Time to head South!

Having said our goodbyes to Ronnie and the family the night before with the promise to return in about five days, Peter and I hit the road nice and early Tuesday morning, deciding to stop off for breakfast somewhere along the way.

Our plan was to head down to some random point we had spotted on the map beneath Vannes!

As we travelled further and further south I actually began to appreciate the voice from the Sat Nav! 

Having discovered she would just find a new route should we take a wrong turn we now deliberately turned right when she said Turn Left if it looked a more interesting road!

We wound our way through tiny villages, ended up at a few dead ends when we ignored the Sat Navs instructions to 'Turn Around' but eventually we arrived safely at the point just above Port Navalo.

As we studied the map displayed on the point we realised just how narrow the entrance to the Gulf de Morbihan is in comparison the the volume of water that rushes in and out.

Water ran in what looked like rapids, racing over and around the rocks and islands, while boats challenged themselves and their skippers to navigate the pass.

In the little bay to our right however, boats moored peacefully as if totally unaware of the battle of wind and currents happening to our left!

We sat for about an hour enjoying the breeze and views before deciding on our next move. 

We needed somewhere to park up for the night and all the signs we had seen so far were explicit in their NO CAMPER instructions. 

There were various camp sites we could pay to stay in but we were rather enjoying our wild camping and so with the Sat Nav as our 'Get out of lost mode' back up, we started heading down any lane that looked wide enough for Lady Sage.

To say we got ourselves well and truly lost is not exactly true as the Sat Nav insisted she knew exactly where we were and kept readjusting our route towards Vannes every time we ignored her instruction to explore a new direction ....... But despite our extensive wanderings and the location of a few potential sites we still didn't find what we were looking for and so we kept driving!

Having looked at the map we realised we had already seen the views from the far side of the bay from our view point on this side of the bay so from Vannes we headed west along the motorway until just past a huge supermarket we found a turning to the left back towards the sea!

At Plouharnel we turned right towards Quiberon as it looked interesting and by late afternoon we were heading down the most amazing peninsular in France!!!

Narrow does not describe this strip of land fairly. 

At one point we could see both coasts with ease. We passed through some official looking gates and just beyond the land opened up again (slightly!!)

We had set the Sat Nav for the furthest point in Quiberon and as the sun began to set we arrived at this beautiful little town.

We had now been driving all day bar a few breaks and seriously needed somewhere to park Lady Sage for the night. 

Town looked too busy so we headed back down the Route Cotiere on the western coast as the last of the sun reached the sea searching for a space we could use. 

Just before the coast road rejoined the main road that we had travelled up on, Peter spotted a turning to the left.

With nothing to loose we took the turning following the single track tarmac back towards the sea. Even in the dark the place looked magical as our winding road led over the softly undulation landscape. 

Car parks dotted the coast line but unfortunately they all had height restrictions.

In total darkness we approached a tiny village of about 30 houses situated next to the beach and just before the first house at the very edge of the village we spotted a space just big enough to take Lady Sage off the road for the night. 

As quietly as we could we turned around so our sliding door was on the inside and parked up.

After all the wine consumption of the past weekend plus the drive we were both ready for an early night but just as we put our heads down the silence was shattered by a loud BANG! 

I ignored it and tried again for sleep but another BANG soon followed and then another and another!!

Mildly annoyed at the disruption to what I had hoped was going to be a superb nights sleep I peeping through the back window only to see the sky suddenly light up with a huge display of fireworks! 

For over twenty minutes the sky was filled with cascading flames

I have no idea what the occasion was but as we lay in our beds watching the sky around us light up in a riot of colour, we thanked the powers that be for such a perfect end to an amazing day on the road!!

A Day Out In Josselin

After our late evening of entertainment in the garden, Peter and I were quite happy to enjoy a quiet day wandering the streets of Josselin window shopping.

Lady Sage was parked up at the end of town in the large parking area beside the towns gardens. 

