Author: travurple

Monday morning, we broke camp at Camping Terra Alta in Bot, first job was to collect the wine we had bought from the local cooperative. As we had enjoyed cycling the Via Verde, we decided to drive to an Aire further down the Via Verde at El Pinel de Brai station so we could cycle again. Google Maps first option to get to El Pinel de Brai was a very small round with lots of hairpin switchbacks, so we didn’t choice that one and went the longer way around. Once we had parked up and taken the bikes off (that Rog had carefully secured only half an hour ago!) we saddled up. We set off cycling downhill first this time, but not too steeply, but we knew it would be uphill coming home! We had a vague plan to cycle as far as the village of Xerta, however on the outskirts of the village we came across a small fire in a picnic area, thankfully the local Bomberos (Firemen) had just arrived to deal with the fire, so we decided to stay the same side of the fire as the motorhome, just in case it got out of hand, it didn’t!  So we cycled back for lunch at ‘La Brasa Verda’ the café in the old station building.  The building was old, it looked like they had ongoing renovation plans, which they were doing when they could. We chose to sit outside under a newly constructed veranda, which looked like a fruit cage, to keep the bugs out, we sat on a traditional basic picnic bench. However the food they served was amazing, it was some of the simplest, yet the best, we have had in a long time. We ordered;

Goats cheese tapas – three different types of locally made goats cheese, all soft cheeses and very ‘fresh’, nothing too “goaty” all wonderfully tasty and served with a fruit compote, that even Nic couldn’t identify, but which complimented the cheese.

Tomato Salad – Sliced beef tomatoes topped with seeds, mixed herbs and olive oil. Another stunning dish.

Grill – a choice of two meats from chicken, sausage or burger, we had the chicken and the sausage. Lovely tender chicken skewers and tasty sausage, served with potatoes, onion (sadly not cooked enough for Nic to enjoy) and aubergine (which Nic did enjoy). 

We wanted to order the local lamb, but they had run out so we opted for the wild tuna.

Tuna – was stunning, it is without a doubt the best Tuna we have ever eaten, again just simply cooked and served, it was lightly cooked over an open wood fire (like everything else), it was so fresh and tender. We very nearly went back for lunch again the following day, just to have the tuna again!

Followed by fresh melon and watermelon, local sweet pastries & sweet wine, then local homemade shots (one peppermint and one quince) with the bill, and a chat with the Chef about the Isle of Man, as he was wearing a Celtic Nations T-shirt which included a Manx flag!

And all for less than €60 (£50) – which also included ½ litre of wine, a couple of beers

and coffee, possibly a little expensive locally but worth every cent! 

Luckily the carpark was also an Aire so we spent the night. Once all the to-ing and fro-ing of the Via Verde stopped it was a quiet night with only one other van, and beautiful dark sky for star spotting.

Tuesday morning, we moved down to the coast, actually a delta which sticks out into the mediterranean sea (or according to Google Map the Balearic sea as we are opposite Mallorca), to a campsite called Eucaliptus, a large campsite, but our cheapest paid pitch to date, we were packed in, just enough room to get the awning out, but the closest motorhome was a seasonal pitch and they were currently not there, which was nice. There appeared to be a lot of seasonal pitches, the opposite pitch appeared to have lots of feral children, who were still running around at 1am on our first night, when they were accompanied by 3 females, the second night a man and dog arrived for what turned out to be their last night, and it was all much quieter!

We swam in the sea, went for cycle rides along the coast, saw flamingos, but did little else for the 3 nights we were there. We were approached by the only other Brit on the site to borrow a screw driver, so he could fix his pizza peel for his portable pizza oven. 

Rog managed to lose a pair of sunglasses in the sea, whist trying to body surf and got hit by a huge wave (ok, a wave which was slightly bigger than the rest, but didn’t see it coming)

On Friday morning we left Eucaliptus camp and headed to Sant Josep Caves in la Vall d’Uixó, as their car park is another free Aire, as we had tickets to the caves on Saturday morning, but Friday night, was an interesting night, with fireworks in the distance and the loud music from somewhere until at least 6am (Nic heard it, Rog was asleep!)

Saturday morning, the caves of Sant Josep were really interesting, not that we understood much of the Spanish commentary, but we had a boat ride in the cave, on the longest navigable underground river in Europe.

