Great time in Graffham with good friends.

During our 2015 tour of France we were very lucky to meet some lovely people who have now become very good friends.   Irene & Derek live in Portsmouth so after what seemed an awful lot of "can you make this date?" conversations we finally managed to book this weekend away - halfway between Portsmouth and Crawley is roughly about Graffham where there just happens to be a caravan site  http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/westsussex/petworth/graffham.

Lovely campsite, lots of pitches hidden in the woods, lovely friendly wardens.   The site is in the South Downs National Park and is one of the "12 areas in the country undisturbed by light pollution" (her words, not mine) - hence there were no lights at night except in the toilet blocks. http://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=8&lat=6648977&lon=-54915&layers=B0TFFFF

As you can imagine there was an awful lot of talking and a lot of wine consumed but what a lovely time we had.   Saturday we had lunch at http://www.thecricketersduncton.co.uk/ - very nice too, well worth a visit if you're in the area but probably best to book.   Then in the evening we all got together for "nibbles" and watched Strictly and X Factor - what a perfect evening with good friends.

Photo bombed by Rosie!

The weather during the day, considering it was mid-October, was really quite pleasant and I sat outside in a t-shirt reading my book for a little while, but come the night time, my goodness did it rain!   I woke about 1am and saw this bright light coming through the skylight, when I looked it was the moon (almost a full one), but the brightness was just beautiful.

Weather Alert! - Tsunami in Chertsey!!!!!!!

Cheeky little weekend away in Chertsey - we're just lovin Bill!  The Camping & Caravanning Club site is right alongside the River Thames, but this time because of a rally the campsite was heaving and our pitch was just inside the main gate.   Really not a problem as the very friendly and helpful warden helped us park up in a very awkward position, Del did an amazing  job parking in a really tight spot.   Fab wardens at this site, can't do enough to help without invading the driver's 'prowess'.

Saturday woke to dark grey skies and lots of rain so I took the opportunity to do a little crafting, while Del watched the GP in Malaysia.  

Fuchsia

The afternoon bought some little patches of blue and the rain dried up for a while so we decided to have a walk to the 'local' - The Kingfisher which is just across the bridge from the campsite.  

The River Thames at Chertsey

Now, although never spoken of, there's a little bit of a competition between Del & I as to who can 'check-in' on Facebook first.   Del won this time and was amazed to find a reply saying "where are you?" with a photo of a moho hiding in the shrubbery at Chertsey.  Several messages went to and fro and then an arrangement to meet up in the pub!   Welcome Jo and Spike, fellow campers who just happened to be members of a Facebook page that we also belong to.   A great afternoon was had lots of talking and a few glasses emptied.  When returning to the campsite we were all startled when a loud beep came from a passing car at the same time as the b*@!&%d driver went through a huge puddle (on purpose) and absolutely soaked the four of us!   Poor Del caught it face on and was absolutely soaked through. Fortunately, Bill has a lovely heater which blows warm air throughout so we managed to dry out and get warm again pdq.    Tonight was definitely, a curry, Strictly and X-Factor night!

Sunday dawned, lovely and sunny and t-shirt weather which was rather nice for early-October.   Breakfast and pack-up, leaving Chertsey and indoors within 2 hours.   Off again in a couple of weekends.... woohoo!

The “Where the Hell Did I Put It Tour....?”

Since having a moho we’ve often debated the pros and cons of moho vs caravan, which I’m sure many fellow campers have done likewise.  On return from France we were exceedingly lucky to have the opportunity to find out.  Del had been considering changing his car and we got a great deal on Bill (Bailey) the caravan.

Of course, buying Bill also meant upgrading the car to tow it with... welcome err .... Ben???

It’s been interesting swapping from Moho to Caravan, first of all we moved everything from one to t’other which took about 4 hours.  Now in Deedee we had a ‘home’ for everything – this was because everything has to be locked away when you’re on the road or the noise drives you bloomin barmy!   Of course, Bill has lots and lots of locker space but of course, you have the luxury of having a car boot as well, it took us a while to actually realise this.   We used to bring Deedee to the house to load up, this isn’t possible with Bill, we have to go to the campsite to hook-up; but of course, you load up the car and once in the campsite you can decant to the caravan.  