We were unsure if we would be able to find some where big enough to park my 20 foot vehicle but in the pretty flower filled car park they not only had large spaces reserved for Camper vans but they also allowed overnight stays!

With my new basket on my arm, a gift from Jan that I just love, we began our exploration down by the canal.

To say the canal walk is beautiful is to sell the entire place short!

Bridges giving amazing views of the Châteaux cross at regular intervals each covered with baskets of flowers that trail down the sides.

At one bridge the walkway goes underneath keeping pedestrian safe from any traffic they may have noted, had they needed to cross the road!

With no where to go and all day to get there Peter and I began to walk the paved pathway that runs from the Châteaux to the edge of town.

Josselin, I recently discovered is twinned with Brechin in Scotland and is built on a hill.

From its lowest part by the canal steep steps lead up into town. 

Town itself consist of a long narrow main road, with various even narrower side streets that hide away tiny boutiques.

A large open area known as the Square homes a quaint courtyard where various cafes sell coffees and crepes, glacé and gateaux as well as full scale meals under bright coloured parasols.

The Squares main purpose is to house the large and impressive church, even more impressively called the Basilica of Notre Dame du Roncier!! 

The church was build in the 11^th century but was added to quite regularly until the 15^th century where it reached the size it is today.

Legend has it that in 808, a farmer, who cultivated the land where the church now stands, found a statue of the Virgin Mary in some brambles. He took the statue home with him, but it miraculously returned to the place where he had found it. This happened several times and, soon after, the Bishop of Aleth authorised Christians to pray to her. The farmer's daughter, blind from birth, regained her sight. Word spread and pilgrims flocked to the town.

I put my head inside to gaze down the vast interior looking in amazement at the vast arches and columns.

Incredible stain glass windows told stories of the famous statue as well as other stories.

Once more I wished I could read French!

At the back of the church is the bell tower which is open to the public each day.

Emily had recommended this as a 'Must Do' while in town and so with eagerness I stepped inside.

For a small donation you can climb the 138 steps that wind their way up to the arched spire passing the great bell as you go.

Writing covers the bell but you are not allowed into the area to read it so you will just have to look at the photo I took by sticking my hand through the grating!!

From the top the views are amazing and although the climb was steep it was well worth the effort.

I called to Peter who having seen the width of the passage way that led to the top had waited for me at the bottom!

I am not saying Peter is a huge guy but there were times when my elbows nearly touched both walls as I climbed the spiralling narrow steps and if I had met someone coming the other way one of us would have needed to back track!

From this height you can really appreciate the roof of the church. 

It is quite remarkable and it made all the gargoyles that spouted water onto the streets below make much more sense. 

Huge amounts of water must run down these slopes when it rains. Water that is funnelled into the dips where the gargoyles them launch at least 4 foot from the church walls.

When you think you have reached the top there is still much more above you as the spire reaches to the heavens above.

My solitude was broken with the arrival of another panting tourist who kindly took my photo as they got their breath back!

From the north opening I spotted the water tower beside Ronnies home and for once was able to get my bearings. 

Then with nothing left to photograph I began the long journey back down.

If anything, climbing down was harder than going up. 

Going up you concentrate only on the step ahead of you with your vision straight ahead.

Going down the floor spirals out of sight and as I continued my decent an incredible dizzy feeling washed over me and I was quite glad I could touch both walls with ease!

When I returned to the bottom Peter decided I was in need of a reward and we headed to the square to treat ourselves to ice-cream passing as we did a great photo opportunity!

Made from cardboard and paper and free to use (although they do ask you to credit them when you pop it onto Facebook or any other social media) this medieval dress complete with head dress was just perfect place to pose!

Peter we decided makes a wonderful lady!!!

Sun poured into the square as we decided which of the many cafés to sit at. 

Waiters rushed back and forth rearranging tables and seating people and soon we were tucking into various coffees as Peter repeatedly tried to order a large black coffee only to be served tiny cups of super strong black caffeine while I tucked into some well deserved ice cream and crepes!

