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A lovely weekend with Lenny and Evie – 15th – 18th August

We have been taking our niece Evie (7 1/2) away for the weekend in our caravan for a few years now and this year it was time to add our nephew Lenny (3 1/2) into the mix. It was with some trepidation that we embarked upon this trip as he is still such a baby – in the nicest possible way. They live in London and so I left work early on Thursday afternoon to meet them at their Aunt’s house in Guildford. The transfer went well – no tears –  and we had a fun journey home. They particularly enjoyed shouting their way through the tunnel at Hindhead in case I got lost! Who doesn’t love a good shout?

Home and tea followed by bath and bedtime – which is where the fun began. Lenny had suddenly fully realised that Mummy and Daddy were just not going to be around. He was very tearful – perfectly natural. Luckily George was there and went in to have a chat with him. He explained that little boys need sleep and that if Lenny wanted to have fun the next day he’d better get some. Lenny clearly saw the logic behind this and swiftly applied to himself to the task – with some success! Well done George. Phew!

Evie, too, was a little tearful – she is such a worrier bless her but I was able to allay her fears (that we might go out and leave her. As if! Bless) and she soon went off to sleep too.

Both slept until a very reasonable 7.30ish and we pottered around until it was time to pop to Sainsburys for some baking ingredients. We spent the rest of the morning baking some fairy cakes. After lunch, Paul took us over to our campsite – Rookesbury Park – in Wickham – chosen for its proximity to home in case it all went horribly wrong. They enjoyed helping Uncle Paul set up.

Hard work!
Hard work!
WIth Archie
WIth Archie
Working for her supper
Working for her supper
Actually I'll just watch!
Actually I’ll just watch!

It was then back to the van for tea (spaghetti and meatballs- a big favourite which I had prepared earlier) and then Uncle Paul arrived back. More fun and games at the play park and then it was bedtime for Lenny. We had done our job! Exhausted and well fed , he went straight off to sleep as good as gold. They were sharing the fixed double bed and we played with Evie – quietly until we were sure he was fully asleep and then it was her turn for bed. A few anxious moments for her again about us going out and leaving her, but she, too, was tired and was soon sleeping peacefully.Evie HorseLenny horse

Yum!
Yum!

We lasted about an hour before we also tumbled into bed exhausted. The night was punctuated only by Lenny needing the toilet, but that was swiftly dealt with and we all slept soundly until 7.30 again.  So far so good.

We had planned to go to Marwell but the weather forecast was pretty rotten so we decided to save that for another year and instead take them take them down to Southsea and “wing” the day, letting it pan out as it would.

We set off for Southsea late morning and, as luck would have it, there was something going on on the Common – mainly child orientated and we had a good time – Evie on a bouncy run, attached to an elastic band thingy (you had to be there) Lenny on a fire engine and both of them on the Playbus.

Bouncy!
Bouncy!

Lenny fire engine

Cheeky Monkeys
Cheeky Monkeys

After that we went and watched the Hovercraft (always a bit of thrill even after all these years) come in and out and then it was off in search of lunch, with a quick detour on the “hot walls” at Old Portsmouth. Click here for a lovely picture of them at night.

Walking along the sea wall
Walking along the sea wall

We found a great little cafe called Manna – aptly named – just opposite the Cathedral in Old Portsmouth..  Lovely fresh sandwiches with unusual fillings – such as fish finger (Evie),  Smoky Pulled Pork and Coleslaw (Paul and me) and (boring!) ham for Lenny. We watched a wedding going into the Cathedral. Noisy bells!

Hot Walls

Rain was still threatening so we decided the cinema was our best bet for the afternoon. We saw “Planes” at the cinema in Fareham and I must admit to having a quick and sneaky snooze whilst it was on! But the kids seemed to enjoy it…….

Back to the caravan and walk with Archie and then it was off to Wickham for fish and chips for tea. Sadly not the best – in fact pretty dire! But once again, the kids seemed to enjoy it, which led me to remember how easily kids are pleased. More fun  at the playground after tea and then the rain that had been promised finally arrived.  I wondered how they would sleep as the rain was hammering quite heavily on the caravan roof. Luckily though, once again, we had fulfilled our objective (keep them full and wear them out) and they went to bed with no protest and slept soundly – shortly followed by us, again! 