Saturday afternoon, we set off for Valencia, or at least the Valencia Camper Park, 12km outside Valencia, but right near a Metro station for easy access into Valencia. However the Metro line is currently being upgraded so is not running, so instead there is a replacement bus service, which we’ll try on Monday!

The Valencia Camper park appears to be a converted industrial unit, with various sizes of pitches, being cheap we opted for the smallest size of pitch, it’s cosy, we can get our awning 2/3rds of the way out, but it is only €17 per night (£14)

Sunday, Nic spotted a good looking restaurant online called “ Resataurante El Gordo y El Flaco” in the local town of Betera, 20mins walk from the camper park, so we set off in search of lunch. We got there as it opened at 1:30 and managed to get the last table in the house. They also managed provide an English waiter from the Midlands to serve us, which was a bit weird but helped a lot with the menu and ordering. Another really good meal, but we managed to over order, partly as before the food we actually ordered we had, (on the house), nuts and crisps, a small slice of ‘pizza’, and a bowl of Russian tuna salad. 

We then had 3 starters to share, thankfully on the advice of the waiter we had ordered half portions of these. We had Iberico Ham served with “tomato bread”, some Croquettas, and a Millefuille which was layers of Foie Gras, goats cheese and apple confit, with a brulee topping. Nic could have stopped there! Rog then had Hake and Nic had Turbot, both served with veg. Then Puddings had to be done too, Chocolate three ways for Rog and Cheesecake for Nic.

This bill was slightly bigger than the one on Monday!!

Then a slower walk back to the site and a dip in the pool for Nic to aid digestion!

So, the Nyerrio del Conflent festival in Prades, was basically crocodile clipping fireworks (the roman candle type) to the top of sticks, so they wizz around when lit and parade around the town, to and from the main square, accompanied by a group of drummers. There was also the odd really elaborate stick with lots of fireworks clipped to it thrown in, and a large dragon. It was truly bonkers, a health and safety nightmare, at least there was one fireman following them around wearing what looked like a fat suit with a hose attached, which was hopefully filled with water. It has been held since 1150! it was great to see an old tradition continuing. There were quite a few children taking part in the event, a sure way to ensure that these traditions continue.

Tuesday, we left Prades, heading up into the Pyrenees, driving through Llivia, a Spanish enclave in France, and on to Andorra. Three countries before dinner! We parked up for the night in what was a carpark, at the top of a mountain pass, we were not the only ones there, there was about 20 other motorhomes. The view was stunning, we spent hours watching the light change on the mountains, and all the activity with the other motorhomes, especially a red Mercedes van with three young folk in it, because it is was parked just below us on the lower terrace.

On Wednesday, we left our car park and drove out the other side of Andorra, not missing the duty-free shopping and a fuel top up, 20% cheaper than in France. We overnighted at an Aire in La Seu D’Urgell, a nice town which hosted the 1992 Barcelona Olympic kayak events, (the kayaking world cup was heading back in September). Whilst walking around town, we had an unexpected thunder storm, so took refuge in a bar on the ramblas. Had a little mop up job to do when we got back to the motorhome, as the we had left the top vents open, but it could have been a lot worse than it was. Nic attended an early music concert we stumbled across on our evening walk(not Rog’s thing). The group of eight musicians had 35 replica Medieval instruments between them, and performed in Spanish from the Cantigas of Santa Maria. A lovely if unexpected end to the day.

Thursday, we moved on again to another Aire in Tarrega, another stunning drive through the Pyrenees down on to the plains. The Aire was good, close into town next to the police station, so hopefully secure, unfortunately it was also next to a large lorry park so there was a lot of lorries moving overnight. In Tarrega we went out for lunch, Nic ordered what she thought was a margarita (see photo).

On Friday we drove to Tarragona, found a university carpark to leave the motorhome in for a few hours whilst we walked into town. Unbeknownst to us, Tarragona were holding a festival including Human Towers, which were amazing, seven people high, with a couple of kids on the top. Rog had wanted to see Human Towers, but the main Human Tower contest is in February, so we felt lucky to see them now.

After Tarragona, we left the coast again and heading back into the hills, to a campsite just outside a town called ‘Bot’, the campsite was right on a “Via Verde” another old railway line. 

Saturday morning, we cycled to Horta de Sant Joan, a continual steady climb up the railway, but then the village itself was up a steep hill, but it was OK because it was downhill all the way home! On the way back, we went to the local cooperative to sample the local wines, a bought a ‘few’ bottles, which as we were on the bikes, we had to get them to keep for us until Monday morning for collection in the motorhome.