As we walked down one of the side streets from the square we passed a fabulous little doorway that led down a few steps into to a tiny shop. 

Various pieces of art were displayed as were scarves, hats and other tourist orientated stock but there beside the windows was a collection of beautiful and intricately designed pocket watches that had been turned into necklaces!!

I looked lovingly at them as Peter looked around the rest of the shop. 

I hate wearing a watch and feel tied to my phone when I need to keep track of time, one of these I reasoned would be not only beautiful but also practical!! 

Peter, having received one of my winning smiles, bought it for me!! 

I do love that man!!

With my newly acquired pendant, a full stomach of dessert and Peter full of coffee we walked past the stunning tourist office and back towards Lady Sage.

We stopped at the supermarket to stock up with essential supplies before our trip to the South in the morning. 

Once more Lady Sage bulged at the seams with fresh tomatoes, bread and wine to see us through the next few days.......

....... although we did manage to yet again put quite a big dent in our wine stores as we spent yet another night watching shooting stars before we retired to bed with blurry eyes!!

Boy, does my family like to watch the stars!!!

Many Thanks to the people on Google Images whose photos I have supplemented this Blog with, I really must remember to take more photos!!

Meet the Falconers!

The last time I had actually seen my brother Ronnie had been at his and Jan's wedding 20 years ago!

Since then he had added not one but two new additions to the family neither of whom I had met! 

We had talked once or twice on the internet over the years but had never actually managed or felt the need to meet up yet when we did see each other it was if we had only been apart for a week!!

Peter had now filled the entire area under the sink in Lady Sage with wine. Red, white, dry, sweet plus a few bottles of cider for me.

We had bread, cheese, tomatoes and salad and even though we had travelled all that way to see Ronnie and Jan's lovely new home and to meet the niece and nephew I had only seen photos of, we spent the entire night sitting under the awning of Lady Sage drinking copious amounts of alcohol and recounting stories from our youth!!!

(It is not entirely my fault that Jan was on her third large G&T by the time Ronnie got home at 5pm ....... it had been only a suggestion that a refreshing drink was just what she needed when she arrived home looking hot and tired at 4pm but Ronnie did a grand job of not only catching up but rapidly overtaking us all by 9pm!! 

I am so proud of my family for being able to rise to a challenge!!!!!!)

At some point I finished the last of my UK cider and moved onto French cider only to sober up?? 

I checked the bottle … 2%!!! 

I checked the rest of the bottles we had bought only to discover every one was less than 5% proof!! 

Who makes cider less than 7% alcohol?? 

Obviously the French!!

Luckily Peter had also found some one Euro sparkling wine that although it had an alcohol content of 11% had absolutely no flavour at all. 

By mixing half sparkling wine and half cider I managed to create a drink that not only had flavour but had an alcohol content as well! 

(This combination was to see me through the rest of our adventures in France!!!)

By 2am we were ready to call it a night! Stars filled the sky, empty bottles filled the table and even the dogs had left us to find their beds. 

With the promise to meet for breakfast we said our good nights and crawled into Lady Sage. 

(apparently Ronnie took two missed turns as he headed down the garden plus there was a rumour that he climbed the stairs on all fours for balance!)

We never made breakfast, in fact lunch was a rather late affair but we did managed to rally round by late afternoon to head into town for supplies.

Josselin is the type of French town you see on the postcard depicting typical French life.

It has a châteaux where the resident family has lived for generations and plan to continue to do so for at least another 100 years!

It has a canal where beautiful house boats and chartered floating homes quietly chug their way through town.

It has parks with fountains, guided walks full of local history, huge churches and supermarkets full of wine!!

With the boot of the car full of 'essentials' we headed home for an evening sitting around the table playing round two of the 'How many bottles can we empty tonight?' saga!! 

As the evening progressed we moved our bottles and glasses further up the garden to relax on the loungers. 

A meteor shower had been forecast and no with light pollution in the garden we avidly watched the sky as satellites and shooting stars filled the heavens above us.

