Sunday 16th June- Places to go

We had been invited along with a German, Dutch and a Swiss couple to attend the Flotilla from Rouen to Honfleur which the day had been arranged by Ingrid.

Not sure how all this came about and but apparently Ingrid met this rather ‘trampish’ type of gut near the Seine riverbank and he offered his garden and house to our group but could we confirm the numbers by phone please. Apparently the garden was a mess and when this was mentioned he saidf no problem it would be ok on the day but Ingrid was not so sure. He gave Ingrid a telephone number to call to to confirm the arrangements and this number turned out to be a neighbour about 50 metres downstream who said this guy is crazy so don’t go there and come to us, which is a nice gesture as they did not know us from Adam.

So on the previous day Ingrid and Gerhard went and delivered tables and obtained passes to allow us down the road and then we were set. We left the site about 0900 and arrived shortly after 10.15 and then watched to boats for the rest of the day and enjoying a nice lunch which had been provided by Ingrid.

The choice and style of ships were quite interesting and even included a French Government Scientific vessel which was about 230 metres long and this must have been a challenge to get down the river with a receding tide. The Mexican tall ship was the most fun with pop music blaring out and the crew lined up on the cross members whilst others danced. The British boat had its crew in uniform which also looked good.

We left there around 15.30 and took the ferry across the Seine and then intending to visit Jumieges Abbey but it was near closing and so we went back to the ferry and Ingrid put us in the wrong lane which caused a slight problem but the police were flexible and helped us through.

On the way to the River and on the way there were literally thousands of motor homes parked everywhere, I have not seen so many ever at one time before, quite amazing really.

We got back to the site around 18.00 and we had a light snack and went to bed early as we were both rather tired.