Sunday morning, we cycled the other way along the Via Verde, this time the downhill way and uphill home, but nothing too steep. Back to the Motorhome for lunch and quite a lazy afternoon. Nic even managed to have the pool to herself for a few minutes around 2pm, as everyone else seemed to be going for lunch!

Firstly, a postscript to last week’s blog, the random French family on the pitch opposite us, late on Sunday afternoon took down their huge tent, then put up a medium size tent in its place, no idea why, but an interesting spectacle to watch all the same. 

Monday, we left whilst the medium size tent was being taken down! We had less than an hour drive to our next stop, but that one hour had some windy (bloody English language, is that “not straight roads” or “breezy roads”? – you decide, but probably both apply) there were also some spectacular views back into the main Aude valley.

So, our next stop, via the local supermarket, was to visit some good friends from the Isle of Man, who were holidaying in a Villa in Ginestas, just north of Narbonne. We had planned to only stay a couple of nights but ended up staying 4. A lovely villa with a pool. We managed to get the motorhome on the drive, so we continued to sleep it in.

Tuesday, after a hard day by the pool, we all went out to the local wine/tapas bar “Oncle Jules”, and had lovely wine and tapas prepared by a lone chef in a tiny kitchen. The guy running “Oncle Jules’ was originally from Chicago, and we were able to ask him about the French alcohol licencing laws, as he was only allowed to serve alcohol up to 18% (so no spirits).

Wednesday, another day by the pool, followed by a visit to the local festival, every Wednesday through the summer there are stalls, food, drink and music in the local square. A good night was had, there was even some fishing for toy ducks!!! Fresh Churros and a late evening swim before bed.

Thursday, another quiet day, Nic managed a short walk with friends to see the avenue of trees into the village, and an almond tree with nuts ready to pick. The day was finished off with a few drinks, steaks at the Villa and a last hand or two of Gin Rummy….we know how to live!

Friday, we helped with the checking out process, including gaining all left overs – beers, wine and the contents of the fridge! After manoeuvring the motorhome off the drive, we drove on to our next campsite in Prades in the Pyrenees, a Catalan town surrounded by mountains.

Saturday, a short walk into Prades town itself, a small market was being held by local food producers, had a coffee and watched the world go by for a bit! The evening saw a couple of thundery showers and a nice dip in temperature.

Sunday, another walk to Prades, an artisan craft market this time and then a longer walk around town as it was a little cooler. Spotted some posters for a festival being held on Monday, so have extended our campsite booking to attend the festival. Festival updates in next week’s blog.

Clock update – the Prades clock strikes every ¼ hour and every hour, the strange one about this clock is that it strikes all ¼ hours, including on the hour, and then strikes the number of hours twice (a different bell). So at 3pm you get, four strikes for the 4^th quarter in the hour, followed by 3 strikes for 3pm. Then the double strike the hour, which we noticed in Premian, we are reliably informed, (by family sources), that this was to ensure that those working in the fields had 2 opportunities to hear the correct time, especially in the days when the town gates may have been locked in the evening, to allow time to get home.

Monday morning, breaking camp again and leaving Carcassonne, with only have an hour and a half drive to our next stop, we decided to see the latest Marvel film “Thor – Love and Thunder”, however the local cinema was only showing it with dubbing in French (rather than the English, with French subtitles) so we didn’t bother, heading to the supermarket instead, what excitement !

We then set off for Premian, in the ‘Parc Naturel Regional du Haut-Languedoc’, with what now seems like the obligatory road closure, that Google Maps do not know about, and a vaguely signposted diversion. After a very tight right hand turn, which we attempted, gave up, drove past and turned around, to access the turn from the other direction, we got to the campsite. The camp site ‘Camping les terrasses du la Jaur’ is a small municipal site, about £16.50 per night, on the side of a valley surrounded by pine forest, with a local greenway (old railway line) just across the valley.

The other campers are predominantly French, with the odd one from Spain or Germany. There were lots of cyclists with a couple of very minimalist campers, they had a bedroll each in the middle of a pitch (no tent, of any sort). Diagonally across from our pitch was a French family with two young children. There was lots of bickering, and that was just the parents, the kids were generally ok, just occasionally overtired, or was that the parents again!!

