We had a little shopping to do in Liseaux today and as we left the site around 10.30 Am the heavens opened and the roads were quite awash with water. We arrived at le Clerc needing a couple of small things, Noel needed a new mini-mouse for his computer as the other one was playing up and a small bottle of anti freeze to top up the caravan central heating system.
With these items acquired plus some minor food shopping and as it was still pouring down we decided upon a quick lunch in our usual Cafe near the Basilicca where the croque monsieur (ham and cheese toasti for the un-initiated) and the quiche lorraine were up to their usual standards. The gay owners of this place are leaving in their camper van for a weeks holiday in Northern France and so we wished them well.
Our afternoon was a little quite with some reading whilst noel checked out some you tube videos of ATC and strange aircraft landings which are not everyone's cup of tea.
In the evening Jennifer cooked some chicken which we had bought the other day at Carrefour Market nearby and the chicken unfortunately was tough and no taste, thank heavens we had some decent plonk to go with it.
We have also been in contact with last years camp manager when we were here last time we go on well and so he has invited us to lunch in Dinard, where he lives, which is about 2.5 hours away and so we will make a night of it rather then dash there and back.
Our plan at the moment is to go there on Monday and stay overnight at a nice hotel that we know and then meet up for lunch the next day and we understand this will be in a Château where the grounds have been turned in to a zoo. The restaurant also has a one Michelin star and so we are looking forward to it.
Tomorrow is our 42 Wedding Anniversary , wow does time fly and we are still talking, which cant be bad. Actually Jennifer does the talking and I do the listening.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday 29th May- Some sun again
A very pleasant day indeed with lots of sun and a reasonable temperature of around 16 degrees, which is not bad for this place at this time of the year.
There is always lots of rain in Normandy which supports the apple growers and the Calvados and cider growers whilst nearby is the place for cheese and all thinks with a milk content as its great countryside for cows etc with lots of wet green grass to eat.
We sorted out a few items in the caravan to make the place a little tidier and started getting back in to the 'Groves' routine rather than the routine where others are involved.
There were a few minor caravan maintenance jobs to attend do and then some time sitting in the sun and reading with the odd zizz.
Having had a good lunch of Lasagne which we brought from home we were not to hungry in the evening and so enjoyed some pate on French biscuits and a cup of tea. Tonight we also started to watch the first two episodes of a Swedish/Danish detective series which we had started to watch sometime early last year but for some reason missed out on the last two episodes which wont happen this time as we have the DVD.
Excellent series this about a female body found on the bridge between Sweden and Denmark (actually it was two bodies as it had been cut in half) great stuff from the film-makers here and really worth watching again.
There is always lots of rain in Normandy which supports the apple growers and the Calvados and cider growers whilst nearby is the place for cheese and all thinks with a milk content as its great countryside for cows etc with lots of wet green grass to eat.
There were a few minor caravan maintenance jobs to attend do and then some time sitting in the sun and reading with the odd zizz.
Having had a good lunch of Lasagne which we brought from home we were not to hungry in the evening and so enjoyed some pate on French biscuits and a cup of tea. Tonight we also started to watch the first two episodes of a Swedish/Danish detective series which we had started to watch sometime early last year but for some reason missed out on the last two episodes which wont happen this time as we have the DVD.
Excellent series this about a female body found on the bridge between Sweden and Denmark (actually it was two bodies as it had been cut in half) great stuff from the film-makers here and really worth watching again.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday 28th May- And of course it rained
In fact it rained quite hard overnight and by 0800 everything was very wet outside the tent.
As we had brought a spare small tent with us just in case theirs leaked, it was decided that they would take back our already packed tent and we would take their down later when it stopped raining.
Michael and Becky left around 10 am and made it to the train on time and were home in time for dinner, but it was raining very badly in UK we understand.
For us at about 4 pm the sun was out and the tent was dry and we although there were some dark clouds about we just made it in cleaning and packing the tent and all the other bits and then the rain belted down again, we were so lucky we did not get caught out...
