we are 2m 35!!!! It was a very close shave!!! One of the other things we find ourselves doing is to search the map for dead end roads, near canals or the sea, for places we can camp at night. (So far we haven’t paid for any camping at all) Today was no different. We found the most perfect spot about 4km away from Agon-Containville. This time it was definitely empty...no tractors and no lorries!

[caption id="attachment_160" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Our favourite overnight stop so far![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_161" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Warming up after a ffffffreezing shower![/caption]

The sun was shining and the beach was calling. We walked it all the way back to the town where we had a beer...big mistake ...no lunch, hot sun + beer makes BT and Billy very squiffy and it was a LONG way back! Funnily enough neither of us remember much of the journey home....but we made it! Somehow, I was persuaded that a shower...outside, with cold water would be a good idea....the screaming could probably have been heard at home!...But, we are clean...again!!!

[caption id="attachment_164" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Evening on the beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_165" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Happy![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_166" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Fantastic colours[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_167" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bed[/caption]

At the beginning of the week we had some very sad news. Our dear friend Di Abrams lost her battle with leukemia. Charles, her husband, rang to let us know and encouraged us to drink a glass of pink fizz on Wednesday, and by doing so, join others celebrating her life at that time. Di was one of the worlds genuinely nice people. We will miss her. Thank you for the memories Di. We send our sympathies to Charles and the family.

[caption id="attachment_162" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Remembering Di[/caption]



 

Thursday 17th April 2014

 

Today has been a truely wonderful day. An amazing sunrise. Breakfast by the beach.

[caption id="attachment_169" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mont st Michel[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_171" align="aligncenter" width="427"] We had the most expensive coffee and pain au chocolate here![/caption]



 



[caption id="attachment_176" align="aligncenter" width="640"] View from the top[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_177" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Looking out to sea[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_179" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A view of the Mont from the canal[/caption]

A visit to Mont st Michel with its higgeldy, piggeldy streets, nooks and crannies and the discovery of a beautiful little village on the banks of the Rance river where we had lunch...beer and gallettes, follwed by a snooze in our deckchairs on the bank of the river.

[caption id="attachment_180" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Lunch spot[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_181" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Cheers[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_182" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Gallettes[/caption]





We must have looked a right picture...hopefully we didn’t snore too loudly! We are now looking very rosy indeed as the sun was hot!

We made tracks towards Dinan…parked by the canal and walked up a narrow cobbled street into the city.

[caption id="attachment_185" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Dinan[/caption]



It's obviously very old and quaint in parts, but very touristy and busy. The prettiest part was the road we walked up…and guess what I found???

[caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Bead shop!![/caption]





Yes…a bead shop! If I didn't have so many beads already at home I would have been VERY tempted! Makes a change from looking at boats!!!

Our spot for the night is by the Ille/Rance canal.







We are the only people here. It’s beautifully quiet, but really cold now that the sun has gone! We've just cycled along the canal to the next town…hoping for a bar in the sun for a quick beer, but, none to be found, so back to camp for  BBQ and our last Crabbies!!