A relatively quiet week for us, another hot week and a few more mosquitos around, unfortunately Nic sustained a few impressive bites, which reacted badly. We used the time to catch up on boring jobs like laundry, keeping the water topped up and the services emptied.

We had a few good walks and cycled the green way, Nic has mastered the electric bike (gears and power) and can now climb steep hills, leaving Rog to pedal slowly behind.

There are forest tracks directly from the campsite, climbing up the valley, we have walked there a few times and not seen another soul.

There is lots of birdlife on the campsite, we have seen Robins (including three fledglings), Chaffinches and Nuthatches all on our pitch, the Robins were the most tame, hopping under the table finding crumbs.

The local village clock tower, once we spotted it, has one clock face, chimes every hour and every ½ hour. However at every hour it chimes the hours twice! Never heard one like that before.

On Tuesday evening there was a local producers evening market, with food and live music only a short walk away. We had a look round, then enjoyed the band from our chairs back at the van, as it was still very hot in the market field, despite being 8pm.

Sunday saw us take to the greenway again, to cycle to a market in St Pons, about 5 miles away. It was mostly car boot sale, but we enjoyed the cycle and a coffee in the town.

The first challenge of Monday morning was to break camp in Cahors, easier said than done. One of the tent pegs securing an awning leg was very committed to its job and did not want to be removed, it was stuck fast! So after various failed attempts, the use of numerous and various expletives over about half an hour, Rog finally resorted to digging the tent peg out of very compacted ground.

Challenge two of the day, drive to the local Intermarche for fuel, following Google maps for less than 1 mile, how hard can it be! Very, as it turned out, it was a very small road, which got narrower over a bridge, then throw in a couple of French drivers coming the other way, and not wishing to give an inch of road (sorry a centimetre – we are in France after all), but we got there, filled up and moved on.

Challenge three, drive from Cahors to Carcassonne, which included 2 road closures and the resulting diversions, which were sort of signposted, and a market in the main street of a town we were attempting to drive through. We also drove passed a signpost that declared that the Mountagne Noire road was open, we had no idea it may have been closed?? But thankfully it was open, as the sign also kindly told us that if the road had been closed the diversion was 103km. The Mountagne Noire road was a stunning, over the mountain the down into the valley at Carcassonne.

A nice campsite about 20mins walk from Carcassonne, we were here for a week.

The reason for heading to Carcassonne at this time was for a music festival, we had tickets for Rag n’ Bone Man (Google him! You may recognise “human’ or ‘Giants’) supported by ‘LP’ no…. we’d never heard of ‘them’ either, but a really good concert in the stunning amphitheatre in ‘Le Cite’ (the old bit) of Carcassonne.

Spent most of the week, walking/cycling around Carcassonne, both ‘le Cite” the old medieval bit and ‘la Bastide” the 1820’s grid, we walked to the far end of town to see the Canal du Midi. Nic had a dip in the campsite pool everyday at around 4pm, a lovely way to keep cool.

On Thursday morning we attempted to cycle to a local lake, however the road we were following soon turned in mountain bike trail, which was not for us, so we sat and had our coffee, turned around and headed back to the campsite.

On Friday, there was another impressive thunderstorm, which thankfully stopped in time for us to go back to the amphitheatre to see James Blunt, another really good concert, and tickets cheaper than they would have been in the UK. 

On Saturday, we cycled to ‘la Bastide’ to the market, lots of stalls selling everything from cheese, olives, bread, fruit & veg, fresh herbs. It is good to see local produce being sold by the producers direct to the public. Nic was in her element.

As Carcassonne was always busy and full of tourists, on Sunday morning we decided to set an alarm for 6am to see the sunrise over ‘le Cite’, the streets were empty for the first hour, wandering about we only saw a couple of other people, we sat with our early morning cuppa (made and brought from the motorhome), in the middle of ‘le Cite’ watching the changing light on the walls of the keep, then walked over the Pont Vieux to a bakery for fabulous croissant and pain au chocolate, We were back at the motorhome by 9:30am. As Sunday was another hot day, we sent the rest of the day on the campsite.

The email sent out on last week’s blog, had an issue with the photos, if you didn’t see them and would still like to visit https://travurple.com/2022/07/18/france/

Monday, as predicted was hot, but thankfully the shady pitch, a slight breeze, together with the fact that we just sat around all day, made it not to uncomfortable.

