Technical issues of posting a blog!!

Well the blog comes to an end! We have enjoyed creating it but the frustrations of poor WiFi access have taken its toll!!  Can't begin to calculate how many frustrating minutes (hours!!!) have been spent in bars and cages trying to post on this blog! Only the cheery companion of Latte Machiatos kept us going!!!! Big thanks to our technical wizard Dave for persevering!

The final days - Langres and Au Bord de L'Aisne

After a quick and efficient drive on the French autoroutes we arrived at our camp site in Langres - Lac de la Liez.  This was set right alongside a lovely lake with plenty of wildlife.  Dave and Nicki, ever the intrepid canoeist, inflated their boat on Tuesday morning and set off for a good paddle on the lake.  Gill and I, rode our bikes into Langres alongside the canal and then up a long hill for a good look around the walled town. Coffee and morning French bread set the day off to a good start.  The ride back to site was much easier as this was downhill or flat all the way back to the site.  In the afternoon Nicki and Dave went to town whilst Gill and I relaxed.  The others all enjoyed a good swim later in the day but of course I couldn't join in due to my numerous cuts and bruises!!!

Wednesday 14 August (Derek Fowler's birthday!!) we travelled to Au Bord de L'Aisne again using the autoroutes for quick travel.  Helped a older couple who had managed to hit the guides at a paeage.

This was a lovely site set along the river Aisne. Shopping was required, wine and goodies for home.  Gill, Nicki and Dave all swam, I went for a nice bike ride through the French countryside (trying to avoid massive French trucks hurtling along the narrow roads (will I ever learn??).  A final evening meal of pasta and salad plus many glasses of wine (Nicki!!).

Thursday 15 August - the 150 mile drive to Calais took us just under 3 hours.  Then the long wait getting through passport control and onto the ferry.  Dave had fish and chips, the rest of us an English Breakfast yum yum!!!  We had had a wonderful holiday, done so much and seen so much.  Spent time with two lovely friends and had a truly brilliant time.  Thanks to Dave and Nicki and Tom Tom for all the navigating great company and interesting chat.  What will we do next year????

Road back to France

Left Lake Como early morning for the long drive back to France. Travelled through the tunnels on the east shore of Lake Como with Gill and Nicky experiencing a deja vous feeling!!!! Expensive run on the Italian motorway and the the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix. Also left the sun behind in Italy and arrived to cool cloudy weather in France but it soon picked up and was lovely and sunny by the time we arrived at our lovely campsite at Neydens 10km south of Geneva. A swim was greatly appreciated although the evening temperatures meant a few more clothes were in order.
A cool start and an early morning walk to catch a bus into Geneva. We caught the bus from Vitam Park which is a mecca for fitness fanatics. It has the best climbing wall any of us have ever seen. A good easy bus ride the the of Geneva. Once there we found preparations well underway for the end of their month long festival. The biggest firework display was being set up along the lakes shore. Because of all this activity it was difficult to get an impression of what Geneva would be like normally!!  We saw the old town bought expensive latte machiatats but had a very enjoyable look at the city. Dave went cookoo clock hunting but was desvastated not to find one. Nicky, the adrenalin junkie went on a sky ride looked brill but not for the rest of  us. Used our bus rover ticket to take four boat rides across the lake, lovely views of the city.  Then bus ride home, another excellent day so far.

Fireworks over Geneva

After a brilliant day in the city, we were able to watch an amazing firework display from the hill where the campsite was. Though several miles away the effect was stunning.  Despite his injuries Tim slept but rested up while we went onto the famous Teleferique cable car high above the city. Saw lots of parachutists leap off the top. Dave had cycled up in the morning without his bike partner. Had the oblgatory latte at a cafe next to a Budhist temple-it was Sunday so we popped in for a quick prayer.

Another ride

Late afternoon out on bikes, ,loosen the legs and check the route for our Sunday morning run up Saleve. Three of us made  it up the hill and then enjoyed great views of Geneva. I was coaching nicki while tim took off downhill when after 500 meters we came across two distressed French ladies. Stopping and looking in the adjacent ditch there was someone trying to climb out, it was Tim. Lying in a narrow ditch with an inch of water flowing over him we were pleased nothing was broken, dragged him out then starting to check him over. Took some photos of his wounds when back at camp but missed the best as he lay in the stream.

Long road to Langres

Last night in Geneva and Nicki managed a Karaoke spot-it was a talent show for kids, but they wrte happy to let big kids on too. Next day the big ride back up north took us to Langres-a lovely lakeside campsite outside Langres.  Nicki Gill hunted down supermarket but didn't take off to Milan this time! Next day canoeing for Nicki and Dave. Gill Tim biked into Langres. Nicki Dave went into the old town later. More entertainment, but professionals this time. Nicki and Gill just ahead at Whist! Last night to come not far north of Reims.

It's raining men.....!!

Well what a change in the weather.....thunder and rain all night and Leek skies this morning! Only one thing for it...a canoe trip in the rain up river! Gill and Tim hired and the two canoes were launched from the campsite. fabulous trip despite the poring rain, thunder and lightning!! Mad dogs and Englishmen springs to mind!!! Revitalised our energy with a latte machiatta and brioche en route! Met another couple canoeing and guess what ....they were English too!!! Its the afternoon now, Tim has gone for a bike ride and I am sorry to say Dave has had to put shoes, socks and a jacket on  because he is...COLD!!!