And so, this brings us to our first weekend away in Bill.   I had arranged to attend a craft workshop in The Witterings so it seemed an ideal opportunity to also have a weekend away in Bill.  So, here we are at www.nunningtonfarm.com.  The trip down here was great, the new car handled towing easy peasy and upon arrival at Nunnington Farm we found that nothing had been broken and all had stayed ‘put’ in Bill.   Nunnington Farm is a lovely campsite, great san facs – and I mean, GREAT!  Lovely children’s playground, animals for the children, local shops, restaurants and pubs and of course, just down the road from the beach.   Two little things to note, the ‘rules’ of the campsite must be strictly adhered to e.g. no panelled vans and the parking for the beach is £6.50!!!!

As we’re only here for the weekend we’ve not put up the awning – oh God that brings back memories...   but mostly it’s been a really lovely time in Bill but I just wish I could remember where the hell I’ve put Del.....

Sunday

Goodness me it rained during the night, but it actually didn't seem to loud.   By the time we were up the sky was starting to go blue albeit very windy.   Del cooked his famous 'campers breakfast' - seriously, it really does taste different when you're away from home.   One of the nice things about this site is that you do not need to leave until 3pm which is great because you actually get a Sunday, most sites you need to leave by 11am which means up, breakfast and off.

We decided to walk down to the beach, parking at this time of day is £8!  Absolutely disgusting I mean - it's a beach!   Anyway, we stopped for a nice coffee in the cafe and then wandered back.

Loved this weekend - beats the rat race any day.

Day 14 - A 'B' of a day - Birthday Bob. Barbeque and Boules

Today is Bob's birthday and much discussion had been had about contributions to the birthday barbeque.  It was an all-hands-on-deck situation and we supplied the dessert - lemon meringue pie from the local patisserie.  Kathy (with my help) made a beautiful hot duck salad - sauteed duck, lettuce, walnuts, petit pois in french mayo, capers and homemade french dressing - yummy.   Then for the barbeque - burgers, cheese filled sausages and chicken skewers.   During this we were joined by some new campers - Hilary & John from Staffordshire.  Of course, much wine and champagne was consumed and out came the boules!  - I hasten to add here that the girls won!!!!!!!!!

It really was a lovely day and despite the weather being the hottest yet - 37C we had a great time with really good friends.  However, as they say good things must come to an end and we had to start to pack up so we were ready to hit the road early the next morning. BUT! La Fosse saved it's best sunset for our last evening - this is the nearest thing to paradise that I could imagine - sitting here in my lounger, glass of wine, not a sound to be heard and this....

Paradise - sunset over La Fosse de Tigne

Day 15 - The long and winding road, home

And I bet your singing the song now????   With much much sadness we bade farewell to Kathy & Dave, Bob & Tracey and Hilary & John, it was a beautiful morning, hot, 28C even at 9am, with promises of a return as soon as possible and just a few cases of wine and champagne - at 2euros a bottle it's rude not too!

We'd decided to stick to the side roads (dual carriageway except through the villages) - I think we're both convinced that this is the way to see France.   Every village you travel through is adorned with the most beautiful flowers along the roadside - it seems that the French do like to show how proud they are of their village.  We've not come across any rudeness or even "she's having a bad day" - everyone friendly, welcoming and grateful that we were still willing to visit their country despite all the atrocities and of course the dreaded 'B' word - Brexit!

The only 'oh dear' moment was with trusty Satnav who took us round a village twice before we realised that we'd been there before.  With threats of 'right that's it, I'm getting rid of it' (and a few expletives thrown in) we then decided to use trusty Google maps who got us to www.campingdelaloge.e-monsite.com with no problems.

Now the first thing you like to see after a very long, very hot drive is a.....bar!   And yes they have one.  The campsite is just 10euros a night (all in) and is inhabited by mostly pensioners who have their static homes, allotments, gardens and dogs - everyone was pleased to see some new faces and gave us a welcoming wave as we drove through. Great little site, will definitely go back.

My son tells me this is blurred.... seems perfectly okay to me!

So when we return from a holiday we always have a 'debrief' and these are our answers:

Best Campsite - Del & June agreed - Cessenon - alongside the river and walking distance to the village, whereas for peace and quiet, solitude and excellent hosting - Kathy & Dave's at La Fosse de Tigne.