On Tuesday, it was cooler so we managed a walk along the lake side, then went to the beach for a dip in the lake. It’s a bit strange with mud underfoot, rather than sand, but the fresh water, rather than salt water makes up for it.  Overnight there was an enormous electrical storm, lots of thunder and sheet lighting. Not sure how, but Rog managed to sleep through most of it!  In the morning we could see where all the water had tracked down the hillside, under the motorhome towards the lake. The Motorhome was on the chocks, which had sunk slightly into the wet ground, but to not enough to cause any problems. 

On Wednesday, we went for a longer walk, further around the lake, as it’s a 24kms circuit we did not manage all of it.  As the camp site also had a pool it would be rude not to use it, so we went for a quick dip before heading back to the motorhome for a beer!

Thursday, we moved again and drove 2 ½ hours further south to Cahors, a pleasant campsite, 2km from the centre of the town, with good size pitches, no issues with the electric hook up, and a clean new facilities block, a 2 swimming pools and free wifi (nr reception)

Friday, the main reason for being in Cahors, a Tour de France stage was finishing in the town, so we cycled to the edge of town (to save a walk in the sun), locked our bikes to a tree and walked over the bridge to find the Tour! We were there 3 hours before the riders were expected to arrive, and it was already getting busy. All the Tour sponsors must spend tens of thousands of € at each stage finish, (today was stage 19), throwing free stuff in to the massed crowds, including hats, T-shirts, bags, sweets, key rings, pens, and even packs of soap powder!?  and every time something is thrown there was a scramble to get the free stuff! 

Thankfully we were handed a hat and a packet of biscuits each, so scrum required! and Rog caught some sweets. The promotional staff were just riding various contraptions up and down the course whipping the crowd up in to a frenzy, to scream, shout and bang the hoardings (loudly) then various parades started, including Cahors Mayor, and sponsors vehicles of all sorts, team busses, junior cyclists. – we were interested, intrigued and appalled in equal measure at the throwing of free stuff and the engagement by the masses.  We walked down the course to just beyond the 1km out sign, then back towards the finish line, to the 50m out sign, were we could see a big screen showing the riders.

When the time came for the finish it was over in a blur, the stage winner averaged 48km per hour for 188km.  We were standing about 4 rows back from the road, Nic couldn’t really see much, Rog saw the blur and managed to get a photo/video. So, we were glad to be near the big screen, as we watched the prize giving ceremonies. Then we headed slight away from the course to find a beer, no surprise that everywhere was mobbed, but it appeared to be a surprise to some of the bars that that many people would want a drink after watching the stage finish. We found a bar with a couple of free stools just outside and in the shade, where we watched the world go by while enjoying a couple of drinks.

Whilst in Cahors for the Tour we only really watched the Tour and did not see the town, so on Saturday we went back in to do the tourist highlights, the numerous towers, the Pont Valentre, the Cathedral, and a large Market, all within an easy walk of each other. The Tour had moved on apart from a few piles of hoardings, there was no evidence of the previous day’s mayhem.

Slightly bizarrely whilst sat in 36c heat, and using the free campsite Wi Fi, Rog ordered ski passes for January/February next year as there was a 52.5% discount sale !!, (spoiler alert we are going skiing & to Thailand) also started the process of applying for Thailand tourist visa for October. Now that took a while, they wanted photos of your passport, a photo (passport style), a photo of you holding your passport, copy of any stamps in your passport within the last year, proof of flights, accommodation, funds etc.  so, fingers crossed we will be issued them. 

Sunday, another lazy day around the campsite as temperatures have risen again! and chance to write on early blog.

Monday, we managed to get the air conditioning in the Motorhome “re-gassed” at Kwikfit in Tonbridge, they we not exactly ‘Kwik”, as their machine ran out of gas half way through “re-gassing” ours, and they had to start the process again. We were just glad they could do it on the day.

It gave us some time in Tonbridge for a last little bit of shopping, a few more summer clothes for both of us. 

Tuesday morning, we were booked on the 11:15 P&O sailing from Dover to Calais, and Nic’s brother’s road was going to be closed for road works, so we got up early and were on the road for 7:30. An hour & 20min drive, a 90min check in time,plus a good 30mins spare time, just in case.  In any event we arrived at French Customs (yes, they are in Dover before check in), with no queue, a quick passport stamp, then British Border Control, where we were waved straight through without stopping, and got to the check in desk at 8:53am. “would you like to go on the 9:15am, which is just boarding?” obviously “yes please” so we were in France 2 hours earlier than planned! 

