Helen the Hymer

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 23

mercredi le 27 septembre

Good evening from a rather damp St Germain

The rain has eased now, though the wind seems to be increasing in strength. It has been a glorious day with the sun shining until late in the afternoon.

Last nights time lapse photography was basically successful, things actually worked and I recorded the moon setting in the western sky. I reviewed it on the GoPro and decided that it was ok for a first correct attempt. I then decided to bin the earlier effort, this was when I learned that the GoPro deletes the file in red not the one to its left. Merde, it was not a brilliant piece of work but it was a start and now it is well and truly gone. The one I wanted to lose was despatched shortly after. Live and learn (I hope).

Not looking promising for anything tonight as it is overcast and the forecast leaves a bit to be desired. I will stay up late on the off chance.

So, up this morning following my usual routine then off out for my walk. At least one brain cell functioning today as I remembered to put my watch on that records my activities. Just over five miles before lunch. This is made up of me walking out to the waters edge and following it from my access to the point of the peninsula and back usually twice. The distance varies with the tide and I learned today that the tide here varies quite considerably. When I first got onto the beach I formed the opinion that the tide was advancing but very shortly after I found that it was in fact receding. Even more to my surprise after lunch when I found it was still going out. Still the walk was absolutely fantastic. I have decided that when I am back in the UK I will see if they still do those I spy books like I had as a child. If they do I will get the seashore one. I would like to be able to identify a bit more of what I am beginning to finally see. Lots of pictures again a few attached.

This large ball of foam was the largest of a few I found being created by the surf. Looking at it I suspect is has some oil content so I guess ships are still flushing at sea.



I feel so completely relaxed and stress free. The freedom of doing things at my own pace and when I want to do them is something new for me and wonderful.

After lunch I went out again, it was far to good to not get out and enjoy and I made my way to the beach to see what I would find walking along the waters edge. A few people had appeared, tucked under the dunes with their wind breaks.

Walking back I saw a lady collecting “les coques” or cockles to us. I asked if she minded if I watch for a while. She said she did not mind and corrected me that they were coques and not coquelles. I have never looked for cockles ever and she showed me what to look for in the sand and helped me find my own first one or two. Quite an education for me. The smallest you can or should take is 3 centimetres, I asked about cooking and did you boil them in water. She told me that you just put them in a marmite like moules, those that open you eat the others you bin. I actually found one or two by myself which I gave to her before leaving her in peace. When I returned on my next lap she was still collecting them and we exchanged a few words. Her plastic bag was getting quite full and I asked how many would be a serving which is seems was a bit like asking how long is a piece of string. I wish I had taken a photo of them now but I felt that would be invading her privacy. I carried on walking. This afternoons walk was about 4 ½ miles. Again as you can see from the above, it was not at the gallop.

One of Hitlers Atlantic wall parts being slowly consumed by the sea.

The sky was darkening by around 1630 and I suspected rain was imminent and made my way back to Helen. It was to early to eat, I seem to be in the habit of eating around 1900 these days so I made coffee and settled down to transfer today’s photographs. That took quite a while.

Well it is approaching 2100 and dark so I will copy this and paste it to the forum and find some photos to include. I will try not to make them to similar to those that have gone before.

Outlook tomorrow is poor so I may go and fill the GPL and perhaps buy another selfie stick if there are any left so that I have a spare!

Loving it, Clive

I am having a devil of a job uploading pictures tonight. The internet seems to be up and down like a whores drawers so I will try and make up for it tomorrow. Sorry.

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 24

jeudi le 28 septembre

Domestic day today. A dry but dull start to the day, not a problem as I had decided to visit Valognes to fill the LPG and buy some petrol for the generator.

Last nights sky had been obscured and there were periods of heavy rain and strong winds so my time lapse has to wait for another night.

I packed everything away and to my surprise before I had finished my “companions” for the previous couple of days were up and away before me.

When I walked my rubbish to the bin I saw that the members of the the “chasse” had arrived, three in all with their ubiquitous Citröen vans, a couple of dogs and shotguns. They were dressed almost head to toe in orange not just the cap like I have seen before so clearly intent on not being injured or killed by their companions.

The nearest available GPL was at Valognes, according to the app it was available at Intermarché and a Total garage. I will try and update the app because there is no GPL at Intermarché so I made my way along to the Total garage where it was available at 0.71 cents a litre and I filled up.

After Valognes it was back to Lessay where I visited Lidl’s to pick up a few groceries. A quick visit to the cimetière to top off the water and back to St Germain. By now the sun was shining brightly in the sky so I skipped lunch and set off for a walk along the beach for a couple of hours.

Obligatory méduse

The beautiful beach

Not much left of this crab!

I returned to Helen having walked a little over 9 kilomètres and made a snack. Sitting outside enjoying the sun until she dipped behind the dunes. I took dinner late (Coquelles Saint Jaques again) and transferred to my front passenger seat where I was able to watch the birds just outside. Helen acting as an effective hide. Later when darkness had fallen I was able to glimpse the now half moon between the clouds with my binoculars. I hope for clear skies soon.

Picture of sun setting over dunes taken by accident with selfie stick!

Around 2100 the weather appeared alright so I set off over the dunes for my walk, it seems now regular nocturnal beach patrol. I must say that I do enjoy these walks and I guess (and hope) they are good for me. I essentially follow my day time routings but enjoy the contrast of the low light of the night where the detail exposed is so quite different to the day. The walk was about 6 kilomètres.

That about wraps it up for today.

vendredi le 29 septembre (part 2 jour 25)

The nocturnal strolls must be doing something because I had yet another really good nights sleep and did not wake until around 0800 and surfaced about 0830. I must say this style of life is really growing on me.

The weather outside was showery but supposed to clear around 1100 so I did one or two odd jobs. My Betty Boop picture (on a mirrored surface) had detached itself from the moulded plastic loop so I used one of the picture hanging things from my box of odds and sods to fix it. I like Betty Boop! This picture was a gift which I treasure (sad old fart).

About 1030 it had cleared significantly and I elected to go for my walk. Looking from the top of the dunes out to sea I was amazed to see how far the tide had gone out, I had never seen it out this far and I was able to walk out to some rocks I had not been able to reach before. The tide may have been out a long way but this time it was definitely coming in and I paused more than once on my walk to take time lapse sequences with my iPhone. I think I have sand or sea water in this one now as it is beginning to do strange things at times. I am considering biting the bullet and getting a new iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro when I get back. That should take care of the next 5 years or so and give me the reliability and versatility I need. My lap top as you know from Part 1 has been living on borrowed time and this is compounded by microsofts decision to block Avi files on it version 10 so I am sorry Microsoft but you have finally pushed me over the edge!

Meanwhile back on the walk, there were several méduse stranded today and I stopped for a while to try and see one refloated but all the time I watched they did not seem to be responding.

My appreciation of things has increased exponentially over the last few days. None of these things are the same!

There were several small plastic buoys (the things they tie dinghies up to in the harbour) which had become detached in the recent storm littering the beach this morning. Walking back I could see quite a dark sky over Jersey and beyond and guessed another storm was on its way (it is well and truly here now as I write this). I suspected I would be only doing one lap of the beach this morning and that proved correct. The rain set in before I left the beach and had properly arrived by the time I reached Helen.

The approaching storm.

First job was to put the kettle on then dry myself. This was followed by a little study and now at 1320 I am going to prepare salad for lunch. Talk about life at the gallop!

