Montagne Sur Gironde to Biscarosse

Day 34 8/5 Mortagne sur Gironde Wet start again

This Aire is so pretty  although it was raining it gave a good opportunity to put the photos in some kind of order, we could think of worse places to be!!!! In the afternoon the sun came out so we went for a ride on Harley round local little villages then sat out in the sun for the evening.

Day35 9/5 Mortagne sur Gironde sunny day

We decided to stay another night on this Aire as it was such a lovely spot and move south the next day, After lunch we went on a 8 and half mile bike ride to another fishing village called Port Maubert.

Day 36 10/5 Mortagne sur Gironde to St Christophy de Blaye sunny

Today we headed i bit more south, It took us an hour to arrive at the next Aire at St Christophy de Blaye, which was in a small town, though we haven’t decided yet the difference between a village and a town as they all are alike in France. This Aire overlooked a stadium!!!

Day 3711/5 St Christophy de Blaye to Mayotte Vacances 5 star Camp site sunny

We left the Aire early so we could get to the site before 12.oo so they would not be shut for lunch and we would have to wait outside the gates. We arrived at the site which is the best camp site we have stayed on so far and its only 16 euro a night includes swimming pool, Jaccuzi, steam room, water slides, health spa ,laundry supermarket everything you could think of and located at the side of Biccarrosse Lake.We spent the afternoon round the pool area just what we needed. Later in the evening Trevor and Lil from Scotland who were in a monster of a motorhome opposite ours, sat out all evening with us having  a few glasses of wine and a chat.

Day 38 12/5 Mayotte Vacances camp site sunny

After Lil and Trevor inviting me to have a look at there Motorhome (which was fab) ours felt like a wendy  house. We said goodbye to them as Lil was flying back to Scotland from Bordeaux and Trevor was dropping her at the Airport so she could  go back to work while Trevor was on his way up to Le Mans to watch the bike racing. In 2 weeks time Lil will be back to join him for a months holiday. After lunch we got the Harley out and went for a ride to see the Dunes du Pyla, the largest sand dunes in Europe. The view from the top was amazing. Got back to the campsite and chilled for the rest of the day.

Batz sur Mer to Montagne sur Gironde

Day 28 2/5 Batz-sur-mer  sun shining

Had a bit of a lazy morning after being up most of the night being ill !!!!! We decided to do the laundry and stay around the site for the day. We did go out on the Harley for a ride and to get provisions we could not get at the last local supermarket. Had our first BBQ on our new Son of Hibachi ,then had an early night.

Day29  3/5 Batz-sur-mer Lovely sunny day

Lazy morning round the site then after lunch went for a ride on Harley to the seaside town of Le Baule we sat on the beach for an hour or so having coffee and little French cakes before going back to the site. Had chicken vindaloo for tea before watching Tinker,Taylor,Soldier,Spy.

Day30 4/5 Batz-sur-mer to Noirmoutier-en-l”ile  raining slightly today

Left the site at about 10.30am en route for our next Aire at Noirmoutier-en-l”ile which is a little island on the west coast of France just south of Le baule in the Vendee. Went for our usual walk round the village and later for a bicycle ride. After tea we went to a local bar where we found the French version of “Frank Gallagher” !!!! what a laugh.

Day31 5/5 Noirmoutier-en-l”ile to Maillezais  sunny morning

Left the Aire at about 10.00am for Maillezais on the way surprise surprise it started raining. Maillezais is a little village outside Niort .We  sat reading in the van for a couple of hours as a thunder storm came over. About 4ish we went for our daily walk sat in a restaurant overlooking the local abbey.

Day32 6/5 Maillezais Dull morning

Had a lazy morning round the van then in the afternoon we went on a tour of the Abbey (Saint-Pierre of Maillezais Abbey).

Day33 7/5 Maillezais to Mortagne sur Gironde sunny.

Woke up this morning to find we were parked opposite a school and parents were dropping there kids off. The gas had ran out so we set off and stopped at a garage down the road – it was closed!!!! (you would think we would be used to it by now- everywhere is closed on Mondays). So we headed off to the next Aire. Managed to get Fuel and Gas en route. We arrived at the Aire Mortagne  sur Gironde at about 12ish. We arrived early as our Aire book said it was a popular site. When we arrived we could see why, breathtaking over looking a marine and only 7 euro 40 a night including electric and water to each pitch. Took Harley off the trailer and parked up. Had a lovely meal in a nice little restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Dieppe to Batz Sur Mer

Day 21 25/4 Dieppe Guess What Rain again!!!!!

Decided as the weather was so bad we would get the laundry done so off we went to the local laundry. In the afternoon we went for a walk round Dieppe and on to the sea front and along the promenade as it was sunny and bright. There were memorials to the Canadian forces who invaded Dieppe.

Day 22 26/4 Dieppe to Mailleraye  fine morning.

Up at 9.00am today and showered, then after breakfast we set off for our next Aire. We arrived at La Mailleraye sur Seine Aire at 1.00pm. This Aire was very picturesque as we were parked overlooking the river, the sun was shining and there were barges and river cruises going by. Went for a walk in the village and sat on a bench overlooking the river taking in the lovely views, then back to the van for tea.