We drove to Wissant, only about 20 mins from the ferry port, to an “Aire”, for the non-camping readers – a Aire is a place usually near a town/village, where you can park up overnight. The price can range from free to €10 – €15 per night, and facilities can range from nothing to everything you expect on a campsite (water, drainage, electric hook-up). The Aire at Wissant was free with drainage, and very busy.

Wissant was a nice little town on the coast and we went for a walk on the beach.

Wednesday was market day in Wissant, it appeared to be a big market for the size of the town. We enjoyed browsing round, bought fresh strawberries and mushrooms. Then we drove to Neufchatel en Bray, as we had decided to book a campsitethere for 2 nights over Bastille day (French National Day, 14 July).

On Route we visited the Abbaye de Valloires, built for the Cistercian order, but now a facility to support children with poor social skills.

On Thursday we saw some of the formalities, with the emergency services and local dignitaries laying wreaths at the war memorial. It was a hot day and they were wearing full uniforms, including helmets. As we watched one of the Emergency workers keeled over and was quickly and efficiently carried away from the ceremony by 2 colleagues. One of whom returned quickly to resume her position, fire axe in hand, next to the flag bearers.

Friday, we drove to another free Aire on the outskirts of Chartres, just a nice carpark, no facilities at all. Walked in the Chartres along the river to see the cathedral, which was large,and had an intricately carved stone choir screen.

Saturday, we drove to Chateau Chambord, an amazing Chateau, on which construction started in 1519, with possible design links to Leonardo De Vinici, it has 4 identical facades, with a double helix staircase at the centre, and 54 sq.kilometres of grounds! We stayed at the Aire (€11) in the carpark, only 200 metres from the Chateau. There was a classical music concert that evening in the court yard, we had observed what looked like the rehearsal during the day, as we toured the Chateau, then for the performance in the eveningfound a strategically placed bench so we could hear from outside!

Sunday morning, we were awoken at 6:30am by the sound ofhot air balloons being inflated the other side of the hedge we were parked against. Rog got out of bed to watch them take off, an impressive sight.

Drove a 2 ½ hours further south to just north of Limoges, to a campsite at Le Lac de Pardoux, on the banks of the lake with plenty of trees for shade, as it was projected to be 40C on Monday. Asked for a shady pitch, our allocated pitch didn’t have much shade so we ended up on a different one (one Rog had spotted earlier, when we arrived to early to check in), then the fun with the electric hook up started, the electricity bollard next to the pitch was not working, so after 3 visits back to reception, they lent us an extension cable and we managed to get power by moving the motorhome right to the edge of the pitch so the cables would reach. It is a lovely pitch with a view of the lake, lots of trees for shade in a quiet corner of the campsite, we are here until Thursday

Welcome to another delayed blog, or 2 – we have been too busy enjoying ourselves to publish blogs. So here is a catch up.

So, week 1, on Monday 20 June, still on the Isle of Man we saw more friends, for more eating and drinking.

Tuesday morning, we flew to London Gatwick with EasyJet, into a UK national rail strike, but thankfully we had no problems getting a train up to London Bridge, if anything the train journey was easier than usual with less people around.

Once at London Bridge we were welcomed with a London Underground strike, so an Uber across town was the easiest way to go. Dropped our bags at the London School of Economics – Carr Saunders student halls of residence. Less than £60 per night for the room including breakfast – extremely cheap for London. 

Then we needed to get back across the city to the O2 in Greenwich without using the tube, so a 1.5 mile walk to the river and then a Thames Clipper (boat) to North Greenwich, a nice way to see the city. At the O2 we had tickets to see “Queen and Adam Lambert”, a great show, we were on the back row, so managed loads of dancing without disturbing anyone else.

After a slightly chaotic queueing system we managed to get our pre-booked Thames Clipper back to the London Eye, followed by another 1.5mile walk to the LSE.

Wednesday, we had tickets for the War of the Worlds immersive experience, however on turning up it was clearly evident that it was not running today. A friendly chap came out and explained that months ago they had changed their schedule, however Ticket Master had not passed on the information to us, there was no other customers about, so it must have been just us that were not informed! We then booked last minute cheap tickets to Back to the Future – the Musical, which was a bit cheesy but good fun.

Thursday, after a lot of walking and a little retail therapy, we had tickets to “Hamilton”, another good musical, full of school groups.