The next morning dawned fairish and after breakfast there were scooters to play on (them) and packing up to do (us) and we were off on the long trip back home. All of 15 minutes! Perfect.  Lunch and a trip to Guildford to deliver then safely back to their parents and that was that. Gone in a flash and no television all weekend.  Same again next year? I think so. 

Oxford Canal trip – Autobots on tour! Aug 9-11

We are avid quizzers and meet most Tuesdays at our local, The Seagull, where we enter the weekly quiz. The quiz is free to enter and the winner’s prize is £40. The team (The Autobots – named by Jacquie’s son Harry at one of our early quizzes)   have had a pretty successful year and have saved our winnings. Initially we had a vague idea of going for a curry on the proceeds but as they mounted it was suggested that we should do something more adventurous and we hit upon the plan of hiring a canal boat for the day with a luxury picnic from M&S! The core of the team is four, with others joining as and when to make up the max of 6. Not everyone could make it and in the end there were 7 of us. (Us, Anne and Gray and their daughter Holly and Jacquie and Rob).

We drove up to Woodstock on the Friday evening and stayed at the Bladon Chains CC site, where we had been once before a few years ago. It is in the parkland on the edge of the grounds of the beautiful Blenheim Palace

Up early the next morning and excitement was high. We drove the short trip to Thrupp where we were picking up our boat from the Oxfordshire Narrowboats base there. Being “local” we were first to arrive.

Jacquie and Rob were next to arrive, closely followed by Anne, Gray and Holly with the picnic. It was clear that we would not starve! We had our briefing and were off! On the kids party boat! Funny!

Party Boat

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The kettle was soon on and we had breakfast continental style (pastries) and headed off towards Aynho. At our first lock (an unusual diamond shape) we encountered a stag night party on 2 boats. Much banter ensued!

The Groom with Jacquie and Holly
The Groom with Jacquie and Holly
All this for a tea-bag. Mmmm
All this for a tea-bag. Mmmm

I thin k it’s fair to say that they were the most disorganised bunch ever and the operation took ages but we had a good laugh with them before we made our way through the lock.

Discussing the lock
Discussing the lock

The pretty River Cherwell meanders in and out of the canal on this stretch and you are rarely far from it. We passed the Rock of Gibraltar pub (thus legitimately enabling us to claim we had been to Gib on this trip). No sign of any Sapnish fishermen , fortunately!

Gibraltar!
Gibraltar!

Our turn round point and lunch spot was the disused quarry at Shipton on Cherwell and we feasted royally – even though we also had afternoon tea planned!

Here are a few more images of the day:

Or the twins as we like to call them!
Or the twins as we like to call them!
It's a love thing!
It’s a love thing!
Busy dog
Busy dog
Approaching the diamond lock on the return leg
Approaching the diamond lock on the return leg
A lift bridge
A lift bridge
A lock
A lock
Rob - putting his back into it!
Rob – putting his back into it!
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Our gallant skipper

We arrived back at our start point with an hour to spare, so set off in the opposite driection, towards Oxford. We had afternoon tea on this leg. With scones and clotted cream………..

Afternoon Tea
FOOD!

As we turned (known as winding) the boat we saw this sign which afforded us much amusement:

Isn't it ironic?
Isn’t it ironic?

All to soon it was time to hand over and go home. Another lovely day on the canal. I want a boat!

No evening meal was required that night and we had noticed that the Mikron Theatre Company were at The Jolly Boatman and decided to go and see them perform. They are a touring company, using the narrowboat, Tyseley, as a base. Envious much! We had seen them many years ago, when the then unknown Mark (Suits you sir!) Williams – now more popularly known for being Ron Weasley’s dad –  was a member of the team (1983-85).

It was packed at the pub and we struggled to park. We managed to find seats by moving a bench and shared that with a few others.  This years show is called Beyond the veil and has a bee-keeping theme. Such a talented bunch (Acting, singing and playing instruments) and a jolly good evening.

Beyond the Veil
Beyond the Veil

We returned to the site and tumbled into bed tired but very happy.  We followed the usual Sunday morning “routine” of boiled eggs and a leisurely read and then packed up for the journey home, looking forward to our next trip, the following weekend with our niece and nephew.  As we were leaving the site, I got a call from the boatyard to say that a BW key for the electric lift-bridge was missing. A mad flurry of texts followed and, as suspected,  Rob was the culprit. We agreed to post them back and all was well! Phew. Roll on next weekend.