Day 23 27/4 La Mailleraye sur Seine. Raining first thing

Went to the local supermarket for a few provisions then back to the van to take Harley out for a ride round. Went along the river bank through some little villages stopped for a coffee in a local Bar/bookies/paper shop. Later in the afternoon we got on our bicycles for a nice ride along the river and when we got back to the van two other British motorhomes had joined us. After tea we went for a last walk round the village before going to bed.

Day 24 28/4 La Mailleraye to Cambremer  still raining ( BAD DAY)

We left the Aire at about 10.00pm for a steady drive to Cambremer. When we arrived there was a village festival so was diverted out of the village. We programmed another Aire in the sat nav and it took us up a country lane which we had to turn round in !!!! (Not a great idea with a motorbike on a trailer) Then a kind local Frenchman came to help us, however it still took about an hour to turn round, so we then decided to head for Ouistrehem where we finally arrived at about 5.00pm.So went straight to the pub for a few well deserved drinks, Also Skyped mum from a hotel.

Day 25 29/4 Ouistrehem Still Raining.

Today we had a lie in till 11 ish,looked on the map and decided in the morning we would head south.  After lunch we had a walk in to Ouistrehem and on the way we came across the Grande Bunker Museum so we had a look round .Saw the landing craft used in the movie Saving Private Ryan. Had a coffee in a shop on the local high street.

Day 26 30/4 Ouistrehem to Marzan Sunny Heading south

Left Ouistrehem about 10.00am on Route South the weather was bright and sunny all the way. We stopped at the Mont St Micheal Aire for a coffee and a hot dog then pushed on south to Marzan. Went for a walk round the village and two glasses of vin Rouge in a local bar. Very quiet village typical for a Monday in France. Two other motorhomes joined us later on the Aire.

Day 27 1/5 Marzan to Batz- Sur-Mer Sun shining

Had an early start got up and walked to the local boulangerie for fresh croissants and baguette, then over to the local supermarket to stock up on provisions. Derek checked the levels on the Van before we left.We set off about 11.00am en route for Les Paludiers camp site at Batz-sur-mer near La Baule on the west coast of France. We arrived at the site about 12 ish and checked in then found a nice pitch. We got Harley off the trailer and went out for a ride found a little fishing village called Le Crosic very pretty. Derek fancied Moules Marienaire so we went in to a nice looking Brasserie, as you do when in France. Unfortunately 4 hours later we were both sick as dogs, not much fun in a Motorhome.

Arnhem To Dieppe

Day14 18/4 Tilburg

Went for a walk round the site looked at the jungalows then in to the Africa club for a coffee overlooking the lake as it was a cold day. Then the sun came out so we went back to the van to get the chairs out for a couple of hours. After tea we went back to the Africa Club to have a few drinks but it was very quiet so we retired back to the van.

Day 15 19/4 Mons showers all day

Up at 7.30am and we left Beekse Bergen en route for Waterloo at 8.30am. We arrived at Waterloo at 10.30am. We went straight to the visitor centre and watched a couple of movies about the battle. Then climbed the 220 odd steps to the top of the lion mound where you could see for miles the whole battlefield. While we were sat catching our breath after the climb to the top, Martin Johnson the England Rugby captain /coach appeared up the steps. Its a funny place to meet him ???? After walking back down the steps we had our lunch then went on a guided tour of the battlefield. Then on to Mons in Belgium Waux-Hall campsite. Found a pitch and settled in for the night.

Day16  20/4 Mons showers all day

Today we caught the train from Mons to Brussels and did a big bus tour of the city. Had chocolate waffles and caught the train back. Then went in a student bar for a few drinks and a Kebab on the way back.

Day 17 21/4 Mons showers all day

Had breakfast and decided we would turn the van round and change pitch so it would be easier to leave the following day. Bad idea!!!! Stuck in the mud. The UK breakdown company wanted £400 to turn someone out but the site lady got someone for 75 euro .After a stressful morning we decided to go in to town found an Irish Bar and had a few needed drinks. Back to the site for tea.

Day18 22/4 Conty – France showers all day

Left Mons at 10.00am slow drive down to France for our first Aire which was a large area that could accommodate 20 motorhomes. Came in to contact with a lot more British here after a few in Holland and Belgium. Feels warmer than Belgium. Had a walk in to town but everywhere was closed being Sunday so back to the van for the evening?

Day 19 23/4 Conty Rain All day

Went in to village in the morning everywhere closed so rain started stayed in the van all day. Was kept amused by an old French man in the camper opposite who couldn’t stop tinkering and at one stage he donned his waterproof got a long brush and started washing his motorhome down in the pouring rain using puddles as clean water.

Day 20 24/4 Dieppe showers all day

Up early and in to the village to buy gas – Le Cube, think the Dutch gas is on the verge of running out. Steady drive through the rain to Dieppe found the Aire on the quayside overlooking the harbour. Went for a walk in to town busy town centre found a coffee shop near the Aire with free wifi and post the blog.