Best Place Visited - Del & June agreed - Carcasonne.

Best San Facs - Both agreed - Moulin de David at Monpazier and Kathy & Dave's.

Best Food - Both agreed - Moulin de David.

Best entertainment - Both agreed - Fireworks at Cessenon and Kathy & Dave's (no competition there!)


Day 16 - Grumpy and Grouchy Go Home!

We don't want to go!  

Merci, merci, merci - au revoir et a bientot!

Day 10 – Moving on up!

Before I start to tell you about today.  I thought I’d fill you in on last night.  The campsite had live music in the bar so we thought we’d go along.  Obviously it was all in French and we didn’t know any of the songs.  Now, ‘Sacha Distel’ and his band of equally-depressing-minstrels droned through one lament after another, but they had the French audience going so they must have been okay.  Then towards the end they went ‘acoustic’ and sang what we think was a tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist atrocities.  All the French people gathered at the front and sang very softly – it was very moving and brought a tear to my(our) eyes.   But then again they could have been singing “Old Shep” for all we knew!

And so today, we packed up and headed North-West to a place called Monpazier.  Trusty Satnav was duly tuned to the address that was given on the campsite.  The journey was part motorway (at 50mph due to 5^th gear problem) and then across country on D roads.   We were very surprised at how the countryside had changed, autumn is clearly on its way as the trees are beginning to turn golden yellow, fields are being harvested and made ready for winter crops and the poor sad sunflowers have bowed their heads for the last time this year. 

The road from Cahors to Monpazier is very up and down and winding.  We finally got to Monpazier and trusty satnav told us the campsite was 6k outside the village, “follow trusty....” we said.   Up, up, around, along, up again mmm.... very nice to meet the French family enjoying their afternoon in the swimming pool of their garden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was hilarious; they all just stood there mouths open, dripping wet, completely dumbfounded at the ‘stupide anglais’.   Thankfully Google found the campsite and led us to the correct destination.  We are now parked up on Sunset Strip (pitch 77) at www.moulindedavid.com (for those of you in the know I keep expecting a certain Headteacher David to pop round the corner).  Tomorrow we venture into Monpazier.

Day 11 – Rain?

Well we woke to rain this morning but in the true British tradition we were not going to be beaten!    (I mean after May’s torrential downpour nothing was going to faze us)  It wasn’t long before the sun broke through and although not quite as warm as we’d had in the past few days it was still very pleasant. We made the short journey into Monpazier; oh wow what a beautiful town it is too.  Full of little alleyways and houses decked with the most beautiful flowers, lots of little shops around the main square selling their crafts.  The main square was set out for a soiree that evening and the church was decorated with flowers for a wedding service later that day.  Of course, we had to have a coffee and also a piece of quiche for lunch – Del said “sorry Sylv (my Mum) this is even better than yours” – Mum is renowned for her quiche so this is some compliment.

This evening we had booked a table at La Table du Moulin, the restaurant on site – also listed as the best restaurant in Monpazier.   Personally I think it has to be one of the best in France!   The meal started with a ‘taster’ from the Chef – crab tart and a sauce (not sure what it was but it was yummy), gazpacho which was in a glass and we drank through a straw, then I chose beef and Del had Sea Bream – every mouthful was a ‘sensation’; dessert of crepe for me and fromage (cheese) for Del – just just wonderful.

Once again we were very sorry to leave Moulin de David as it is such a lovely place, quiet, spotlessly clean, pretty and very very friendly.  They’ll be getting 5-stars from me on Trip Advisor.

Day 12 – Moving on again to La Fosse de Tigne – mind the doors please...

Our friends (fellow motorhomers) Irene & Derek had encouraged us to take the normal roads rather than the motorways – “you’ll go through lovely villages and beautiful countryside”, so because of the 5^th gear problem and being very restricted on our speed we decided to travel to La Fosse de Tigne by A and D roads – we weren’t disappointed and really enjoyed the lovely countryside and remarked on how the landscape seemed to be constantly changing as we moved up through the different regions of France.   The journey took us about 6 hours – Del would like me to tell you at one point we actually overtook someone (he was cruising along at about 20mph and had thick black smoke pouring out of the back but we did overtake!) 