Friday, we headed by train to Woking, followed by a little more retail therapy

On Saturday, we attend a family celebration. Good food, a little bit too much wine.

Sunday, we drove back up to Pocklington.

Week 2

Tuesday 28 June, we got the train up to Newcastle, had a stunning lunch at a restaurant called “The French Quarter”, then in the evening we saw Sandi Toksvig in her one women show “Next Slide Please” a gentle meander through what she did in lockdown, and other interesting stories. There was also some audience participation “what new skill did you learn/hobby take up?” the slightly strange answer from someone was “felting with dog hair”!! who knew you could felt with dog hair, and frankly who would want to???

Wednesday, after some retail therapy in Newcastle we got the train back to York.

We spend Thursday sorting out the Motorhome, for the next adventure.

On Friday Rog set off with his brother and mate to Morecambe, so they could cycle the “Way of the Roses”, Rog was the support crew (not cycling). The Way of the Roses is 170 miles from Morecambe, on the west coast, to Bridlington on the east coast. They did it over 3 days, thankfully with no punctures or mechanical issues, so Rog had it easy driving around in his brother’s car, eating cake and drinking coffee.

As the Way of the Roses goes through Pocklington, the team had Saturday nightat home, with a barbeque.

Sunday, was a drive to Bridlington to see the Boys finish, Fish & Chips, and drive back to Pock.

Week 3 

Monday 4 July –  Nic’s Birthday, out for lunch with both sets of parents to Deans Garden Centre, nr York, Rog had a Chicken Tikka Pasty, a little bit weird but good. 

Tuesday, more motorhome sorting.

Wednesday, drove up to Chester le Street, via Richmond for lunch with friends, to see Micheal Buble at the Chester le Street cricket ground after a 2 year covid delay, a good evening of first class musical entertainment

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Thursday, back to Pocklington.

Friday, left Pocklington for our three month trip to France and Spain, but 1^st stop was Cheshire to see Nic’s Auntie.  We had planned to leave the Motorhome at Tarvin Fishery in their car Park, which we had used before. However when we got there it had changed hands and everything was closed, so back to the drawing board, a quick drive to a pub in the village, the Farmers Arms thankfully the landlady was a fellow motorhomer and she allowed us to park in their carpark for a couple of days. 

On Sunday, after a couple of days of eating, drinking, chatting and doing a couple of jobs, we left Cheshire for Tonbridge, a longer drive than we expected as there was problems of the M25, but hey…. time we have got!

We are staying a couple of days in Tonbridge with Nic’s brother, before heading to France on Tuesday.

As we didn’t manage to publish a blog last week, so this is a catch up.

Last Monday we left Orkney, heading back towards Pocklington. We parked overnight at a forestry approved motorhome park, near Dunkeld, our first night ‘off grid’, all was good, if not very flat!

After a couple of days driving we got back to Pock, to packed up the motor home for a month. Spent the week catching up with family.

Saturday morning we got a train to Manchester, the train was really busy, as they had cancelled the two prior trains. At least York races was on so the train emptied at York, so we could get on the train.

Had to stand all the way to Manchester.

Manchester also really busy, Parklife festival, Killers, Ed Sheeran were all on in Manchester.

In Manchester we went to the cinema to see Top Gun – Marevick.

Then went to Levenshulme, to see Nic’s friend from university (for regularly readers the friend we couldn’t visit in November because of the snow). We had a lovely time catching up and enjoying a couple of good walks around the local area, including Highfield Country Park.

On Monday, Nic travelled back to Pock to be with family and Rog went to Liverpool, en route to the Isle of Man.

Tuesday, Rog visited the Dr Who exhibition at the World Museum in Liverpool, then flew to the Isle of Man.

Wednesday, Rog had lunch with old work friends.

Friday, Nic flew to the Isle of Man

Saturday, Rog took part in The Parish Walk, doing 19 miles in 4 hrs 23 minutes, only part of the whole of the 85miles of the Parish Walk.

Sunday, we met with our old house mates, which was great, an afternoon at the Bay Hotel pub and a Chinese.

Monday, packed up to move campsites, a long drive to Dunnet Bay, just east of Thurso, along the “North Coast 500”, lots of single-track road with passing places, a beautiful drive through spectacular scenery. Stopped in Tesco in Thurso to stock up again.