Well it has been a very blustery and windy afternoon. I took a shower after lunch to remove the sand and salt. After I did some more French, then started sorting through the photos to get rid of the duplicates.

I seem to have an Internet connection at the moment so will try and up load this and a few pictures.

Forecast for tonight is poor and not brilliant tomorrow. I will keep you updated. All the best Clive

 

[LPB]

Excellent report Clive, I have enjoyed every word.
Thank you for taking the time to make these posts.
Lloyd

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 26

Samedi Le 30 septembre

A mixture overnight of strong winds and occasional heavy rain eased this morning. I was up at 0800 and performed my morning ritual.

I had decided that as the weather was due to be poor, with a late afternoon clearance of sorts, I would drive up to Cap de La Hague and view the island of Alderney. I had lived on Alderney for 3 years and had often when walking/riding/driving and flying looked across at Cap de La Hague and I thought it would make a nice change to view it “from the other side.”

First stop was at Lessay to visit the very good Aire there and dump my black waste. After that I joined the D650 and started my trip to Cap de La Hague.

Alderney was a great place to live and I spent some of the happiest days of my life there. It is well worth a visit though of course no camping cars or caravans but you can camp in a tent at the campsite at Saye. There are a selection of Hotels/Guest Houses. Access is essentially by air from Guernsey or Southampton, sadly the service is not a good as it was when I was on the island. Some people approach it in the wrong way and regard is as a lump of rock with 2000 alcoholics clinging to it (I think the population is down to about 1400 now). This is quite wrong, there is a huge Gannet colony on Ortac and Etac, Puffins on Burhu (all birds at the appropriate times of year). There a good walks, long sandy beaches (Longis) and various historical items ranging from bronze and Roman times to the occupation by Germany in WW2.

The island of Alderney viewed from Cap de La Hague (as I pulled away the sun came out and I could have got a better shot if not committed).

Many will probably believe like I did that the Channel Islands are just another sort of English county, that could not be further from the truth. As I found out. Another myth is this idea that it is a tax haven, I can tell you from personal experience that it most certainly is not. What is does have is a single rate of tax which would be the sort of thing the UK could do with. Then there would be no incentive for people to try and squirrel money away in so called “offshore tax havens.”

The Cap de La Hague lighthouse.

Anyway, if you have not visited any of the Channel Islands they are well worth a go. You can take a camping car to Guernsey or Jersey via Condor Ferries (sadly the fares are not cheap). The Beaucette Marina has in the last year installed 6 pitches with EHU etc. They are the only site I know of with this facility.

Back to today, on reaching Cap de La Hague I followed the sign P camping car obligitoire and parked in the designated area. Three other camping cars were there already. I decided to make a coffee and take my photos. The weather was poor (had been all through) and when I had done this I would return to Saint Germain sur Ay. The roads to and from were excellent.

Next year I will revisit the area and do the job properly. There are a number of spots I wish to visit on this Manche coast but I need there to be the risk of good weather to get the best. On next years trip I will head in this direction first, I am thinking of starting in May.

Back at la plage I was pleased to find my spot still vacant and happily re-occupied it. The weather had improved and the sun was shining. I decided I would skip lunch again and go for a walk. Now I could not find my key for the door. A search drew a blanc, I wondered if perhaps it had gone behind the cooker – shining the torch down the back I could see the curve of what could be the key or a coin. I thought I might be able to get it by removing the upper external fridge vent, no I could not. Eventually after much fiddling I got it out and made resolutions to be better organised in future and not just put it on the top when I get in.

A tide on the turn, when I reached the waters edge it was coming in but within minutes it was on its way out.

Now I was free to go for a walk though of course this was curtailed by the delay and I only did a little over 4 kilomètres. Towards the end of the walk the sun disappeared and the wind increased (as I type this we are back into the rain and wind situation). Today must have been a bad day for méduse as there were a large number of them marooned on the shoreline as I walked along it. The wind was bracing and the tide was on the turn. The variation of the tides here is quite staggering, the high and low water marks are very different from one day to the next. Towards the end of my walk I watched three people on what I imagine is the modern equivalent of the sand yachts I used to know as a child. It looked great fun though I have an idea I would prefer the old fashioned yachts.

I don't know the correct name for them.

Returning to Helen I grabbed a snack and coffee and will take dinner at or a little after 1900. My time has been spent compiling this and transferring photos for inclusion. At the moment I am being rocked like a small boat by the wind, the rain has stopped for the time being but I think it unlikely I will be doing any night photography tonight.

Now I will see if I can get this posted. Hope the Alderney bit was not boring. The forecast for tomorrow and Monday is pretty grim but hoping for good things Tuesday and Wednesday. I suspect tomorrow could be a cleaning and studying day. Hope I can get a walk in.

À bientôt Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 27

dimanche le 1 octobre

Good afternoon from a wet and blustery Lower Normandie,

Quite a storm through here last night with very strong winds and though plenty of rain it did not appear quite so heavy. I was up around 0800 and it did not look at all promising while I performed my usual routine.

It did brighten over the following hour and the wind appeared to abate. That being the case I decided I would fit a walk in while I could. I secured Helen and made my way over the dunes to the beach. On the crest of the dunes I was amazed to see that even more of the beach was exposed and that I would be able to walk out to rocks I had been unable to reach before and set off for them.

I was out about 1.5 km from the dunes to picture these which I had never seen before.

Picture into sun of more new rocks to me.

The Internet is a bit hit and miss here at the moment though I expect it will improve tomorrow when the children are at school and the adults at work. I intend to see if there is any information on the tides on this coast because the variation is phenomenal.

This méduse was in between the rocks and seaweed.

Inspections of the various rock pools proved fruitless and I did not conduct any time lapse today, just as yesterday, when I arrived I thought the tide was on its way in but was again quite wrong it was on its way out. The walk was very pleasurable and I enjoyed splashing through the pools, always keeping an eye out for méduse. They seem to have had a better time of it today with less scattered along the beach.

The walk was to be an out and back job today as my weather window began to close when I reached my usual turning point, so it was just over 5 km this morning but well worth it. As I said the other day my appreciation of many things grows each day. I took advantage of the receding tide and walked even further out beyond my “new rocks” as I made my way back by which time the sun had become obscured by cloud.

I simply could not resist putting my footprints on this very fine untouched sand. This was the first time I had visited the remains of the blockhouse (partly visible top left) when it has not been totally or nearly totally surrounded by water.

I was able to observe the changes to the beach profile since yesterday particularly at the base of the dunes and in that area. I formed a better idea of dune formation and the catalysts that promote such growth. The strong overnight winds had dramatically changed the layout (enough rambling on).

The walk over back at Helen I made coffee and settled down to a little study. My camping car neighbour is Belgian and he has a very well behaved dog. I know little about dogs so I cannot tell you the breed but it is relatively large.

The obligatory salad lunch has been taken and I have done more study since. It is very wet outside with the rain but the wind seems to have eased a little. Not much chance of another walk this afternoon and I have my doubts for this evening. Tomorrow is not looking promising but Tuesday and Wednesday suggest some sunshine. After the weekend I will with regret start a very slow plod back toward the tunnel.

I will pause my writing here and go back to study for a while (all the time hoping for a clearance and the opportunity to walk).

Well it is about 3 hours later, around 1915 as I start to write again. The rain has continued intermittently and the wind remained relatively strong. My walking idea is on hold but if it does abate then hopefully I will fit a short walk in. When I repack for my future travels I will make sure I include my “shower proof” over trousers as well as just the top.