We stopped for coffee and croissant and then a further stop for lunch.  Now since we have had DeeDee the driver’s door has had a tendency to not shut properly, shortly after leaving the lay-by where we’d stopped for lunch Del noticed the door wasn’t shut tight. Now in the past he has frightened the life out of me by just slamming it shut without any warning, this time he warned me but the door suddenly got caught by a gust of wind and swung wide open (fortunately it is on the nearside as we’re on the wrong side of the road here).  I’m not sure how he managed it, but Del was able to control the camper enough to slow it down, I quickly pushed the hazard lights and Del could then slam the door shut – good job we weren’t on the motorway!

We had the usual warm welcome from Kathy & Dave www.camping-kathydave.co.uk and before we’d even parked the camper were invited for a drink!   I’m now sitting here 20:46, outside the camper in a sleeveless t-shirt and all I can hear are birds singing.   Here I shall remain until I see the sunset because there’s nothing like it here in La Fosse de Tigne.

Day 13 - Chinese in France

Kathy & Dave are just the nicest people you could meet, nothing is too much and there’s always a warm welcome, a glass (or two) of wine and an invite to share food/go out for a meal.  Today we were invited to a Chinese restaurant near Saumur – all you can eat for 11euros.  There’s a lovely couple also staying here – Bob & Tracey from Lowestoft.  Bob offered to take us in his car to save us packing away.   So in convoy we left, picking up a French couple (friends ofK&D) for the short journey to the restaurant.  Yummy food, so much to choose from and we all ate until we couldn’t move anymore.

Once back at the campsite, Kathy said that she’d arranged wine-tasting with Allan the local vintner; so at 6pm off we all go into the village.   There’s never any pressure to buy, just enjoy the 12 glasses of wine we were given.   Of course, we bought some – because it is very nice.  A happy crew returned to K&D’s patio where more wine and nibbles were consumed and we sat chatting for a long time, watching the sun set across the fields.

Day 8 – Au revoir Cessenon-sur-Orb – Bonjour Carcasonne

So we limped along the motorway in 4^th gear much to the annoyance of several big trucks that let us know their frustration by letting off their air-horns as they passed us in the middle lane.

We arrived relatively problem free at www.campingcitecarcasonne.com (trusty satnav did us proud) and joined the queue to get in.   We had emailed to say we were going to arrive and had received a lovely email in response saying that it was first come first served.   If you don’t mind staying on an Aire there are several around here, or as quite a lot seem to do, park on the side of the road.  One thing to note here is you do need your passports – it was quite funny watching the Dutch woman in front of us giving her husband a right ear-bashing because they didn’t have theirs and were promptly turned away.   It’s not a cheap campsite but there are lots of very nice facilities – bar, restaurant, snack bar, swimming pool, children’s play area etc.  We have a very nice pitch that has the stream running alongside – it also happens to be the local fitness running track, the locals at times do appear to be quite ‘fit’ too...

Day 9 – To infinity and beyond...

The walk into Carcasonne took us about 30 minutes (I walk very slowly), the path along the side of a stream is flat until you get to the old cite then it’s up and up and up but the views and the buildings are so spectacular that you just don’t notice.  – security is very tight here, and one of our first sights was of soldiers carrying machine guns patrolling the area.  The second reminder of the terrible terrorist attacks France has suffered was the sign as we entered the ramparts.

The cite is in two parts the outer part is full of restaurants and shops.  The church had some beautiful stained glass windows and some lovely comfy seats....

We wandered around for a good three hours until lunch time where we sat at one of the restaurants (there’s lots!) and ate a fabulous sausage cassoulet (note to self to get a lovely recipe from my good friend Colleen because I’m sure she has one). 

Once we’d finished we joined the queue to get into the inner cite (the bit where the ramparts are).  I suppose we queued for about 15 minutes and the entrance price was 8.50euro each.   This part of the adventure is not for the feint hearted but I managed it albeit slowly and with some assistance from Del, but I did it!!!!!!!

  

The views from the top were just amazing and worth every bit of climbing.   We’d been recommended Carcasonne from several different friends but wow was it worth it – a definite must if you are in this area. (I'll upload more photos when I have a better connection as this one is painfully slow)

Eventually we had seen the village of Carcasonne and areas from just about every point on the compass so we headed home.  Now, the walk up was quite steep in some parts, walking down those steep inclines is pretty painful, thankfully I had shoes on and not sandals or worse still flip-flops.   The walk back (on the flat part) along the stream was just so pretty with dragonflies swooping across the stream and little tiny fish swimming against the flow – I could have watched for hours.  

