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.