Yesterday, there were 4 Eriba Tourings on this campsite including ours and the "Best of the Bunch" award surely must go to this Dutch owned combo of a 2000 Familia 310 Yellow stripe with a gorgeous matching Saab convertible.

The owners from North Brabant have really got their life sorted because they also showed us a photo of a 2004 410 and old Volvo Estate that are permanently pitched near Alicante Spain. Throughout the year, they drive to and from Spain towing the 310 with their Saab, choosing different routes before parking alongside their static Eriba and using both for a month or so before returning to the Netherlands.

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Note the use of awning bead hangers on picture one and that they use a garden rectangular umbrella and stand as a shade which is connected to the 3 awning pole mounting brackets with shock cord. Yes, there is a small gap between the van and the umbrella but it overcomes the height restriction of a normal shade which is good news for this tall Dutchman. They also have a longer one for the Triton.

Randa

Yesterday and today have not turned out too bad weather wise.

Yesterday we took a drive around the island. Yes, not yet a real island for a few years yet but it does have the startings of an Oxbow lake. I can't think of any of the other BIG rivers in France that meander before entering the sea but the Seine is so gentle and it does flow into the English Channel which probably gives back some resistance. The white steep sides to some of the river cliffs are of chalk and some people have carved into them create sheds and garages alongside their houses.

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The houses in this area are fabulous from the grand brick pattered homes to the hundreds of timber framed buildings most of which must date back centuries.

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Couldn't resist a shot of one ferry crossing point for Mr Motters. There are one or two larger ones which might accept caravans.

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Jumieges Benedictine Abbey. A very elegant ruin that had suffered from its early beginnings by raiding Vikings in 841 before completion in the 11th Century. During the 100 years War the Brits didn't look after it and it was turned into a stone quarry during the French Revolution. Fortunately any further destruction was stopped in the 19th Century.

The 14th Century Gothic Porch is a lovely building and is now the reception office where 5.5 Euros each (pensioner's rates) will get you into the Abbey and grounds. Like all other ancient monuments in France and elsewhere in Europe, the authorities are not afraid to open up parts of the buildings in their trust to Modern works of Art, Currently the Abbey houses an Installation Artwork by Hala Warde called "A Roof for Silence" first displayed in the Venice Biennale.

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A version of A Roof for Silence by Hala Warde:- S IMG_3643.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Randa

Wednesday 29th June.

A bit overcast today so we took a drive out using the local ferry to get us across the river. No caravans but the crossing is free.

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Here's a bit more about the service:- https://en.rouentourisme.com/ferries/

From there we drove north over the Pont de Brottone (another high bridge) before heading west a short way to the lovely village of Villequiter to visit the very posh house of Victor Hugo's in-laws, now a small museum. Beautiful house and garden overlooking the Seine. Only 3 euros each.

https://en.rouentourisme.com/ferries/

https://www.seine-maritime-tourisme.com/...RM00FS0009R.php

Moving on tomorrow.

Randa

No, mine was better

Thursday 30th June.

Moved north today but by only about 50 kms back to Dieppe but to a different campsite. The weather is dry but cool and there’s rain in the air.

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We are at Camping La Source ACSI 988. We did look in on this site when we were at Dieppe 3 months ago and it looked good enough to give it a bash. 18 euros a night. A very nice campsite with a large swimming pool and a cycle track 3kms to the nearest beach.
Toilet facilities are good but no loo roll. Free WIFI point at reception and pool with a large covered area to sit. Might be able to get a signal in the van.
It’s a bit too open plan for us but the pitches are of adequate size. The Farmhouse belonging to the campsite is very elegant. Pleasant small river running alongside.

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By the way, when trying to get north around Rouen, we've discovered that if you keep to the free motorway A13 N138 to the west of the City and onto the A151 to Dieppe it's a great road. the A151 is almost empty.

Randa

Yes, we can get WIFI in the van. Therefore I've done a bit of research on this Campervan. A little bit different to the norm. It's German registered and I'm wondering if it was brought over to Germany in the 70s by some GI?

It's a 1970's (perhaps 73) Aero Nose Chevrolet Sportscoach. S IMG_3695.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

A bit longer than this one:-
https://bringatrailer.com/2017/01/23/aer...et-sportscoach/

Randa

Roger, further to your earlier request, I found this posted on another forum I frequent this morning and thought it might be of interest.

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Thanks mate Forewarned and all that. Hopefully it'll have eased by mid evening. The only evasive action we can take is either to camp over for the night or cut across up country to the M50
R

Friday 1st July. An overcast and chilly day with some sunshine.

Dieppe.

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To get the best view drive up to Chapelle Notre Dame de Bonsecours on the top of the headland to the east of the town. A lovely little 19th Century Church with some interesting brickwork colours and some lovely stained glass. Sorry but the photos don't do it justice.

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When I published this 1960 photo of Dieppe last year I asked the question "has it changed"? Unfortunately yes for the nice little campsite on the harbour's edge is now a campervan park as is the other side.

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Zooming in on one of the photos you can see France's version of the White Cliffs called "La Côte d’Albâtre" stretching out to the west.

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https://www.ontheluce.com/the-white-clif...labaster-coast/

Randa

No not yet Mick. Tomorrow all things being equal.
R

I don't know if others agree but don't you see and talk with some very interesting characters when touring?

This year has been specially good as we've met several young adults who are hiking and camping. We also met the couple from Gap who drove across country for a few days and met up with us. The Dutch couple with the Yellow stripe and yellow Saab. Also Dave and Bunny Eribanaut and Keith and Chris Snoozers.

However, the most interesting story to date is of the elderly couple currently on this site with a one off, self built Tembo Kontich.

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This is their story:- Unusual Small Caravans (12)