Arrived a Dunnet Bay Camp site and discovered we have lost another water filler cap. Water Filler Caps 2 – Rog 0. 

An exciting start to Tuesday morning, Rog was sitting in the Motorhome, and for no apparent reason the water pump started, and kept going…. A problem. Rog turned the water pump off and tried to locate the problem, which didn’t take long, the bathroom floor was covered in water. A pipe connector had failed and we needed a replacement Jubilee clip, in Jubilee week!

So off to Thurso to try and solve our problems, after 4 shops we found a jubilee clip which might fit, it didn’t, after 2 more shops and having to buy a pack of 16 jubilee clips containing 8 different sized clips, one fitted. 

The water filler cap was easier, a temporary replacement fuel cap from the first garage we went to. 

Whilst in Thurso we had coffee and went to the North Coast museum, which included an interesting exhibition about Dounreay Nuclear Research facility. As we left Thurso we saw Seals in the estuary, basking on the rocks as the tide was going out.

Then back to the campsite for a walk along part of the 2 mile long Dunnet Bay beach, barefoot in the surf, a little chilly but refreshing.

Wednesday, Coffee and another walk in Thurso, before getting the ferry to Stromness, Orkney, and checking in to the Point of Ness campsite – a stunning site on the end of the harbour. We then spent the next 4 days doing all the history Orkney has to offer.

Thursday, we went to ‘Skara Brae’, a 5,000 year old village. The 5,000 is just mind boggling (Stonehenge is only 4,000 yrs. old, the Great Pyramids are 4,600 yrs.),

then we drove to the ‘Ring of Brodgar’, a large circle of standing stones,

then on to the village of Finstown, where we spoke to the owner of a craft shop about being at the Queen’s coronation outside Buckingham palace, on her father’s shoulders. She was feeling quite emotional after just watching the crowds gather in the Mall for the Platinum Jubilee Fly past.

On Friday, we had booked tickets to see the “Broch of Gurness”, we had no idea what a Broch was, or where Gurness was, it turns out that a Broch is a cylindrical tower at the centre of a village and Gurness is on the east coast of Orkney. Another interesting site.

We then continued to drive around the island, up to Birsay, where Rog walked over the short causeway, which was still just under water as the tide receded, to the Burgh of Birsay. We looked around a ruined palace of Birsay, and drove on to Lord Kitchener’s monument, yes Kitchener of the “your country needs you” world war I recruitment posters, who died when the ship taking him to Russia hit a mine, it sank killing 600+ men of the coast of Orkney.

Saturday, we went to Kirkwall, the largest town on Orkney, it’s not that big, to see the Bishop & Earl’s Palaces, then across the Churchill Barriers, coast defences to protect Scapa Flow, to see the Italian Chapel, which was built from 2 Nissan huts and painted by Italian prisoners of war, whilst they also built the Churchill barriers. Nic’s Great Grandfather had been in the Navy, stationed up in Scapa flow, helping to protect the Atlantic convoys, so fascinating to see all these years later.

We then had lunch in the Murray Arms Hotel in St Margaret Hope, on the island of South Ronaldsay, which is connected to main land Orkney by the Barriers. Whilst heading back to the campsite we called at the visitors centre for Maeshowe on the off chance we could get tickets for the tour of Maeshowe, as these were the only tickets we had not been able to book on line as it had only just opened again after Covid restrictions. We were in luck as tour group booking of 16 had only 8 turn up, so we got tickets. Maeshowe is a 4,300 yrs. old tomb, which has Viking graffiti in it, but only Viking graffiti from 1125 – 75 as the tomb was then backfilled and only excavated again in the early 1900. Other sites had graffiti scratched into their stones from the 1800’s, now these sites are protected by law against further graffiti.

Sunday, we got the bikes out, to cycle to Unstan Tomb, recommended by the guides at Maeshowe, Unstan is a 5,000 year old tomb which can be visited by anyone, no ticket required the entrance just has an unlocked gate. As the cycling was going well, we continue to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Barn House Village (right next door) past the Ring of Brodgar again and back to the camp site, 17 miles in all.

The tickets this week for the “Historic Scotland” sites were free due to our Manx National Heritage membership (we only needed to pay £3.50 each for the Italian Chapel).

Orkney is a stunning place, very open landscape, as there are not many trees, lots of history to see, we are sure the glorious weather helped, but we would highly recommend Orkney, (and we only did the mainland and connected islands).