In the evening it continued to rain, we had some shopping after Michael and Becky left and so last night enjoyed some nice fresh ham and crisp bread for tea with some other salads and most enjoyable.
An then an evening of reading. Tomorrow is expected to be a nice day weather wise and apart from this coming Thursday when rain is expected again the next ten days look really good. Lets hope they get the weather forecast right.
What is happening to the stock market as it going up and down like a pair of nafi girls kn****rs.
As we had brought a spare small tent with us just in case theirs leaked, it was decided that they would take back our already packed tent and we would take their down later when it stopped raining.
Michael and Becky left around 10 am and made it to the train on time and were home in time for dinner, but it was raining very badly in UK we understand.
For us at about 4 pm the sun was out and the tent was dry and we although there were some dark clouds about we just made it in cleaning and packing the tent and all the other bits and then the rain belted down again, we were so lucky we did not get caught out...
In the evening it continued to rain, we had some shopping after Michael and Becky left and so last night enjoyed some nice fresh ham and crisp bread for tea with some other salads and most enjoyable.
An then an evening of reading. Tomorrow is expected to be a nice day weather wise and apart from this coming Thursday when rain is expected again the next ten days look really good. Lets hope they get the weather forecast right.
What is happening to the stock market as it going up and down like a pair of nafi girls kn****rs.
Monday 27th May- The Dogsitters
Michael and Becky wished to visit Liseaux and also go the the local Zoo in the afternoon and so they disappeared about 10.30 and so while they visited the shops and then went on to lunch in Cormeilles we did the pickles dog sitting bit. Pickles is well behaved and mostly rested and although I threw the ball for him to chase which he seems to enjoy,not today it would appear as he watched the ball run 20 metres or so and sat and watched. I tired again but still no luck but when Michael and beck returned he picked up the ball and asked for it to be thrown.
Anyway as this was their last night here they wanted to cook dinner and so we started off with smoked trout and fresh prawns, followed by a salmon cream pasta dish which was excellent and together with some good wine and sitting outside in the sun it was a great way to finish their six nights.
Unfortunately rain is forecast overnight and tomorrow morning so that could be a challenge getting the tent down.
So lets see how it goes
Anyway as this was their last night here they wanted to cook dinner and so we started off with smoked trout and fresh prawns, followed by a salmon cream pasta dish which was excellent and together with some good wine and sitting outside in the sun it was a great way to finish their six nights.
Unfortunately rain is forecast overnight and tomorrow morning so that could be a challenge getting the tent down.
So lets see how it goes
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sunday 26th May- Sun and reading
A day for relaxation and enjoying the sun of which there was a plentiful amount.
We used the time to have a little sort out of the caravan and awning and also decided that the weather was going to be warm enough for another BBQ.
We had sufficient salad stuff to cover our needs and therefore no mneed to shop.
Becky and Michael went for a long walk in to Cormeilles and came back with some apple tart , they were both exhausted by the eight mile walk but seemed to enjoy it whilst pickles took it in his stride.
The sun was shining and it was a lovely evening and great to sit outside and enjoy our Costco steak and sausages in the evening air.
There were one or two arrivals today at the site which is still very empty with about 10 of the 180 filled but some of the new arrivals look like they are on an overnight stay.
Lets hope the weather stays fine tomorrow
We used the time to have a little sort out of the caravan and awning and also decided that the weather was going to be warm enough for another BBQ.
We had sufficient salad stuff to cover our needs and therefore no mneed to shop.
Becky and Michael went for a long walk in to Cormeilles and came back with some apple tart , they were both exhausted by the eight mile walk but seemed to enjoy it whilst pickles took it in his stride.
The sun was shining and it was a lovely evening and great to sit outside and enjoy our Costco steak and sausages in the evening air.
There were one or two arrivals today at the site which is still very empty with about 10 of the 180 filled but some of the new arrivals look like they are on an overnight stay.
