That would be the current Mrs Calder, Roger. Dad lent us the car for a week in 1966 and that was taken on a day trip across the North Yorkshire moors to Whitby. I can still remember listening to the Beatles 'Good day Sunshine' on the radio and thinking life couldn't get much better.

It didn't.

Still in long trousers! I'm not really surprised and as you know I wear shorts year round. The clue could be in when you look at the trees and see so few with leaves on them.

Colin

Not any more Mr Motters.

Thursday 14th April.

Very sunny and 22 degrees. We drove the few miles to Saumur to get some food and booze shopping and some diesel.

Drove up to the large Chateau overlooking the Loire. Free parking and no cost to walk around the outside of the chateau to take in the views. Can’t imagine that in the UK. There are a few cafes up there for anyone who wishes to have a drink or a meal.

Another lazy afternoon on the campsite and we’ve plugged in the camping fridge which is soon to be full of beer, gin, vodka and tonic.

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Randa

Hi Chris. Yes disappeared after I lost my last Xmas job (and the pony tail is gone too). The grandkids have excommunicated me.
R x

Quote: Randa france wrote in post #20

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(and the pony tail is gone too).

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That's an old one Brian
R

Friday 15th April

This morning we drove to a nearby Musee Troglodytique de Rochemenier. It consists of two farms that over the centuries were carved into the sandstone rocks. The calcareous sand was used to neutralise soil acidity.

Quite an interesting hour or so wandering around the cave complex which not only houses living accommodation but also grain and grape handling sheds and numerous outbuildings and meeting places. Mainly used up to the early years of the 20th Century. Entry fee 8 euros each. Free car parking.

We know from a previous visit to these parts that there are many Troglodyte dwellings in the area including mushroom farms.

https://www.experienceloire.com/trogs.htm

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Forgot to mention, yesterday evening Jimmy Durante popped in for a cuppa

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Randa

Moving on tomorrow so just took the car out and turned right to see if that was a good road to.leave by.

Next door to this campsite there is one of those village campervan sites to which I was referring to last week.

It looks like car park and is quite full.

Whatever possesses someone with a trillion dollar campervan to wish to park on a car park at some cost when this lovely campsite is right next door and charges 16 euros a night? Space, grass, hedges and gardens all included.

Cat has her first tourist badge on her waistcoat

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We moved on today towards the east and south a bit. About 110 miles in total but it took us a bit longer due to a major road closure forcing us (and others) to take a long, bumpy scenic route. A 3 hour drive in total.

We are now on the outskirts of the town of St Gaultier at Berry oasis campsite. (ACSI 1578). https://www.campingcard.co.uk/france/cen...reviewSort=date
A very nice campsite with very large emplacements, about 30 in all but they are sloping.

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We're glad we arrived early just in case we got caught in the rush for a good pitch. However nobody else has arrived yet. We parked the van on one of those pitches where the best orientation is a bit sideways on the slope and as you know it's a devil of a job to disconnect from the car without the Eriba swinging round before the handbrake locks on. Never quite sure of the best method of going about it (No mover).

Can someone help us out please and at the same time help others who will be travelling in France this year for the first time in a couple of years?

We have noticed over the past few days that our new Satnav is telling us that the road maximum speeds are 80kph whereas the signs say 90kph. Does anyone remember that a few years ago I started a discussion on this forum about the French reducing the speed limit on all non-dual carriageways and motorways to help ease pollution? Was that ever sanctioned and is it now an enforcement?

Immediately south of us there stretches the Vallee de la Creuse and there looks like some really interesting places to visit before we move further south in 4 days time.

Maybe sooner as Mrs R has just gone up to reception to argue that we have been overcharged for the cat. The ACSI price is 16 euros and we've been charged 20 euros plus. I'm guessing there a nominal charge for extra powerful lecci and tourist tax. Unexpectedly the wifi is free and is a good speed in and around the Eriba. Oh she's back with a look of thunder as they do charge 3.50 euros for an animal.

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I seem to recall the 90 down to 80 decision was reversed after a year, but I stand to be corrected.

Coln

This website should clarify matters. Conversions to mph are towards the bottom of the page.

French speed limits

PS I see the French kids have tagged your number plate, Roger, innit.

So judging by Brian's link the 80 kph is still imposed although the signs have not been changed. Not has the attitude of the French drivers as far as I can see.😂