The forecast for the week has been revised and there should be quite a lot of sunshine, the winds varying between 15 and 25 knots but a relatively comfortable temperature. Midweek the forecast is for clear skies overnight so it is possible I will get some of that night time lapse photography in after all.

I will see if I can get on the Internet and post this now. Fingers crossed.

More soon, Clive

I see it is now just like the mint "After Eight" so it has taken the best part of 45 minutes to read through and upload the pictures. Amazing

Please remember all the times I am using are CET. Cheers Clive

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[LPB]

Still enjoying this report, thanks for making the effort to do it.
Lloyd

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 28

lundi le 2 octobre

Good afternoon

I am still at Saint Germain and hope to remain here until the weekend though it may be necessary to make a foray into Lessay before then as the flint on my little “fag lighter” died this morning, fortunately after my wake up tea (note: I am a non smoker). I broke out the matches (picture below) which I had bought a) to light the gas and b) to use the bits of stalk left over in my model railway adventures. I have to tell you now that they are completely and utterly useless. The striker pad is no good and insufficient heat is generated to cause combustion – merde!



I turned to the gas/piezo BBQ lighter which seems to be more like a blow torch. This fires about once every 200 clicks.

If there is no definate improvement by tomorrow morning then I will be off to Lessay to buy a packet of three cheapies. That will be essential before I lose what little is left of my mind!

It was another stormy and blustery night. At one time I was convinced I could hear a dustbin lid being blown around but I know for a fact there are none of those here. A look around this morning revealed nothing. Around 0500 this morning I looked outside and it was a beautiful clear sky with stars, sadly by the time I surfaced at 0800 it was basically cloudy. Yoga and breakfast complete I settled down to study. Around 1000 the sky was quite blue though still windy and I thought I might try a walk. I followed the line of the dunes but the wind made it very uncomfortable (my legs were being sand blasted) so I returned having covered just under 2km. Study recommenced.

Lunch about 1300 and I am pleased to say the wind seemed to have eased a little so a little before 1400 I made my way over the dunes to the beach. I know I have said it before but I could not believe how far the tide had gone out. I walked out further than ever and followed the waters edge around the bay. The only constant seems to be the location of the various rocky outcrops. The pattern of the sands or beach is quite different with each tide and with that the way the rocks are presented. The more I learn the less I know!
Well this afternoon was much better walk wise and I ended up a little under 8km which I am satisfied with. During the walk I was able to observe the tide moving in (yes IN) and the rocks slowly submerged.

Back at Helen the blow torch started ok and coffee has been made and consumed. Now I will do a little study. I have tried the Internet and keep getting “server can’t be found” and “unable to get mail” I will conclude this later. Hoping for night time lapse perhaps tonight though the sky is currently obscured. Cheers.

Well as I start this the time is a little after 1930 and I have various tracks playing in the background (I have 11Gb available – I like all kinds of music but not necessarily at the same time). Since the earlier entry I have studied and telephoned a friend in the UK. He certainly has his hands full at the moment and is coping well with a difficult situation. I have told him that if he wants I can cut my travels short and help, I will be on my way back soon anyway and he and his wife have been of great help to me for longer than I care to remember. It was always a one way trade and time for pay back I think (me doing the pay back).

Well I have not been able to get on the Internet any sense for most of the day so I will play a few more tracks (probably two) then try and get on. I need to upload a couple of pictures and read this through – even then I miss something, usually a misspelling or the blasted predictive text has snuck in behind my back.

Sadly the weather has turned foul again so my eager anticipation of stars seems to be thwarted.

Don’t miss the next gripping instalment! Clive byeeeeeeee

Sorry it is no good, pictures tomorrow and possibly this as it has come up no service now. Our friend M. Macron is promising all of France 4G next year - dream on!

 

[Podney]

Hello Clive,
I'm sure it's in there somewhere and I've missed it,but may I ask,what are you studying?

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 29

mardi le 3 octobre

Good afternoon

Had a great nights sleep and lazily did not get up until 0900 this morning, and I had had an early night. Breakfast out of the way I did study until around 1000 but it was such a beautiful day outside I decided to quit the study and go and enjoy a walk.

@Podney I have to confess that my use of the word study has been quite loose and perhaps I should have said or should say revision. All I am doing is revising my written French, going back to the beginning and working it through. My vocabulary extends but my spelling is not commensurate. So back in the books. Interestingly, though I have been there many times before, little light bulbs come on somewhere in my head and I have a vaguely better grasp.

Before I get stuck in I will try and insert a few pictures from yesterday and annotate them.

Above is a picture of the stand by ignition source - it was not worth a lite!

I had not seen this group before so felt obliged to capture them. (late edit, sorry wrong picture, these were on here a couple of days ago - sorry)

I found this piece of "drift plastic" in with the seaweed. Originally from the Granville fish market it is now in Helen's boot holding junk.

More rocks

Yes, I know, the obligatory méduse. This one in the water upside down so I watched it for a while to see if it righted itself. It did not while I was there.

It does not show as well as I had hoped but the rock in the centre is perched on the others. I can only assume the strength of the sea put it there.

This is the closest I have ever been to fishnets other than on a girl (and not often enough there), it had been straightened out by the fishermen so no fish for me to see.

I think this one is from this morning. None of these outcrops would do a small boat and favours.

I won’t tell you how far out the tide has gone this morning and hope fully I will be able to grab a trace and attach it. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk of a little over 8 kilomètres getting back to Helen around 1245. The pace is slow as I tend to peer into the rock pools and stop to look at various shells and méduse.

One of the many tractors that operate on the beach managing the fish nets and the oyster beds, this one was off to deal with a net.

I am unable to tell you the name of these but I was surprised to see the tentacles out not retracted so I can only assume they are dead.

I have had lunch, today is a use up day and I will shop tomorrow. I have done a little study and made this entry. When my phone is recharged I am going for another walk. The phone is low because I have been uploading yesterday’s pictures as I walked. À bientôt!

Well, while I was taking lunch another camping car arrived and parked behind me. I recognised it as one I had seen last week. When I left for my walk I greeted the couple and exchanged a few words. They indicated that they would be doing some fishing. I left them in peace and made off to the beach. I had a lovely walk during which I paused to say hello to the lady I had met the other day who was out collecting “coques” again and carried on along the beach to my turning point where I saw my neighbours from the car park. They did not have their fishing rods set up at that stage and I think they had just arrived. I agains exchanged a few words and left them in peace retracing my steps. All the while I was updating or sending more accurately my photos from yesterday and the few I took today.

I suspect these are the remains of a lobster pot.

Final rock of the day.

It is a little before 1800 as I sit and type this and I think I will try and upload it and hopefully some pictures very shortly then I think I will take a shower and get some of the salt and sand off.

I was quite surprised when yesterday’s entry uploaded so keeping my fingers crossed today.

All the best Clive

It is now just gone 2000 and the moon is out. I am going to try and get some time lapse. It must be the stages of the moon causing the dramatic changes in the tides. I knew it was the cause but I had no idea how varied its effects could be.

Let's hope this posts, cheers

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 30

mercredi le 4 octobre

Good evening from St Germain

Not a bad day overall. Sadly it dawned cloudy not the promised clear sky but it did improve enough for me to take a short walk just over 5 kilomètres before lunch and a second of around the same distance after lunch.



The first part of the day after my ritual was some “revision of my French” which I did again after lunch before my walk and again this evening before commencing this. There is not much left of the brain cell now so I will put it on charge overnight.

