West Coast

Although the roads around the village if Neuil-sur-mer are atrocious for the unsuspecting traveller, we eventually got to the sea last night and camped in a car park next to two small but popular fish restaurants. The plan had been to stop in La Rochelle (which wasn't quite as beachy as I had expected) but found ourselves heading through an industrial estate instead.

There had been a supermarket car-park on the edge of La Rochelle full with other, bigger, campervans but too late - we drove by.

All things said, and a short stroll around the little fishing harbour this morning confirmed a quiet work orientated place. The Ile de Re over the bay is obviously the place for tourists.

16.4.11 Leaving Montalbert

6.30 get up to finish any bits and bobs in the chalet.
Last night was frantic - cleaning all day: the rooms and bedrooms as each group left; the dishes from breakfast; the dishes from lunch; washing the linen; folding the linen; mopping every floor.

Ed (the boss) came at quarter to seven, early, and criticised our every effort, even the ones he couldn't see.
We just about managed to find a takeaway pizza at 10.15 when we finished and after a large beer, snuggled up in the now fully loaded van.

So... we have left!
And here begin the adventures.
Sat nav. is plugged in and I have been studying the map book dilligently - we are headed for Hossegor, via Chambery and a round about route past Limoges.

The Big Red Van's First Adventure

We have just returned back to Chalet Anniek after two nights in the campervan, one day out skiing Val Thorens and a drive to Annecy and back. And... we made it! Without any major problems or breakdowns - touch wood. Bit of a problem with the oil but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

So we started out on Monday, after I had scrubbed it up a bit, packed in a duvet and a couple of extra pillow, skis down the middle and a change of clothes. Destination: La Tania. Kaite had let us know that herself and her parents were skiing up in Val Thorens the next day and suggested we go out with the La Tania seasonaire crew that night. Meeting lots of friendly people meant we didnt get back to the comfort of the van in its car-park campsite until half one, affecting the next morning's wake-up as Kaite had to phone us at 9 to get us out of bed!

Weather today and yesterday has been perfect. VT was gorgeous, the snow was good and the lake at Annecy gave the drive back into the mountains a renewed glory. The sun is just setting in the biggest red blanket all around the hills and we are quite pleased to be back relaxing on our week off.

Untiltled.

Warm breeze through the open door
makes the room breathe.
We sit, waiting, for a moment
when the wind dies down
and it is quiet. Then we can go
out into the evening sun.

The mountains surround us, pinnacles
of the sublime. Still
some clouds move over their shrapnel fingers,
caught, like a breathing out,
and blushing at the thought;