2013 France

Left Arlebosc this morning. Small village site up in the mountains. Jenny decided that they wanted to stay on for an extra day.

The atmosphere was not good. Mike told us that they were going on some France passion site yet Jenny denied it.

Jenny showed emotion when we left. He will call us in a few days.

We had decided that we wanted to see the gorge and they had seen it some four years before.

Very little to see and do in village although it was pleasant.

Made our way to St Alban Auriolles in readiness to go and find the gorge. Big carpark behind a village hall where they had an afternoon dance. We had some travelers in caravans with us. Not happy so we left and made our way to Vallons Pont D\’Arc to stay overnight. Weather started to change.

Travelled up the mountains in the Ardeche area. Beautiful scenery along the river and up the mountain roads.

Arrived Arlebosc to find Jenny well established.Walked down into the village in the evening. Old houses and quaint.

Agreed with Jenny that we didn\’t want to stay an extra night but would meet up later in the trip. Left in the morning on our own.

Left Cremary this morning after having agreed to make our own way to the next site at St Andre sur Vieux Jonc (page 539 #30). Lovelly site overlooking the football fields. Jenny made a point of saying they had been there for two hours but mentioned they did not stop for lunch.

Good walking for the dogs. Did a little washing.

Agreed that we would travel to Arlebosc separately.

Glorious hot day. The daffodils festival was on in the afternoon. Rode our scooter down and went and found our seats. It was very hot waiting for the parade.

Started on time at 14:30. There were around 100 floats and bands in the parade. Well worth seeing. Jenny kept standing in front of me when I was trying to take photos. Very annoying.

Had lovely day. We decided that we would go to a commercial site to shower, wash clothes and charge batteries. They decided to go on earlier than us and meet us there. We were ready before the agreed time of 10am but they left 45mins before us. Mike said that I had been winding her up.

They called us later but we missed them on route. We arrived before them.

As usual Jenny got in first and took the washing machine. Tina was not happy. Got a beard trim and haircut.

Mike got stuck and once again it was anyone\’s fault except Jenny.

Decided that we would make our own way to next stop. Jenny suggested a site and I reminded her that we had already agreed our itinerary at Metz.

They left around 9 a.m. Cost €15 for the night. Very nice Dutch couple owned the site at Cremary (ACSI #1569)

Found Mike at Super U and did a ltlle more shopping. Stayed and had a meal. Put some fuel in the scooter.

Bought a recharge for the iPad. Went back fir some lunch.

Later in the afternoon went down to a bar and listened to the match. Put some power back into tge batteries.  Drove around the lake.

What a horrible day. It rained heavily all day long. Not able to get out. Starting to worry about battery power left if we don\’t get some sunshine. Jenny has decided that we should go to a commercial site on Morning. We can use the showers and do some washing.

The storm last night was very bad. The winds were rocking the van. We taught Jenny & Mike contract whist. After some discussion Jenny finally got the hang of it.

This morning we are over 100 amps down but the rain has stopped and the sun is trying to come out.

I wil need to empty the toilet today and probably get some shopping.

We went to Leader Price for sone shopping (Fri). Mike called and we met him. Bought an Orange sim card for the iPad.€8

Bought our tickets for Sunday at the tourist information office.

We travelled to Gerardmer where the flower festival takes place at the weekend.  I persuaded Jenny that it would be best to get there early because we were unsure of getting a place to park. When we arrived the small aire at the back of Lidl was full and the large Aire was being used by the travelling fair. We finally found the Tourism Office and they directed us to the Ski centre about 2km out of town.

Great big area to park and had the choice of where to go. Not sure how we made the decision.  There are no facilities. The Borne is in town where we can get water etc.

Later Mike and I got the scooters off and rode to the suoermarket. We also bought tickets for the show on Sunday. Light drizzle showers so we got a little wet.

In the evening we all watched a film in our van running off my laptop connected to the tv.

At Richardmenil in a small secluded site. Free camping and services including electrics.

Sat planning the rest of our trip after we leave Gerardmer at the weekend. Decided that we will be better to arrive tomorrow as the town might be busy for the flower festival.

Raining on the wat here and early afternoon but the sun has now come out and it shoukd be a lovely end to the day.

Woke this morning to find the carpark full. It would be very difficult to get out if we needed to.

Waiting for Mike to arrive this afternoon.

No plans so far to do anything.  Will need to shop tomorrow.

Off to Richardmenil tomorrow

Serviced the van this morning. Both had a lovely hot shower which was part of the 8 euro price.

Arrived Metz ready to meet Mike & Jenny on Monday.  Car park was quite full but tucked in and got a satellite signal after a lot of manoeuvres. Still couldn\’t get ITV1.