The wind has picked up but the sky is clear at the moment so I am hoping to get some time lapse in tonight. The camera is charged it is on its mount and the tripod is to hand. I have ditched yesterday’s attempt and will wait for it to be properly dark tonight.

The forecast for tomorrow is poor so I will up sticks and make my way initially to Caen with a pit stop at the Lessay Aire.

That is it for the time being. I will copy this across and insert a picture or two for today. I have been building a mental list of activities to carry out over my enforced winter break in about 10 days. The plan is to travel the UK a bit while looking forward to a new adventure next year – mind you this one is not over yet.

À bientôt

Clive

Uh oh, having problems with uploading pictures. Sorry I will try and post this as is and give you pics tomorrow. I know the Internet is good at Caen. Bye

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[davanne]

Fantastic photos Clive and enjoying reading your travels.

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 31

jeudi le 5 octobre

Bonjour from Caen

The forecast poor weather was here as promised this morning so I got packed up and firstly made my way to Lessay to deal with the black waste.
Then I was off to St Lo where a friend had asked me if I could pick up one of Nettos products. Sadly they did not have it at St Lo but I will try each Netto on my route so should turn it up somewhere.
I did not particularly want to spend another night at Le Memorial so a look at park4nite and I made my way to coordinates at Saint Laurent Sur Mer (Omaha Beach). Either I put the coordinates in wrong or the possible night stop was gone. I have visited the beach before (2015) but thought I would look at the new sculpture since my previous visit and made my way to adjacent parking. The entrance made it abundantly clear that campers could not stay overnight. I pulled in, three others including a Hymer (XXX XXX L reg) were there. The weather was foul and I just wanted to settle so I skipped lunch here and made my way reluctantly to the known parking at Caen.

I will review the météo later and if half decent make my way back up to the Normandie beaches tomorrow.

That is about it for today. I will pop yesterday's pictures on now. All the best Clive

I never cease to be amazed at the different ways the beach is carved by the tides. The craters above made me wonder how they were formed.

This shell interested me because it had spikes sticking out and was the first (and only) that I had seen like this.

Could not resist noting the date.

Helen resting with the "pêcheurs" camping car behind. A third Belgian registered camping car was behind the "pêcheurs"

As I write this the heavens have opened. I am missing my walks and the beach already.

Bye Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 32

vendredi le 6 octobre

Good evening from Caen

Yes, I have stayed here today. Up fairly early, followed my usual routine and decided I would walk into Caen and see if I could get some CR1225 batteries to replace those on my tyre pal sensors which are failing fast. Sadly despite visiting a number of shops I drew a blank. I have ordered some on eBay now. They will be delivered sometime next week. I will make sure I have a spare set with me next year.

Helen resting in the corner of the camping car parking area.

The walk was pleasant and unhurried.

Beautiful Autumn colours of the walk.

The bulk of the shops did not open until 1000 in any case. The walk was a little over 8 kilomètres so worth the effort. I took a few more pictures of the château which I include.

Gate house and drawbridge location of the past. The moat, not flooded is quite a deep cutting here.

This interesting house viewed from the Porte St Pierre. I imagine it's solitary position means it was one of the few survivors of the action in and around Caen during the battle for Normandie.

I will have to return another time to find out the story behind this isolated tower. I imagine like the house above it is a partial survivor from WW2.

When I got back to Helen I decided I would spend another night here and make my way up to the Baie de Somme tomorrow (probably but don't bank on it). I will be able to watch the steam trains then before returning to the UK.

The afternoon was spent tidying up and giving Helen a brush out and a period of revision.

Around 1600 young people seemed to be arriving in the adjacent car park, which itself is next to a large field. About ¾ hour ago I started to hear a lot of noise coming from the field and saw a large number of young people wearing pink tops moving around. I got the binoculars out and had a look. It seemed to be some sort of large exercise group. I went back to pottering. Then I could hear loud cheers and shouts and looked up to see coloured flares and various groups dressed up and with cars. There were pirates, gladiators, priests, NASA spacemen all sorts, I have tried to capture a few pictures with my camera but of course had left the SLRs and zoom lenses at home for part 2.

Not a brilliant shot I am afraid but better than I expected. The car is dressed as a chariot. I am not sure if the people in white are senators or white horses!

Some of the NASA team. The green smoke belongs to the pirate team, they had a mermaid on the bonnet of their car!

Sorry the pictures are not better. Next year the SLRs will stay in. I am typing this caption after writing the words below, judging by the noise they are having the time of their lives. Brilliant (oh to be young...)

I believe they must all be students from the various colleges that comprises what seems quite a large university here.

They appear to be having a really good time over there.

That is all for today, depending what time I surface and leave here it could be trains tomorrow!

All the best Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 33

samedi le 7 octobre

Good evening from Noyelles sur Mer

Today started bright and I was up before 0800, worked through my ritual and on the road around 0900. First stop was to be Netto, less than a couple of kilomètres away to see if I could find the product my friend had asked me to get. No success here, I followed the directions but it was not Netto any more, it is superU now. Oh well.

Next stop was Pegasus Bridge. I have visited before (2015) and seen the very good museum and would have gone in again but it did not open until 1000.

Finding somewhere to park with the museum closed was interesting but I had seen the two camping cars behind as I crossed the bridge. This little road is called "Impasse Pegasus" and having seen these two relatively locals had parked here overnight I will keep it in mind for next year.

I took a few pictures over the fence of the original bridge and a few exhibits.

The original Pegasus bridge in the grounds of the museum. From my previous visit I am very happy to recommend a visit. I will visit it again.

Sorry it is into sun. A view over the gate. I wonder if our young people know how much we owe to those many brave men, so many of whom paid with their lives. I am so humbled and equally concerned with what is happening in our world. No one seems to have learned anything!

Then I made my way to the replacement bridge and the famous café where I took more photographs.

The new bridge behind me, who should have put a coat on!

The café, I will be back next year with money. Hopefully the picture below will be readable.

Yes, I can read it. Words are not enough!

I would have liked to buy some souvenirs in the café but sadly they do not accept plastic and I had about 4 euros in mixed coins. I must make sure I have a minimum amount of cash available at all times in future. I will be visiting again next year and will come prepared.

A Bofors gun opposite the café.

It felt quite cold so I decided to continue towards Noyelles sur Mer via the Pont de Normandie. Checked my map, noted the road numbers and set off. My plan was to avoid Deauville. I did not. I missed a turn and gave in and accepted a pleasant though tedious drive. I now know the access for Honfleur which will be on next years programme so it was a useful deviation. Next stop Netto at Bolbec. I hit the go to on Doris and followed the directions. Bolbec proved to be an interesting town to drive around and Doris certainly made me do that. Still eventually there was the faded Netto entrance sign and fortunately just before I had committed myself to turning I saw that it was closed down and bricked up! Oh happy days, so I continued up the hill and then as I passed it and unable to stop (traffic behind) I found the entrance to the “new Netto” so up the road until I could find somewhere to turn, then back, not the most accessible entrance. It looked quite large. I checked the location for the required goods – OK, I have been asked to pick up 3 boxes of Rosé but a particular marque. Nope, none here either. I am beginning to wonder if I am looking in the correct chain of stores and double checked the text I had received. Netto is now part of Intermarché so a bit further along at Yvetot I went into the huge Intermarché there and searched through the boxes of wine. Zilch. The next Netto on the way up to Dieppe proved fruitless as well. I will telephone him this evening to double check. I texted him a photo of the shelves yesterday – that was a mistake, my phone calls, texts and Internet all come out of my allowance but pictures don’t. 25p that cost, I could hardly sleep (liar).