Graffham again – with Bob and Barb – Aug 2-4

Just by chance it was the same weekend (the first one in August), a year later, for our meet up with our dear friends who we met in Canada. Barb had done all the bookings and we checked in and made our way to our pitch,. It was a nice clearing in the forest, shared with another couple of vans. B&B had arrived before us (being retired) and were quick to make us a cuppa while we set up.

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The picture does not really do it justice. The surface is sandy and a favourite with rabbits.

We spent the evening chatting and Barb fed us. The meal featured veg from Bob’s very fruitful allotment and was very nice indeed. Bob had also brought us a bag of his freshly dug taters and a cabbage the size of a football. Very kind.

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As we went to bed, the skies opened and we were treated to a massive thunderstorm. It was lovely lying in bed watching the display through the roof vent. How I love a good storm!

By morning it had cleared and we sat about chatting for a while, thus it was late morning before we decided to go out and explore. We went to Midhurst and had a good poke round the charity shops and such, and sat and watched a jazz band playing in the sunshine in the square outside the church (St. Mary Magdalene & St. Denys) in the Market Square. Archie wasn’t keen. He shivered throughout!

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We then walked down to the wharf and the attractive South Pond and then back up into town for a spot of lunch.

After lunch we decided to walk up to the ruined, but still impressive,  Cowdray House, a Tudor building which reminded me of Titchfield Abbey in some way. Perhaps they are of a similar age? Something to research. The House is Tudor in origin and has a chequered history, Interestingly,  Guy Fawkes was briefly employed as a footman there. It was also damaged in the Civil War and finally destroyed by fire in 1793.

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A river runs through the grounds and Archie had a  fine time fetching sticks with a few other dogs. It was lovely to see him enjoying himself so.

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We then strolled up to Cowdray Park and watched a bit of cricket and then some polo. Very exciting. Would like to see more.  Amazing horses and a fine display of horsemanship too.

We returned through the lovely leafy lanes to the site and had a pre-prandial siesta before getting ready for dinner at the lovely Foresters Arms in Graffham. Very good food and a delightful ambience. An altogether lovely evening. Coffee at our place and then bed.

We woke quite late (not much sleep the night before due to the heavy rain) and had a last coffee and a chat and then packed up and said our farewells. – until the next time.

France 2013 – Day 1 Thurs 4th July

The day had finally dawned and I spent the morning  packing and ticking things off lists while Paul finished all those myriad jobs that you need to do before you finish work for a long break.  He had started very early and beavered away until he was happy that he had done all he could.  We quickly threw our last few bits in the van and hitched up. We got away by about 3.30 which meant that we could complete the drive down to our first night stop near the Tunnel in good time. The Drum Inn is very close to the Tunnel and yet it has a countryside charm and is very quiet. It’s ideally located for an overnighter and would also be a good base for exploring that part of Kent. It has showers, and hook-up and some hard-standings. As we were only staying overnight and had an early start, the landlord let us park still hitched so that all we had to do in the morning was put up the steadies and drive off. Very handy.

Overnighter at the Drum Inn, Kent

We had a nice meal there and played the first game in our “Cribathon” – this one went to Paul – and then it was off to bed ready for our early start.

France 2013 – Day 2 Fri 5th July

What’s that noise? A 6.45 alarm! But there was no lounging and pressing the sleep button countless times this morning. We sprang out of bed, raring to go. Quick ablutions and then it was up with the steadies and we were off. The latest check-in for our crossing was 7.50 and we were there in plenty of time – despite missing the turning and having to do a quick three-pointer  – no mean feat with a caravan behind! The morning was already heating up as we arrived and this was to set the tone for the weather for the whole holiday, although we did not know it then.

Driving on to the train
Driving on to the train

As it was term-time, there was the usual procession of excited school kids running up down the train but all of a sudden – there we were in France! We had a journey of around 320 miles (5-6 hours) ahead but very soon stopped for breakfast at the first Aire we could find. Coffee and pains au chocolate (or PACs as we came to know them). Delicious. It was hot!

Our route (see here – avoiding Paris at all costs!) took us through Abbeville, Rouen, Alencon, Le Mans, Saumur and finally to Camping de Chantepie, where we had 2 nights booked. We had made plenty of stops on the way and finally arrived at around 5.30. We were delighted with our pitch, which we felt was probably the most stunning ever, with an amazing view over the Loire.

What a view!
What a view!