Lets hope the weather stays fine tomorrow
Saturday 25th May, a visit to the beaches
Although it was a little grey this morning we headed of initially to the vet in Liseaux so that pickles (the dog) could go through his passport checks and have some pills which took about 45 minutes or so and we left there about 11.20 and hit the motorway to Caen and then round the periphique in the direction of Bayeux and on to the Normandy beaches. We arrived at Grand Campe Maisy where we stopped for a quick lunch and then on to the Pont Du Hoc which was famous in the second world war for the American Rangers scaling cliffs to put five guns out of action.
Then on to Omaha beach and Michael and Becky went for a walk on the beach with Pickles and then a visit to the very impressive US Military Cemetery with so many crosses!!
By this time the skies had cleared somewhat and there were great chunks of blue sky around which was really nice for when we next visited Arromanche-Les-Baines where we walked around the town and visited the ice cream shop and enjoyed it sitting in the sun watching a large group of Polish motor cyclists 'talking bikes'.
In the evening we went for sinner in a restaurant in Cormeilles where we all had a very nice meal and a nice glass of vino. Then back to bed.
Looks like its going to be a cold night following an almost clear sky at bedtime.
We have all decided that tomorrow will be a quick day of rest.
 |
| Pont Du Hoc |
By this time the skies had cleared somewhat and there were great chunks of blue sky around which was really nice for when we next visited Arromanche-Les-Baines where we walked around the town and visited the ice cream shop and enjoyed it sitting in the sun watching a large group of Polish motor cyclists 'talking bikes'.
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| US Cemetary |
Looks like its going to be a cold night following an almost clear sky at bedtime.
We have all decided that tomorrow will be a quick day of rest.
Friday 24th Rather a wet day
It started raining in the overnight period and pretty much continued throughout the whole day with the odd break. The previous day the Cafe owner had warned us about this poor weather (Winter he called it) approaching but after that it should improve he said.
A German couple nearby in a motorhome said following the full moon the weather should improve and so we hope it will.
Anyway we went doewn to Cormeilles to the market and walked around in the rain and bought some fish at our good fish shop which Becky want to cook tonight
Michael and Becky decided to go to Honfleur, Deauville and Cabourg but of course in the rain could not really benefit from it.
In the evening we got together and we had cod with veggies and it was really rather nice indeed.
Lets hope tomorrow is what everybody says it will be like.
A German couple nearby in a motorhome said following the full moon the weather should improve and so we hope it will.
Anyway we went doewn to Cormeilles to the market and walked around in the rain and bought some fish at our good fish shop which Becky want to cook tonight
Michael and Becky decided to go to Honfleur, Deauville and Cabourg but of course in the rain could not really benefit from it.
In the evening we got together and we had cod with veggies and it was really rather nice indeed.
Lets hope tomorrow is what everybody says it will be like.
Friday, May 24, 2013
23rd May - Shopping and lunch in Liseaux
After a bacon baguette for breakfast we drove in to Liseaux at around 11.30 and went to the Cafe near the Basilica where we had a coffee and a chat with the owners who we got to know well last year and finally ended up having a light lunch there.
After lunchWe had a lovely evening dinner of sautéed chicken with salad and then watched a film called RED which is a numerous load of Bruce Willis rubbish but good fun to watch.
The weather for the next few days is not that promising unfortunately but we shall watch for the next week and if it is going to continue then we shall consider moving South although the weather further South is also not that great at the moment.
I suppose you cant have empty towns and caravan sites and good weather.
Oh well its market day tomorrow so lets go and get some decent fish for tomorrow nights dinner which Michael and Becky would like to prepare.
Must start taking some photos soon as have been a little lax.
After lunch
The weather for the next few days is not that promising unfortunately but we shall watch for the next week and if it is going to continue then we shall consider moving South although the weather further South is also not that great at the moment.
I suppose you cant have empty towns and caravan sites and good weather.