At Dieppe I pulled into Lidl and bought Paëlla for tonight. No more Nettos until Monday now as they are closed on Sunday.

The D940 was closed a little after Eu and I followed a diversion. Had it been advertised earlier I could have just followed the D625 anyway. Never mind I ended up on the D48 and drove through a strung out town called Arrest (this made me smile because of one of my earlier incarnations). The D48 brought me out on the Intermarché roundabout at Saint Valery sur Somme which was fine with just a few kilometres to Noyelles sur Mer.

As I arrived one of the two locomotives in operation had just arrived. I parked secured Helen and rushed over to take pictures. Clearly it was meant to be.

My plan tomorrow, weather permitting is to get some cycling in and train spotting. I am hoping for 2 or 3 days here before moving ever closer to the tunnel.

Thanks for reading and thank you to those of you who have commented. Part 2 is coming to a close but there will be dribs and drabs over the coming months with a new adventure next year. Among other things I will make sure I am in Switzerland at the correct time.

By for now, Clive

 

[davanne]

Been to Pegasus bridge a few times the first time must have been around 1997 we parked on the Main Street and when we were walking back up from the bridge we saw two men looking in through the drivers window as we got closer they walked away . We went into the motorhome by the habitation door and it was only the day after that we found they must have tried to enter the door by using a screwdriver to break the lock.
At that time there was a huge gypsy encampment just over the bridge past the museum.
It didn't stop us going back a few years later as it's an amazing museum well worth visiting.

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[Anthea M]

I have enjoyed your travels Clive and thank you for sharing.

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 34

dimanche le 8 octobre

Hello from Noyelles sur Mer

What a lovely day, one the weather has not been bad, two I managed to get two short rides in on my bike and three, some trainspotting.

Up a little before 0800 work through my routine then take a lovely shower. Always so, so refreshing. Nothing was a rush today. I heard the toot of a train and went out to grab a couple of shots. I had changed the memory card this morning and things got off to a shaky start so I ended up using my phone instead of the camera. After this excitement I returned to Helen and reformatted the memory card.

The green engine running round it's train.

The blue engine, sorry a bit dark, just turned on the little turntable and now running around it's train.

That done I prepared the bike for a ride, air in tyres, all over check. Though the bike has been with me throughout I have not ridden her for about a month. I decided I would just have a lazy ride to be gentle to me and the bike. I cycled up to Saint Valery sur Somme using the dedicated cycle path, did a twirl at the railway station and then started back. I was curious to see if the cycle path alongside the western edge of the canal linked into the path back to Noyelles and Le Crotoy. It did not but I was feeling ok so I decided I would follow it until I found a bridge then cross back to Noyelles. Well I got to the first bridge but that was just an access to the fields. I decided that I would do another twirl and retrace my steps to Helen via St Valery. It was a round trip of 19.5 kilomètres.

A picture of the swing bridge where I turned back.

I include this as it looks the closest I have got to a real smile on camera in I don't know how long - I am amazed.

My hard working bike with a view back toward St-Valery-sur-Somme. The cycle path is on the left and excellent. It follows the canal to Abbeville and beyond.

I took lunch and relaxed. I was feeling pretty good and decided I would do another ride after letting my lunch subside. While relaxing I heard a train whistle which surprised me as I had looked at the timetable and I was not expecting anything until about 1500. Being a nosey Parker as well as a train spotter I had to go and investigate. I am pleased that I did. I saw a red or maroon locomotive pulling a short train into the station. I thought it was perhaps a special train of some sort. The important thing for me was that the locomotive was 1-3-0T Aisne, a Corpet-Louvet engine. This pleased me no end as I have models of sister engines of this locomotive and I last saw and road behind it about 12 years ago. I was to use the modern parlance, “made up” (whatever has happened to our language). I must have looked a pretty sight in my crocs, cycling shorts and a T shirt, still, now I am a pensioner I don’t have to care! Oh, it was a special train, it was doing a Sunday lunch type thing, I must say it all looked very good. I have made a mental note for next year, the meal on that train is on the bucket list.

Lovely engine view 1

View 2 about to set off with the diners.

That excitement over I returned to Helen and got dressed up for this afternoon’s little jolly. I had looked at my chart and decided I would leave Noyelles on the D111, join the D40 (uphill) and ride to Port-le-Grand, then a right turn onto the D86 into Petit-Port, cross the canal and join the cycle way back up to St-Valery-sur-Somme. There after cycling up to the écluse where the railway crosses I would double back and join the D940 back to Noyelles-sur-Mer.
I got togged up and mounted my bike. Again I heard the toot of a train so crossed to “la gare” and using the iPhone took a few pictures of the green engine, closely followed by a few of the blue engine which had arrived minutes later. Then I set off on my ride otherwise I would never get away (I am easily distracted). The ride was good, the traffic calming cobbles in Noyelles are literally a bit of a pain but they don’t last for long and are better than Paris-Roubaix. Another good thing is that just about all French motorists give great consideration to cyclists so though on a relatively busy road for maybe 6 kilomètres I did not feel at risk at any time. I passed a couple of other cyclists going the other way on the D40 but when I joined the tow path it was a different story. There were clutches of six to a dozen dotted along the route. None of them in a hurry, nor was I but I was somewhat faster than them so it made for a fun time. I think one or two had had a glass or two. The cycle path beside the D940 was relatively clear with just a few to negotiate. Most amusing was the group I caught just before leaving the cycle path. At least a dozen and all riding light blue bikes – clearly hired. They continued toward Le Crotoy when I turned off. I made no effort the pass them. The length of this trip was just 22.2 kilomètres.

Now I have written this out in word and had a coffee. Another coffee while I try and upload some photos for inclusion.

It is half past five, the sun is out, I am wearing glasses, I don’t have a full tank of gas and I don’t smoke but it is a fabulous day. Apologies to “Elwood and Jake the Blues Brothers”, and if you don’t know who they are. Check out YouTube for a hilarious film – love it!

Right that’s enough rambling, kettle time. I might bike down to Abbeville tomorrow morning if it is nice.

Bye Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 35

lundi le 9 octobre

Good afternoon from Noyelles

The mornings seem slow to become light these days. Still quite dark at 0730 and to think I was up taking pictures of beautiful sunrises a little after 4 in the morning only a few months ago. Autumn is certainly here, though bright, it felt cold at first when I set off on my bike for Abbeville about 1000.
I hope the “old wives tales” are not right about it being a bad winter if there are lots of berries on the trees and bushes because the ones around here are absolutely chock a block with berries.

I enjoyed a gentle ride to Abbeville and back, routing via St-Valery-sur-Somme with a return distance of just over 45 kilomètres.

The lifting bridge at Pinchefalaise which carries the D940 over the Somme Canal.

As I said above it was a beautiful morning and I repeat from yesterday the cycle path is excellent.

Could not resist this picture of the clearly little used track between Abbeville and Eu. I thought it was closed but on the return journey I saw 3 SNCF vehicles parked beside the line, heard the sound of men working and also saw the signals were lit.

This picture was taken at the same location as the one above. That Napoléon was into everything it seems.

The cycle path seems to peter out just as you enter Abbeville and I did not see any signs which is a disappointment.

This bridge is shortly before the cycle path petered out.

Perhaps I could not see the wood for the trees! I took a couple of pictures of the large church at the centre and then decided to cycle back.