It’s been a great adventure today, thoroughly enjoyed it but with all that walking just only one thing left to do:

As they say.... You can take the girl out of Essex.....

Day 5 – even hotter today 31C

The heat has made us so lazy, but as we normally live such hectic busy lives it really is nice to just not do anything at all, except sit and watch the World go by. 

There is no escape from the sun here so in the end we had to put up some more shade – trailer trash?   But it worked! 

Tonight we went into the village for dinner but everywhere was shut because of the village fete, so steak sandwich and frites it was!   There was some good music and plenty of drinking but we opted for breaking open a bottle of bubbly under the stars and it’s still 25C.

Day 6 – A 'ho hum' kind of day....

Do you think that other people have calamities while they’re on holiday or is it just because the blog documents it we remember it?   This morning Del goes off on his trusty steed to collect some supplies in the village but he returned without his wallet having dropped it on the way back.   There was about 50euros in it, but of course, credit cards, loyalty cards, driving licence and the pass key to our camper storage back in the UK.   We quickly retraced his steps but it wasn’t too be found.   Lots of phone calls which actually was relatively easy (note to everyone – put the phone numbers that appear on the back of your cards in your mobile phone) and we reported it to both the campsite and the local tourist office.  But of course, this is us isn’t it?  Whilst all this is going on our wifi decided to run out – no wifi for 2 days.   As my lovely friend Carole says “ho hum....”

This evening we wanted to go to our favourite restaurant but it was closed again for the festivities.  We did however, manage to reserve a table in the other restaurant and the food was quick and okay this time, washed down with a carafe of the local vin blanc.   The party was really taking off in the square with a live band, so we bought crepes for dessert and sat with a pitcher of vin blanc (the pitcher held over a bottle) listening to the music, watching people dance and before we knew it we were consuming a second pitcher....

We’re not sure what this is about but the dance is part of the festival.  The dancers dressed in nightgowns had bellows which they puffed throughout their dance around the square.

Day 7 - last day in Cessenon and it went with a Bang!

So we woke early (8ish) this morning, had a cup of tea and then decided to go back to sleep again - until 11.30, ahh so what we're on holiday!   Anyway, it was very hot in the camper so I opened the door and there, on the table, was Del's wallet!   Minus the cash but all the cards etc. were inside - phew, that was a relief!   Del popped into the village on trusty steed (and cash in a zipped pocket) and returned with some lovely steaks and frites for dinner - very nice it was too.

Del's Trusty Steed

Tonight was the final night of the festival and the river was to be the centre - a torchlight canoe procession followed by some amazing fireworks - all just 50m from our camper.   So we sat outside watching the procession and the spectacular fireworks.

Sorry for poor quality - this is the torchlight procession

Fireworks at Cessenon-sur-Orb

Au revoir Cessenon-sur-Orb, we've really enjoyed ourselves in your lovely village. Tomorrow we're off to Carcasonne.

Day 4 – Hot hot hot and dinner with friends

The temperature is 30C and unbelievably hot.  We’re still on a do-as-little-as-possible because we CBA’d!   We walked into the village and found Carrefour – bit better than our own ‘Express version and a very good selection of local wines.   We had a chat with the butcher who told us which were the local wines – yes I did mean the butcher.  Because this evening we’ve been invited to dinner with Robert’s (my son) teacher from his secondary school – Carolyn.   

Caz and her husband Chris live in Brighton but have recently bought the most amazing house.   The house came full of furniture and was just as the previous owner had left it; full of photos, birth/death certificates, costumes, hats (in the most gorgeous period hat boxes), paintings, tapestries – it was like going back in time and I could have spent hours just exploring.   Caz cooked a lovely dinner which we ate on the patio and then all spent many hours drinking and chatting – really fab evening.