As more and more confusion arose as to where people had seen the last shooting star Ronnie divided the sky into a clock with the North star directly above us as the centre. 

We were doing quite well until Peter started spotting shooting stars at '3 o'clock' when we were seeing them at '9 o'clock'. 

For more than an hour we discussed where 3 o'clock was or ought to be. 

If we had been sober I am sure we could have worked it out a lot faster but after an hour we reached the question of was the clock facing up or down? 

Once that had been solved, things progressed more smoothly bar the odd hic cup both physical and literal!

With the promise of a Day at the Races on Sunday we very civilly finished the evenings drinking by 1.30am (or there abouts!) and rose at a quite reasonable hour with only mild dehydration!

Our visit to Josselin had coincided with the Annual Race Meeting. Each year in Josselin they hold a day of horse races at their race track. It is the only day of the year the track is used and the turn out is superb! 

Although we had been told it was just a local casual dress event Peter and I decided to dressed in our finest clothes! 

Well it's not often one gets to go to the races!

With Ronnie and Jan as our guides we quickly found the bar and with our glasses being regularly refilled from our secret stash we began to choose our horses.

The first race happened before we even knew what was going on but by the second race we were ready! 

We looked at the program noting that there were trotting races, a steeple chase and various ordinary races but everything was in French (what a suprise!) – except for the horses names!

For professional race goers like ourselves that was good enough and for the next few hours we chose any name we liked placing the grand sum of a single Euro on each bet!

At first when the horses hurtled around the track we had no idea which one was ours until the end but as the afternoon progressed we managed to at least look like we knew what we were doing.

As Ronnie steadily lost race after race, Peter and I, between us, won one and lost one!

We tried choosing horses by actually reading their 'form'(?) in an attempt to raise our chances for success, only to find it made no difference to the outcome at all.

By the end of the day when we went to collect all of our winnings Peter worked out that once we removed the cost of the bets, we were a whole 1 Euro 30 cents up!!

Ronnie was 16 Euros down so we went back to the house, inviting various friends as we went for yet another night of laughter, music and much wine consumption!!

It is only now I am writing this have I discovered the lack of photos on my camera!! 

Oh well you'll just have to take my word that we ate incredibly well with the most fabulous BBQ accompanied by songs from Grant who also managed to transpose his superb guitar playing into my key while I sang my poem 'I don't want to' to the rhythm of the Blues!!!

Our plan, when we had arrived on the Friday night at Ronnie's, was to stay for the weekend and then head down south for a few days before returning to Josselin the following weekend.

But having rapidly learnt what staying at Ronnie's and Jan's involved, we unanimously decided that moving on on Monday was going to be a bad idea ......


............and as the dogs landed on the bed the following morning we knew we had made the right decision!

For anyone wanting to try 'I don't want to!' to the rhythm of the Blues here are the words lol ......

I don't want to! That's not fair!

Just pick it up please. I really don't care!

As bodies change, the words do too,

So does the attitude, what are we to do?

That sweet little child that once sat on your knee,

Now crawls out of bed just to ask what's for tea.

I don't want that! They mutter in a sulk,

As they open the fridge and gulp down the last milk.

Their room is a mess, there is an odour of decay,

They ignore our requests, or state not today …

I'll do it tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes.

Each day they ignore us, each day we bite our tongues,

As words lead to anger, and anger leads to fights,

And fights lead to doors being slammed in the night.

Their hormones are raging. Their friends egg then on.

Come out to the party, don't listen to Mum!

And so we sit in, night after night,

Preparing for battle, to fight for what is right.

The 'Please' and the 'Thank you', the family outing,

The meal at a table, performed without pouting.

We gave them the best. Gave them more than we got.

We though we did good. Apparently not!

As the battles continue we look back on the days,

We thought it was easier just to give them their way.

Our children are changing, yet so are the rules.

Some blame the media, some blame the schools.

One day they will get there, they will stand on their feet,

They will have children of their own …..

.. Oh revenge will be sweet!!!

Written by Ippy

(That's me by the way!!)