A difficult location to get a photo and of course the sun was not quite correctly placed. I moved sideways for the following shot.

The adjacent descriptive panel was informative but entirely in French.

I did not want to shop for anything and as it was it seems the bulk of the retail outlets do not open on a Monday anyway.

Just before reaching my turning point at St-Valery I watched the green engine running light back to the depot for the crew's lunch period. I was to far away and to late to take a picture but I have the memory in my head.

The bridge over which the little green engine ran light back to the depot. Though I think it is better described as an écluse.

Back at Helen it was time for a good old cup of tea.

As I am parked at the station I get to see the many trains passing through (an ordeal for some but a pleasure for me). Now I am keen but not the anorak wearing, duffle bag carrying, bespectacled standard spotter so not completely up to date, so I was surprised to see the number of class 66 locomotives in British EWS livery racing through here with long trains of ballast or aggregate. I think the company has been taken over by maybe DB Schenker, I don’t know but wonder if the UK is exporting this material and it is coming through the tunnel and then on to who knows where. They are all going in the direction of Abbeville. I of coarse have a model of one of these and the ubiquitous French class 56 (I think) which I am able to watch pulling the loco hauled passenger stock.
Here endeth the train spotter bit.

Lunch taken I carried out a few domestic chores and a little before 1500 made my way over to the station to film the little green engine arriving and departing.

The little green engine just before setting off on the next leg of it's journey. May be next year I will try and insert the 'odd' video.

Only the one engine running today and though it was a long train there was only a moderate number of passengers. The tourist season certainly seems to end with a resounding bang on 30 septembre in France, and it had been in hurried retreat since 31 August!
Making my way back to Helen I took the opportunity to photograph one of the blue French diesels I referred to yesterday.

The filthy blue diesel and carriages.

Sadly it’s filthy condition and that of the carriages it was drawing reminded me of the poorer times of British Rail. Looking at the amount of investment in TGV and the modern multiple units I guess these are just being flogged to death. The one I photographed was on its way to Paris Gare du Nord. Moments after it had left a second passed in the opposite direction but not stopping, an engine and 9 carriages. It may have been old and filthy but it was going like the clappers.

I am just lazing about now. I have done some “revision” and wondering about moving on tomorrow as I do not wish to outstay my welcome. I need to pick up Barry’s plonk among other things. I may remain fairly local and go up to Le Crotoy or possibly further up towards Le Touquet.

Thanks for reading, I am sure there will be an update tomorrow. Cheers Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 36

mardi le 10 octobre

Good afternoon from Montreuil

Today has been a sort of travelling odd job day. Up early, usual routine, then vehicle checks before setting of for Intermarché at St-Valery-sur-Somme. My plan was to get Barry’s plonk, top off the gazole and make my way here to Montreuil.

Well the gazole bit went alright but despite the huge collection of boxes of rosé there was not the one requested. This was a bit of a pain because I had found it on my way up to Noyelles the other day but it had not been positively identified. No worries there are no shortage of Intermarchés so I checked Doris for one in the general direction of Montreuil. Next up was at Rang-du-Fliers (Berck really), the range here was even greater but sadly not the one needed. I checked the next nearest en route and found Cucq just south of Le Touquet, again I drew a blank. The next available target was beyond Montreuil so I decided to call it a day on the search and will resume over the next day or two. If the weather is rubbish I will have a look tomorrow.

Today’s météo is grey overcast, there had been a hint of moisture earlier but that passed in a blink of the eye.

Having arrived at Monteuil I found the Aire easily using the coordinates from the All the Aires (North) book. The borne is in a large area next to toilets, a charge of 2€ with water and electricity available. Having dealt with the domestic tasks I pulled over to the camping car parking area. It is well laid out and each emplacement is hard standing. There are 8 spaces, I took the one at the far end as I wished to run the generator for a while and cause the least nuisance with it. With my arrival there were two spaces left.

It seems to be threatening rain so for the time being I will just rest up. I will do some revision and hope for a good day tomorrow to explore the town. I have been here before but that was around 15 years ago, I seem to remember a statue of Haig on a horse.

All the best, more tomorrow, Clive

 

[Manic]

It seems to be threatening rain so for the time being I will just rest up. I will do some revision and hope for a good day tomorrow to explore the town. I have been here before but that was around 15 years ago, I seem to remember a statue of Haig on a horse.

All the best, more tomorrow, Clive[/QUOTE]

We like Montueil, nice walk around the bottom of the wall if you walk left from where your parked and a nice walk around the top of walls but then we have a dog so maybe our walks a different.

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[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 36 (a little bit more)

@Manic well done, I did just that a lazy walk around the top.

Hi again, well I could not just sit there and the sun showed a brief facet from time to time so I decided I would just wander off and see if Haig was still there (I mean I might be having the wrong memory and got the wrong place entirely). You will be pleased to learn that he is still here.
While changing I looked out of the back windows and the stone walling behind me and wondered if it did or had at some time formed part of the ramparts. It did.

Picture of Helen and rampart

I set off towards the town in search of Haig, he was not lost and I found him on his horse before the théâtre and behind the fountains.

Picture of Haig

I decided after taking a picture of the front of the théâtre that it would do me good to have a bit of a walk so I made my way up onto the ramparts.

Théâtre entrance, there is a show on Saturday I would have liked to see but sadly back in the UK then.

Walking up to a high point on my right I could see the side and rear of Helen at the end of the rampart and took a picture. If it has worked Helen will be the tiny splodge of white somewhere in the picture. It did not work.

I turned back on myself and just walked slowly around the wall. Unfortunately I kept getting card error messages on the camera and some images have been lost (the micro sd card has be corrupted by the lap top which will be receiving the Glaswegian spanner treatment on my return). Paticularly annoying was the loss of the picture of the gateway which I had edged very close to the edge to get. In the UK the health and safety medlers would have banned all access to the tops of the ramparts.

A view towards the citadel above and below a doorway in the base of the wall.

A little further along inside was this memorial erected in thanks for deliverance during WW2 by the parishioners of this parish.

The bridge leading to the citadel gateway.

The citadel gateway.

The tricolour flying over the citadel.

A view along the ramparts towards the citadel.

This goat in the moat (blimey I'm a poet) was very much alive whereas the badger left of it and lost on the micro sd card is definately not.

This was my view on returning to the Aire. Only one space left, six of the seven are UK registered.

Since I started this the rain has set in and the final space has been taken. @Manic is right, this is a great Aire and hopefully good weather for more walking tomorrow. The bike and I do not care for cobbles.

Cheers Clive

 

[gus-lopez]

Thank you for posting & the informative write ups. Very enjoyable to follow your journies.

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 37

mercredi le 11 octobre

Bonjour mes amis

Well, I thought you would be getting a day off from my postings today. Instead there is a bit of a post. Among other things (quite what I have no idea), I got up late today, 0850, nearly an hour later than usual so it seems that doing little needs more rest (or perhaps it was the stress of not being able to get Barry’s plonk yet (doubt it, I don’t do stress though I may on occasion cause it).

So the day started grey but I enjoyed my yoga (that can only get better) followed by a good breakfast and shower. I then had my morning fix by checking what had been added on Motorhome Fun overnight. This accompanied by coffee, I had already done two teas by this time. Subscription to this forum is one of the best motorhome related investments I have made. The wealth of knowledge and expertise, laced with sometimes interesting humour is fantastic.