Day 5 – even hotter today 31C

The heat has made us so lazy, but as we live such hectic busy lives it really is nice to just not do anything at all, except sit and watch the World go by.   There is no escape from the sun here so in the end we had to put up some more shade – trailer trash?   But it worked!   Tonight we went into the village for dinner but everywhere was shut because of the village fete, so steak sandwich and frites it was!   There was some good music and plenty of drinking but we opted for breaking open a bottle of bubbly under the stars and it’s still 25C.

The village square ready for tonight's festivities

And so, not too much to report at the moment as we really are doing as little as possible!  Just time for a quick (and pretty awful) selfie!

Day 3 - STOP PRESS!

Before I start to write about today’s adventures I realised that I’d completely forgotten to tell you about another ‘oops moment’ from yesterday.   So there we were following trusty satnav’s instructions “....at the roundabout take the first right then turn left”  - turned right we did and entered the chevrons in the centre of the road to turn left “left Del, left!!!! ...down there, there!” and Del does turn left where I said...  have you ever met head-on a queue of French locals all waving their arms and shouting expletives at the “stupide Anglais” (one of them even had a beret on) – hands up totally my fault – sorry! 

Anyway, onto today Birthday Boy woke early and was overwhelmed with all his cards and presents.   We ate breakfast in the sunshine – freshly cooked (still warm) croissants.  Today the weather app said it would be 30C – we really needed some downtime after the travelling so we opted to stay in the camp and watch the people swimming in the river.  Fabuleux.

This evening we went to Restaurant l’Orb – oh wow!  Simply superbe.   A small menu but the food is definitely the best I have tasted dare I say “ever”?   

We wandered back through the village to the campsite and finished the day with a glass of Baileys.   Fantastique!  (have you noticed how my French is improving?)

Day 2 – It’ll be Alright on the Night.....

After not a particularly good night (it was bloomin cold) we were up and on the road by 8.50am for the long drive South.   The French A6 motorway was busy (a bit like the M25 on a quiet day) but the miles soon passed and we saw some beautiful countryside – lots of sunflowers and vineyards and getting warmer by the mile.  

We stopped at Niemes for some fuel, water and leg stretching – all good, excited to be nearing Cessenon-Sur-Orb, until....  the wind took the door out of my hand and bashed the petrol pump (fortunately no damage done).  Then as we left the Aire Del worked his way through the gears as we accelerated and boom, boom 5^th gear? “non” – I couldn’t possibly write here the contents of the following conversation as I’d get banned by the Internet! Thank goodness for Google and our friends on Facebook page Motorhome Adventures!   It seems that the 5^th gear on Fiat Ducato engines has been a long-term problem but most of all we were assured that we can continue without doing any further damage – albeit a little slower.

So we arrived at Cessenon-Sur-Orb, a beautiful little village but the “trusty” SatNav was telling us we still had a few miles to go?   Now the campsite was situated alongside the river Orb but we were climbing higher and higher through the mountains mmm....  maybe not alongside the river????    We eventually found “a” campsite but not the one we wanted - bad Google giving us the wrong information (got to blame someone).   So down the mountain we came and pulled up at the correct campsite in the “nick of time” as they were closing - http://www.campingfrance.com/uk/find-your-campsite/languedoc-roussillon/herault/cessenon-sur-orb/camp-municipal.  - we have since found out there is nowhere to empty toilet cassettes on this site, but the shower/toilet facilities although a little dated are clean and pleasant.   Very busy here but situated alongside the river Orb with beautiful views of the village on the other side – we are metres away from the bridge that takes you straight into the village with some good shops and restaurants – perfect for me and my dodgy legs!  

As we had only had a baguette all day we were rather hungry so we decided to go into the village for dinner.   We arrived at 8pm and after moaning we finally received our starter only to be followed almost immediately by the main course at past 9pm!  Can’t say either of us particularly enjoyed our meals but it seems they were also catering for a large gathering of people (60+) across the road and the kitchen was really struggling.   I’ll not say too much because we intend to give it another go when it’s a little quieter.

The 60+ gathering of people were well “tanked up” (we think it may have been a wine tasting event) and they had laid on live music to round off the evening.   Now, Del & June had drank rather a lot of the local produce whilst waiting for their dinner so we upped and joined them!   Picture this...  10.30pm in a French village square, temperature still very very warm and we were doing the Twist!  Ha ha great way to see off a particularly eventful day.

Cheers!  from the Birthday Boy