We swung into our setting up routine and were soon sitting overlooking that view with a reviving cuppa. Lovely.

The fan which we had brought with us was very quickly plugged in and was to be our saviour  over the ensuing days as it was so hot – particularly at night. We packed the duvet away and spent most nights to come under just a sheet and occasionally a throw on top in the chilly hours of the morning.

After a brief relax, it was time to go off on a victualling expedition. Luckily, there was a brand new E. Leclerc in Saumur and we not only shopped there but ate there – much better food than UK supermarkets in our opinion.  We then had a quick flip round Saumur to get our bearings.

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Château – Saumur

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It was a beautiful evening and the crowning glory was watching a couple of air balloons drifting by.  I was very envious. This is a common sight along the Loire and we have some pictures in a later post.

We got back to the ‘van and unpacked our purchases and then fell very happily into bed with the Cribathon standing at 2-0 to Mr S.

France 2013 – Day 3 Sat 6th July – exploring La Loire

Another hot day with a peak temp of around 32 degrees and it was time for an all-too-brief explore of the surrounding area. We set off along the Loire, stopping to photograph  the church and dungeon tower at Treves and also  Fontrevaud Abbey, which is huge.

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We followed the wine production route, had a pleasant lunch and returned home with very a good impression of the beauty of the area. Chateaux and troglodytes!

As there was a terrain at the site, we bought some drinks and had a game of pétanque. Winner? Why me, of course! The pool looked good but we did not have time to use it as we were moving on the next day. It’s a great site and I would return with no hesitation – and would like to.

Sumps in pointing pose.
Sumps in pointing pose.
The pools - very inviting
The pools – very inviting

We had  a very pleasant dinner at the on-site restaurant that night and then returned to the ‘van to read and play cards. We know how to live! By this time, we had every available orifice open in the ‘van because of the heat. There was a party that night in a nearby house with loud music. Still going at 5 am! Respect for their staying power but not quite what we wanted for the soundtrack for our night’s sleep!

France 2013 – Day 4 Sun 7th July – off to the Lot valley

Another longish drive today down to the Lot Valley today, so we set off sharply at 8.30 with coffee and PACs for breakfast en route. It was about 245 miles but seemed much longer as it was so hot. I kept the driver entertained with a combination of French radio (Virgin is our favourite station) , my 500 track Spotify playlist  and crosswords. The track of the holiday was One Day/Reckoning Song by Asaf Avidan and the Mojos.  Check it out here.

Our route took us through Poitiers, Limoges and Brive-la-Gaillarde and there were quite a few stops. We arrived at our destination – Camping Chateau de Lacomte – at around 3 pm.  This was a larger adults-only site with a bar, restaurant and swimming pool and we were scheduled to stay for 7 blissful nights. It is very much out in the sticks and situated in the “black triangle” – where there is no light pollution and the sky at night is a sight to behold. The site is in the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy which is another beautiful area.  The “Causses” as I understand it, are limestone plateaus and cliffs and are part of the Massif Central.

As you might expect, one of the first things out of the car was the fan – swiftly followed by the gin! Dinner at the bar that night and plans for a lazy day at the pool for the next day. A break from all the travelling – although don’t get me wrong, it was WELL worth the long journey.

At dinner, we noticed the flies – myriads of them and persistent? Unbelievably so. There followed a week of death matches – Sumps versus the flies! With his trusty Executioner fly swat (which I had had the foresight to pack, just in case, thank goodness).

The Executioner – in killing mode

The night was so quiet and so dark it was unbelievable and we slept like logs. We think we’re gonna like it here. Oh – and the Cribathon stands at 3-1 to Sumps.

France 2013 – Day 5 Mon 8th July – relaxing mainly

It was a lovely day and we had breakfast ( fresh melon, yoghurt, baguette and jam and a strong coffee) outside but by 0900 Paul said “I’m too hot, I’m going indoors!

As we needed a few provisions (mainly BBQ bits) , we decide to go out reasonably early and  come back and have a swim and read by the pool. Good strategy. We drove to Labastide-Murat, where there there is a handy supermarket and also – to our pleasure – we found it was market day. So we sauntered around – it was quite big but there was nothing we fancied so we went to the bar for a biere.  Another good strategy! Whilst there we noticed that there was a friendly Petanque evening on Friday and resolved to pop along and play.