Oh well its market day tomorrow so lets go and get some decent fish for tomorrow nights dinner which Michael and Becky would like to prepare.
Must start taking some photos soon as have been a little lax.
Wednesday 22nd -Michael and Becky and the new pump arrive
The weather was fine today with quite a bit of sun and Michael and Becky together with Pickles their dog arrived at around 3.30 pm after a good drive from Calais. Becky had been that previous evening on an overnight 12 hour shift and had arrived home around 04.00 and they lefty a couple of hours later at Folkstone.
We helped them set up their tent and generally get things ready whilst I check when the plumber would be coming only to find that he could not come this afternoon but some time tomorrow??. As we wanted to go out down in to Liseaux rather than hang around all day waiting Noel decided to have a go at changing the pump which on second glance did not look to difficult at all and in fact 30 minutes later it was done and more importantly no leak.
In the evening we had a BBQ with our Costco sirloin steak and Cumberland sausages washed down with a few glasses of nice red wine.
As we were all pretty tired we headed to bed around 10 pm hoping that it would not rain and by some chance it didn't.
So good news on the pump and we now have hot and cold running water throughout the van...
After dinner we went for a walk around the site and then ended up in the bar along with a Dutch couple who met last year on site, he sold his business some years ago and due to high taxes in Holland he moved a short distance over the border to Belgium where the taxes are considerably lower.
We helped them set up their tent and generally get things ready whilst I check when the plumber would be coming only to find that he could not come this afternoon but some time tomorrow??. As we wanted to go out down in to Liseaux rather than hang around all day waiting Noel decided to have a go at changing the pump which on second glance did not look to difficult at all and in fact 30 minutes later it was done and more importantly no leak.
In the evening we had a BBQ with our Costco sirloin steak and Cumberland sausages washed down with a few glasses of nice red wine.
As we were all pretty tired we headed to bed around 10 pm hoping that it would not rain and by some chance it didn't.
So good news on the pump and we now have hot and cold running water throughout the van...
After dinner we went for a walk around the site and then ended up in the bar along with a Dutch couple who met last year on site, he sold his business some years ago and due to high taxes in Holland he moved a short distance over the border to Belgium where the taxes are considerably lower.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tuesday 21st May Dinner in the Chateau
Apart from visiting Liseaux for shopping in Decathlon and Le Clerc Supermarket we then helped the two ladies with their awning and were able to make it look nice and liveable and certainly usable rather than looking like a rather drunken tent on the side of a caravan.
Tonight we headed for dinner at the Chateau where Ingrid the owner of the site prepared a nice choice of starters, smoke salmon or mushroom vol-a-vent and followed by a choice of veal or the French fish dish called Boullabaise.
We both chose the mushrooms and veal washed down with a nice glass of red wine before moving on the the bar in the pigeonaire for a well earned cognac.
A nice evening and so to bed and looking forward to having Michael and Becky arrive.
Tonight we headed for dinner at the Chateau where Ingrid the owner of the site prepared a nice choice of starters, smoke salmon or mushroom vol-a-vent and followed by a choice of veal or the French fish dish called Boullabaise.
We both chose the mushrooms and veal washed down with a nice glass of red wine before moving on the the bar in the pigeonaire for a well earned cognac.
A nice evening and so to bed and looking forward to having Michael and Becky arrive.
Monday 20th May- Water pump hunting
By 0930 Noel was on the phone to the caravan shop in Redhill and thankfully they had one in stock which they were able to check it was working correctly and Mike collected it and then Michael collected it from him and so we had only to wait.
We then wanted to put up the new awning which we thought would not take long and it would not have taken so long if it had rained at the crucial moment and one of the channels where the awning slides was blocked with factory mastic which I could not see as my ladder was not long enough.
So of to reception and borrow a ladder as the rain came down I sorted the problem and eventually we got it up after and hour and half ish.
However it is a nice awning and we are very pleased with it indeed and now lets hope the weather improves.