(Someone had recommended the Classic Hymers Club to someone else, I had tried to join this before and tried again having seen the suggestion still nothing this time. The last time was about 2 years ago I think so I will just have to accept I am black balled.)

*****Ignore that in brackets above, when I checked my email my application had been approved. Just goes to show how quickly this world moves.******

After my fix I settled down to some concerted revision, there are hints of improvement but let’s call it no more than that.

I did not bother with lunch until around 1400 as I had breakfasted late and today is a use up type day. Following lunch I settled onto my perch and watched a couple of the channels I subscribe to on YouTube (cycling related). While watching I became aware that it was getting warmer and saw that blue skies had appeared and ye olde current bun was in evidence. That being the case I decided I would nip out for another walk along the ramparts but in the other direction (things often appear quite different then (well they do to me)).

With the sun out I took a few, as it were, repeat photos similar to yesterday but with better lighting, sadly the camera was still having problems with the memory card but I think I have most of what I wanted. I will be ordering up some replacement cards when I get back.

A view along the ramparts towards the citadel.

View of the citadel entrance from outside.

and from the inside.

This street view reminds me of Mermaid Street, Rye. Yes I know it is nothing like it but for me it has a hint of it.

The inside view of the gateway missing from yesterday. This taken facing the opposite way to the picture above this. The road in the picture above was the way into town until the deviation on my left (this picture). It would have been no fun humping stuff up there. Bad enough just walking.

The outside view of the gateway, this time I walked down and took it rather than hanging over the edge.

I saw this disused chapel from the ramparts and was surprised to see that at one stage it had been the home of the town's Sapeurs Pompiers.

I guess it was a small open type fire engine, initial response perhaps.

This chapel formed part of the "Orphans Hospital" which finished its good works back in 1963 run by nuns.

I had been quite surprised by the huge schools here but all was revealed that they are for the children of serving and former soldiers (lots of boarders). The chapel in the picture is flanked by two arms, the one just becoming visible in the picture is home to l'école de musique and école maternelle.

This was the show I would have liked to have seen on Saturday but sadly back in the uk then (and all that entails, groan).

I could not help but notice the fungi on this tree.

It cannot possibly be edible or it would have been long gone.

Ok, that's today's pictures over, now a public information announcement!

A suggestion, if you have any intention of staying here at Montreuil sur Mer Aire, page 224, number 15, of this year’s All the Aires North volume, try and get here no later than about 1500, that was about the time I set off on my walk and there was only one space left. When I returned, a little after 1600 there were no spaces. There has been a constant procession of disappointed camping cars – mainly Brits, turning up since I got back. I suspect there will be the odd domestic fired by this situation, “I told you we should have/you should have etc, etc”. Just a thought to help you avoid disappointment. My space will be cleared around 1000-1200 tomorrow.

For tomorrow I have mapped out a route allowing me to check out 5 stores for Barry’s plonk and I will reveal the destination when I have got there and if I have found a place. I spoke to Barry on the phone this morning and indicated the problem (I could have got it as explained yesterday), I know he will be disappointed if I am unable to get his preferred tipple but I will get a substitute which I think he and she will enjoy (and I know I will).

À bientôt

Clive

Another one just gone through Tag axle job! Belgian. Oh dear!!

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 38

jeudi le 12 octobre

Good afternoon from Wissant

This was the planned destination from yesterday but in case it was full I did not want to commit myself. All the Aires North, page 226, No25.

Another very lazy start, up about 0850, though this time I have an excuse. During the night the wind got up and rocked Helen around and caused the ‘loo’ door to bang every now and then as I had not closed it properly. It did rain a bit as well.

Morning rituals complete I set off for Wissant with a number of waypoints selected to see if I could get Barry’s plonk. My planned first stop was to be Intermarché at Camiers, just north of Etaples but seeing a Carrefour just down the road I had a quick look in there first, sadly a negative result.

A view of the ramparts and tennis courts through Helen's windscreen immediately before departure. A nice day.

I left there and started towards Camiers, arriving at Etaples I saw a Lidl sign posted and decided I would pop in and get a Paëlla fix for tonight. Leaving Etaples E Leclerc came up on the left (it used to be ATAC when I first used it about 20 years ago) and I thought I would give it a try on the off chance.
Yahoooo, bingo, hallelujah, yes here it was. Great relief. Order fulfilled and I texted Barry the good news.

That was great, now I would be able to continue along the D940 to Wissant the only outstanding duty would be to find a cimetière and pick up some water. I checked the chart but could not see anything useful en route so elected to play it by ear.
Descending the hill into Isques I saw a cimetière on the left, I would need to turn an come back to be able to park safely. Just after the cimetière was an Intermarché (one of today’s planned targets) so I turned there and back tracked. The cimetière is large and incorporates a section for Commonwealth War Graves. There was a pagoda style mausoleum as well but I did not have time to investigate. Topped up with water it was back up to the roundabout at Condette to reverse direction for Wissant.

Approaching Boulogne sur Mer I elected to nip up onto the A16 to avoid the misery of the town centre and seafront congestion. I left the autoroute at junction 36 and continued to Wissant. On the way in I could not help but notice an area marked as Caeser’s Camp and wondered it it was anything to do with our visitor to the Deal area all those years ago.

Signposting to the Aire was quite emphatic and I obeyed without question. On arrival it seemed to be about half full. As I would be operating the generator for a while I picked the furthest point from everyone in a corner. I am backed onto the D940 separated by a hedge the result of which is that most of the time I do not hear the generator myself!

Once set up I took lunch and decided it would be an afternoon in and I would do some revision but first I would get a couple of shots of Helen for inclusion here. As I wandered back from those I thought it was to nice an afternoon to waste indoors and according to the book the beach was only 850 mètres away so I decided to walk to the beach. I looked at my IGN detailed map and picked the shortest route, 1.22 kilomètres according to my smart watch! So my total walk today was only 2.54 kilomètres. Pictures and comments below.

Helen parked in the corner with her back to the road. Generator hidden behind.

My route to the beach was through this little nature area adjacent to the Aire and that is probably why my walk was a little longer.

I knew nothing of Wissant other than its existence before today so I was surprised when I found this panel. Most interesting. The building in the picture is immediately behind, sadly there was a large van parked next to the wall so the next picture is not all I would have wished.

As you can see above!

This jolly little house has "Welcome to our paradise" on the top of the shovel handle above the front door.

The beach was busy with kite surfers but looked pleasant with soft sand.

In the murky shadows you can just pick out Dover Castle above the white cliffs in the centre.

The "White Cliffs" are evident on the horizon of this view.

This old boat is outside what is preserved as a typical fisherman's home.

I took this shot because the sign by the door says "Sea Fruit, Crabs, Shells" which amused me.

I plan to stay here tomorrow night as well now and will do a more extensive walk tomorrow weather permitting or maybe get a ride in on my bike. My tunnel departure is 1320 on Saturday so I will be able to just drift down on Saturday morning. The Aire is now full, so I am pleased I came here when I did.

It is nearly over, boo hoo, tears Clive

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 39

vendredi le 13 octobre

Good evening from Wissant

Another lazy start I am afraid, not quite as lazy as the other days but it was still 0830 before I commenced my yoga. The day dawned grey and remained that way until after lunch.

I spent the morning reading, revising, drinking tea and revising. Lunch occurred about 1300.

With the hint of sun I went out around 1400 for a leisurely stroll. I decided to follow a different route to yesterday and had learned a little more about Wissant.