While we were out, we got a message from George saying “Call me!” That’s not usually a good text to get and this was no exception. George had a call at 0545 from Uncle D saying that the dog had escaped – he could not find him anywhere. George got up to get dressed and go looking for him and then he heard a scratching at the front door! Archie had made his way home. Across a busy main road – i.e the A27!  High drama but no real harm done, thank goodness. Mad dog!

Place de la Mairie – Labastide Murat
The Pool.
The Pool.

We spent the afternoon as planned and got ourselves ready for the Monday night quiz. It was great fun and they also had a promotion for Desperados – a flavoured beer – our take on it was that you’d have to be pretty blimmin’ desperado to drink it!

It was a good evening and we came third – two teams having tied for 1st place.  Retired with the Cribathon score standing at 4-2.

France 2013 – Days 6/7 Tues 9th,Weds 10th July – Rocamadour, caves, etc.

Having had a quiet day it was time to explore. So – off to Rocamadour.  We had been once before about 20 years ago but it is pretty impressive and well worth a return.  The town is built into the cliff above the Dordogne river and draws many tourists and justifiably so.

Rocamdour 1
Rocamdour 1
Rocamadour 2
Rocamadour 2

Of particular interest is the Black Madonna or Vierge Noire. We had seen her before but again – she was worth a repeat. Paul managed a sneaky – if irreverent – photo of her. As you can see, she is pretty tiny! Maybe 24″?

Black Madona of Rocamadour
Black Madona of Rocamadour

Because the town is on several levels there is a cliff railway buried deep inside the cliff (so as not to distract from the view) to take you down to the Sanctuary level. Its cool was most welcome. There is a conventional elevator – again buried inside the cliff – to take you down to town level. The town was FAR less tacky touristy than we remembered. Perhaps they have had a rethink on tat? Although it was still there if you really wanted a Black Madonna snow globe or suchlike!

Cliff Railway
Cliff Railway

SUMPS ROCAMADOUR Archway Roca

It was hot again (over 35 degrees) and so we decided to make our next visit to one of the many and very impressive caves that stud the limestone. Our choice was Lacave – it was the nearest! We made our way there, pausing only for lunch – a very tasty Magret de Canard et frites. Mmmm. Check out the translation on that link for Lacave by the way. Amusing.

We had a very short wait before the Petit Train arrived and transported us into the bowels of the earth – or thereabouts! Once we disembarked there was an hour and half walking tour of the Grotte – if I’m honest it was a little too long. The sights were marvellous, they really were, but you can only shuffle through a damp (cool!) cave with about 50 others, listening to a rapid French only narration and explanation of its sights,  before you start to lose the will to live.  Just a little. All caved out was how I described it at the time. Soon the Petit Train had expelled us back into the daylight, tired and grubby.

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We made our way home via the E Leclerc in Souillac – more supplies although I can’t recall quite what. We played boules again and this time Paul won, although I was feeling a bit dodgy at the time. Honestly!! Got my own back at the card table, bringing the score to 4-3 – in his favour. Coming back !

Wednesday was another relaxing day by the pool. We were having lunch in the bar when suddenly a lone sheep trotted by. It transpired that it had been spotted here and there all over the site from an early hour but no-one had been able to catch it. It had escaped from the adjacent farm and soon the farmer turned up mob-handed and they swiftly had her back in their control. Sweet. Just missed capturing her myself – on film of course…..

We got chatting to a couple in the pool and it turned out they were from Hillhead! Better yet the chap turned out to be our Sainsbury’s groceries delivery driver. Didn’t recognise him without his clothes on! Small world eh? We had a lovely lazy and relaxing day

We went out to a local and really quite rustic pizza place and had a very nice meal in their front garden. For a while were the only diners and then another carload of English turned up. Nice chat with them before we set off back to Lacomte for a nightcap at the bar. We got chatting to another couple – this time from Chandler’s Ford! Has the whole of Hampshire decamped to the Lot?

Beautiful sunset.

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France 2013 – Days 8/9 Thurs 11th, Fri 12th July – Lot river/laziness

Up early today very excited  for our day on the River Lot. We were picking the boat up from Lot Croisieres in Bouzies – about 45 minute’s drive away and had to be there by 0900.  I think Mr S rather relished driving the country lanes sans caravan!