Arnhem

Day 9 13/4 Amsterdam

Stayed around the campsite most of the day getting everything packed away for a move off the next morning. About 5ish caught the metro into Amsterdam and went for a pub crawl around the red light district. Some great bars but would you believe it we sat down in one bar having a chat with a group of girls who happen to be from Manchester. Out of the group i (Derek ) knew 2 of their fathers Jimmy Cook who use to live in Failsworth and Peter Kay a retired cop. Then went for an Italian meal before heading back.

Day 10 14/4 Arnhem

left the site and Amsterdam stocked up with fuel and a new gas bottle then headed off to Arnhem. On arrival stopped off at the airborne museum at Oosterbeek only 1€ to get in then headed of the find the camp site camping Warsnborn. Arrived and set up everything sun shining but cold when the sun goes in.

Day 11 13/4 Arnhem

Dull day today not very warm went out on the bike but not so warm had a ride into Arnhem and saw the John Frost bridge then back to the military cemetery at Oosterbeek. Everywhere here is closed on a Sunday so back to camp and settle in for the day. One of the best things we bought was the TV satellite system.

 Day 12 16/4  Arnhem

Cold day again but the sun is shinning, we got the bus from the camp site in to Arnhem Centre. Walked through the town centre to the river Rhine noticed that all the shops were shut, after looking at the shop opening times it seems that Monday  is a half day with most shops opening at 1.00pm. Walked up the river embankment passed some river cruise boats moored up, visited a small memorial and museum to the war before going on to the John Frost Bridge. Walked back in to the town centre tried a Rooteworst sausage/hotdog with mustard. Lovely town centre stopped for a beer and a red wine before catching the bus back to the site. Once back the sun started to show its face and we were able to sit out for the first time.

Day13  17/4 Tilburg.

Left Arnhem for a steady drive to Tilburg sat nav guided us to the Beekse Bergen Safari Camp site lovely site with lakes, river and wildlife a bit like centre parks but with a safari park attached, The site has high standard of toilets and showers, there is a supermarket and bar near to our pitch. Clouds have come in and started to rain.  The  plan is to stay here two nights then move down in to Belgium and look for the sun.

Off we go

Day one 5 April 2012

Left Cassie at 10 oclock after saying cheerio to Joanne, Dave & Kev steady drive down to Grafham Water Caravan Club site all the hills on route were white with snow but the sun was shining and the roads were clear. Grafham water is a decent site and we were made welcome by the staff even asked to call on our way home to tell them about the tour.

Day two 6/4

letft the site at 10:30 to the Black Horse farm site at Densole in Canterbury (Dover) arrived 2 pm and given a pitch that needed us to reverse. Problem! Trailer had a mind of its own so trailer and bike taken off and put back on again in the morning. Had a ride out on the bike for a coffee at the Jackdaw pub. Then visited a local pub for a couple of drinks the back to the van.

Day three 7/4

Left the site at 10:00 stopped at sainsburys for provisions and a coffee at Mcedees got to the ferry just before 12 but let on the 12 oclock ferry. Smooth crossing and arrived Dunkirk at 3pm. ½ hour drive to camping Des Dunes where we were given a grass pitch for two nights. The site is on the beach but the weather was poor cold and raining.

Day four 8/4

Still showers and cold went for a ride on the bike and tried to get French gas without success didn’t help as it was easter weekend. Had a pizza for tea and put extra blankets on the bed still cold.

Day 5 9/4

Left the site at 09:00 filled up with some fuel and drove up through Belgium into Holland to Amsterdam. Loads of  Motorhomes out and about. Arrived at Het Amsterdamse Bos camp site at 3 oclock big site lots of chalets and good facilities. Transport readily available into Amsterdam rained all day.

Day 6 10/4

Took the bus into Amsterdam and took a city centre bus tour then back to the site still raining.

Day 7 11/4

Stayed around the site sorted out the laundry etc 4pm caught metro into the city and did a canal cruise tour then a red light district tour. Caught the bus back arriving at midnight. Bright and showery.

Day 8

Went out and about on the bike looks like were going to have to get a dutch gas bottle to manage till we get back into France then in the afternoon used the push bikes to go shopping in Amstelveen

Put the Motorhome to bed for the winter

Well it’s been an interesting end to the year the original motorhome we had was traded in for a better one a Hymer Tramp. Were over the moon with the Hymer, we went to the caravan show at the NEC and bought some gear for the tour a satellite TV system, some awning blinds and chairs. The once back we had all the water drained out for the forthcoming winter. I plan on taking the Tramp out for a drive every 3 week or so. I’ve been looking at Ferry crossings and it seems cheaper to go Newcastle to Amsterdam. I’ve also decided that we will tow a motorcycle so will have a tow bar fitted in January and make arrangements to collect/arrange delivery of the trailer I’ve decided on one from motolug its a collapsible one so when not in use in can be stored in the van. Will buy the bike in January, this is an interesting week as i finish work in 2 days.

So my next post will be in January with a bit of luck the tow bar will be fitted and the trailer expected. I’m planning on doing some work in the van i.e. putting in additional electric points.