We went in to the local town to the shops only to find them closed due to religious holidays and we made do with our stock items.
We did a quick walk around the site and found there were several couples who had been there last year as we were and were able to find out more about the dog passport scheme and vets so that we can arrange for Michael and Becky for their dog Pickles.
The couple of Scottish Ladies with a dog were able to help but looking at their awning we could only wonder what they had dome wrong?? so we said that tomorrow we would come and help them solve the problem.
A nice evening in watching a film and of to bed.
We then wanted to put up the new awning which we thought would not take long and it would not have taken so long if it had rained at the crucial moment and one of the channels where the awning slides was blocked with factory mastic which I could not see as my ladder was not long enough.
So of to reception and borrow a ladder as the rain came down I sorted the problem and eventually we got it up after and hour and half ish.
However it is a nice awning and we are very pleased with it indeed and now lets hope the weather improves.
We went in to the local town to the shops only to find them closed due to religious holidays and we made do with our stock items.
We did a quick walk around the site and found there were several couples who had been there last year as we were and were able to find out more about the dog passport scheme and vets so that we can arrange for Michael and Becky for their dog Pickles.
The couple of Scottish Ladies with a dog were able to help but looking at their awning we could only wonder what they had dome wrong?? so we said that tomorrow we would come and help them solve the problem.
A nice evening in watching a film and of to bed.
Sunday 19th May Back to France with the caravan
Well after an extremely busy time at home with two new bathrooms and extended dormer which overran by 2.5 weeks as most building work seems to do we were able to collect the caravan for our annual French trip.
So early on Sunday morning the 19th May we were up out of bed at 0500 and departed with wife car and caravan down to Dover where we arrived early and so were able to board and earlier vessel.
For us the holiday does not start until we sit on the ferry having our big English breakfast and watch the waves go by. A little after 11.30 local time we unloaded and headed down the motorways in the direction of Le Havre and crossed the famous Pont de Normandie bridge and arrived in Calvados Country at the site of our choice called Chateau Le Colombier at around 15.30.
After checking out the sites we found one to our satisfaction and after a minor mishap with wooden post not seen by the driver we set up and were ready for our first cup of tea.
For some reason the water pump although it was working hardly any water was arriving in the taps and then we realised one drain valve was open and to close it showed that the pump had decided to leak and was spraying water all over the floor. Dams and blast ids all I can say here. So we mopped it all up and decided on a course of action.
The plan was to ask Michael our son who was also coming to join us on Wednesday to collect a new pump we hoped only Michael would be on day shift as a paramedic and no doubt the NHS would not take kindly to him delaying his arrival at an accident to collect his dads water pump and so a call to neighbour Mike solved the problem.
So tomorrow I have to find a new pump????
So early on Sunday morning the 19th May we were up out of bed at 0500 and departed with wife car and caravan down to Dover where we arrived early and so were able to board and earlier vessel.
For us the holiday does not start until we sit on the ferry having our big English breakfast and watch the waves go by. A little after 11.30 local time we unloaded and headed down the motorways in the direction of Le Havre and crossed the famous Pont de Normandie bridge and arrived in Calvados Country at the site of our choice called Chateau Le Colombier at around 15.30.
After checking out the sites we found one to our satisfaction and after a minor mishap with wooden post not seen by the driver we set up and were ready for our first cup of tea.
For some reason the water pump although it was working hardly any water was arriving in the taps and then we realised one drain valve was open and to close it showed that the pump had decided to leak and was spraying water all over the floor. Dams and blast ids all I can say here. So we mopped it all up and decided on a course of action.
The plan was to ask Michael our son who was also coming to join us on Wednesday to collect a new pump we hoped only Michael would be on day shift as a paramedic and no doubt the NHS would not take kindly to him delaying his arrival at an accident to collect his dads water pump and so a call to neighbour Mike solved the problem.
So tomorrow I have to find a new pump????
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