We arrived on the dot to find that they had problems with their card machine so ended up having to leave Paul’s driving licence as security. I should mention here that we’d asked for a 2-4 berth but they only had a 7 berth on the day we wanted, which was 50 Euros more. I managed to blag it for the price of the 2-4 berth, though. Result! Bouzies by the way is very pretty and accessed mainly by an attractive one-way bridge. Actually doesn’t look too attractive in the pic but we liked it.

Bridge at Bouzies
Bridge at Bouzies – with Croisieres Lot in the foreground.

We had a quite detailed briefing – in  rapid French. I understood a good proportion of it  but there was also a manual with everything we needed to know,which had at least some bits in English.  We’d be OK.

We set off in convoy for our first and probably most dramatic lock. Another French briefing and we felt it was quite lucky that we had at least done locks before. Although they are quite different, the principle is the same, thankfully – if a bit quirky and VERY hard work.

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On the way to our first lock
The towpath
The towpath
Carvings - see below for more info
Carvings – see below for more info
In the lock
In the lock

The towpath is hewn from the cliff and there are some recent carvings done by a chap called Daniel Monnier- see here for a little more info. There was a boat full of young English chaps, who were very keen to do all the work so we let them. In that heat who wouldn’t?! But  note that their keenness very soon petered out, once they had experienced how very hard the locks were. The first few locks were a doddle, though, thanks to them.

The scenery is just breathtaking. So very beautiful. We could scarcely take it all in.

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St- Cirq-Lapopie

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I’m running out of superlatives for this section, but Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched on the cliff is beautiful, amazing, wonderful. In a survey it was awarded the honour of being France’s favourite village and you can clearly see why. It was nice to see it from river level but we later saw it at eye level.

One by one we lost our fellow boaters – a couple to swimming and one to lunch so the next few locks we did alone – including one quite deep lock which was a teeny bit scary as we could not communicate very well. Paul aloft and me in charge of the boat – called Chodoulou by the way. Luckily it was very manoeuvrable and easy to control.

Shortly after this we tied up to twig for our picnic lunch – scrummy. And if the region suddenly starts spouting loads of new cherry trees? That’ll be us and our long-distance cherry-pit spitting prowess. 🙂

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St Cirq-Lapopie Lock
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Me at the helm
SUmps working up a sweat
Sumps working up a sweat

P1010630The base at Bouzies

I can’t tell you how much we loved this trip. Looking back, we both felt it was the absolute highlight of our holiday.  I would seriously consider a full week/two week holiday on this canal. Maybe next year? Need to research.

After we had handed the boat back, we drove to St Cirq to see it from land level. Equally impressive. It was just a quick trip and we resolved to come back another day for a better look. On the way home, we stopped for drinks at a patisserie and picked up some of our favourites – flan. They were also selling something I had never encountered before – Jesuites.  There was just one left – it turned out to be a crispy/almondy/puff pastry delight! We’d certainly eat that again.

Home to a barbecue and the thought of another pool day tomorrow. Happy.

The next day was Friday and also a relaxation day. Hours of reading and dipping in the pool. Just perfect.

It was, too,  Petanque day – or evening to be exact – in Labastide-Murat. Exciting and nerve-racking in equal measures. It’s been a long time for me and never for Paul and we did not want to let ourselves down.

We rocked up to the bar that we had visited a couple of times earlier in the week and which bore the poster for the evening’s event. A couple of beers and it was past 2030 – the advertised time. We asked if it would be going ahead and he said of course, but remember – you are in France. Soon after that a couple of old boys appeared with their boules, so we bashfully sidled over. They made us feel very welcome – if a bit awkward (well I did as the only woman there!).  A few more appeared and suddenly it was game on.

It was a melee – which means one guy throws the cochonnet (jack) and another gathers one boule from each assembled player and drops them near the coch.  I should say at this point for those that don’t know – competition boules have to be stamped with the maker’s name and unique number and also the weight so that they are easily identifiable. Pairs are formed by the person whose ball is nearest the coch and then furthest.  We were 8 in total.  Paul and I played with our partners  – me with Camile (late 60s) and Paul with Ludo (30s).

We played until  about 11.30 and had a lot of laughs. There were some stunningly good shots and also some stunningly bad shots from us but we weren’t alone in that! It was very friendly and at the end Camile told Paul that I had played well. Happy again! He also bought a round of drinks which we wanted to pay for to say thanks for including us but he would not hear of it. We both agreed in retrospective that that had been our best evening. Loved it.  We tiptoed home very quietly so as not to wake the campers, tired but on a high.