Le camp César has tenuous and doubtful links to our or friend Julius but as my source was wikepedia it is anyone’s guess.
I am impressed with the quality of work of the École de Peintures du Wissant and have enjoyed the views of their work – I feel inspired to get my act together and produce some works of my own, an area I have neglected for more years than I care to remember.
Our old friend and keen supporter of our European membership (not) Generale de Gaulle apparently enjoyed spending his summers here in Wissant and I can share that enthusiasm.

The mill pond with the musée and hôtel.

During my short visit to this little town I have found much of interest and enjoyed my walk around this afternoon. It was amusing to see the mill pond next to the Musée du Moulin and Hotel de la Plage with its ducks and pond. Equally amusing were the three English girls leaning over the bridge and talking to the ducks blissfully unaware that the old man could hear and understand every word. I imagine that when young and in a foreign land with a different language you lose your inhibitions if you fail to realise that just about everyone speaks English even when they pretend they don’t. The girls were good, well spoken and said nothing that would embarrass anyone. So refreshing when I think of the appalling language I have suffered in the UK on my visits. I really am getting old.

L'église, it was interesting to learn that Thomas Becket left here to meet his death at the hands of those Knights "Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?"

Plaque above - there are serious gaps in what I thought had been a classical education.

The Marie, not surprisingly we are in the Avenue du President De Gaulle

The memorial to the towns dead lost in so many actions, will mankind ever learn or is he/she hellbent on destruction?

There were two of these little mortars beside the memorial.

A visit to the Office de Tourisme was very useful and I picked up some useful information for when I return in the coming months. The staff could not have been more helpful and indulged my insistence on speaking French though I am sure they would have preferred to practice their English.

A view South to Cap Gris Nez

This view north to Cap Blanc Nez

The old église, I think St Eluph.

As an aside, there are only 3 English camping cars here at the Aire, the bulk of visitors are Deutsch and Belgique. It is quite amusing to watch the way they come in and drive straight past the one or two remaining spaces left backing onto the road in preference for one of the non existent places the other side. Even funnier is having driven past the available parking when they come round on the second pass it is gone because the person they saw “apparently leaving” was doing the same tour they were indulging in and on their second pass to nick the space. I know I should not smile but sorry I cannot help it. It has turned into a beautiful evening, any way, meanwhile back at the ranch…

So I wandered down to the beach which has a well appointed esplanade and I took pictures of Cap Gris Nez to the south and Cap Blanc Nez to the north. Cap Gris Nez had played quite a major part many years ago in my former life and I have made the resolution to visit it on my next tour and see what it really looks like from the ground.

I staggered along the beach and “jumped” (bit of an exaggeration) over the little stream that empties into la mer here. After that I joined the road up to the “fisher men’s cottages” and swung up past what I believe to be some sort of religious building which has been abandoned and looks as if it will have to come down sooner or later, either that or someone throws shed loads of money at it. That rules me out.

I wandered across the back of the artist’s house from yesterday and found it had a garage (disused) at the back with broken windows along the top of the doors. I had a nose and saw a Type 2 VW quietly rotting away inside, I felt a little emotional pull I have had 4 of those. The last one went in around 1982, a Dormobile conversion, I put its picture on here when someone did a thing asking about old campers. Sorry rambling again.

Well I will insert a few pictures and comments and call it a day, very sadly my last full day in France of this trip. I am going to check my insurance because I have an idea that I get 270 days a year in Europe and my year (insurance wise) restarted mid August. So there is a strong possibility that I will return here sooner rather than later, just head south with the other snowbirds. Helen has to be replaced before that though and I will sell her on very cheaply. My plan there is – she is old but has been very reliable for me and has proved to me that yes, motorhoming is for me. If I sell her cheap to someone who is unsure they will be able to make up their mind at minimal cost and not catch a cold. She has her faults, all of which have been caused by the present and previous owners but despite all that she does the job.
I spoke to an Englishman here yesterday evening. He remarked that you don’t see many old ones like Helen around these days. I said that with a short break of 3 weeks I had been over here since 28 April and done 9100 kilomètres he was amazed. He had not done that in 3 years of ownership of his very smart bought from new one!

Right, if you plan on staying overnight or a day or two at Wissant you better get here no later than 1500, earlier if possible. Don’t bother to drive around the place, take the first spot you will fit in and relax. I have walked and looked at the toilet disposal point. The manhole cover is missing from the black waste hole. There is a “grey waste” bit. There is no borne, no water. There are waste bins and somewhere for your wine bottles. It is FREE and OK, I am as I said backed onto the D940 and have not trouble sleeping (though in my case the ruskies could come and I would not know until I drew the curtains and saw them goose stepping down the road. Curiously I saw some geese today and they do not appear to goose step!

I saw no goose stepping here, I videoed them as well but that will have to wait until next year!

Just uploaded the pictures, you will be pleased to learn that the Internet here is QUICK!

The signs I will see tomorrow I know which way I want to go but I know the way I must.

That’s it for now. Next report will be the conclusion when back in the UK and I will be quiet for a while (but hopefully not for long).

À demain, Clive

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[scousebird]

We like Wissant and have had moules frites there several times. You're right about the aire, get there early and the "facilities" aren't great.

Enjoyed your travels and photos. Look forward to the next trip with my namesake Helen

 

[Shrimp]

On our way to Wissant tomorrow, going to try the Moules & Frites at chez Nicole!

 

[Riverbankannie]

Lovely thread Clive. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and your style of writing. Have a safe journey home today and wishing you good fortune in finding the right replacement for Helen.

 

[Anthea M]

Clive I too have enjoyed your thread and love the photos and full descriptions of the places you have stayed people you have met and food you have eaten. Through it all Helen gas been amazing for an elderly vehicle.
I'm sure the next owners will love her too.
Good luck with the search for Helen 2 .
Thankyou for taking the time to log on and share your adventures with us.(you know how much it has meant to me as we couldn't get away this year!!)
Safe travels home and look forward to your next adventure!!

 

[Cleve]

Part 2 jour 40

samedi le 14 octobre

Good evening from Old Romney

Up early with great weather. Usual performance then it was time to pack up and leave. On departure I took advantage of the primitive black and grey waste facilities.

I had plenty of time in hand and followed the D940 along toward Cap Blanc Nez a little zig zag climb in 2nd gear to the top. I stopped before on the preceding downhill and took a few pictures.

Pulled over to take the picture. Cap Blanc Nez ahead.

The Cap Blanc Nez using a bit of zoom.

I rolled down into Sangatte and as I was still ridiculously early I found somewhere to park up and make a cup of tea.

Helen's mobile tea room parked on the way out of Sangatte toward the tunnel.

I wanted to stop, I did not want to come back but there are things to do. I can always escape now though and get a little therapy.

The French army were in evidence at the tunnel check in and checking vehicles. I was surprised at how little traffic there was. All camping cars and caravans were checked to ensure gas supplies were turned off. My departure was to be at 1320 but I was called forward and left on the 1250 departure.

Back in England if was straight out onto the M20 and back to base.

I will post some data about the trip over the next day or two.

Sadly that is it for this time. I will definitely be doing a trip again next year and depending on our winter I might pop over before. Helen will not be sold before her replacement has been found and thoroughly gone over. I will not be rushing the process. When all is correct then it will happen and not before. Helen will be a tough act to follow for a lady of her age.

Thanks for following, you can now enjoy the peace.

Part 2 Fin

Clive

I forgot to say, thank you all for your kind words over these last months. I really appreciate all of them. Clive

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