Here we are in the south of France, and guess what? It is currently not warm and sunny, but quite chilly and rather wet. In fact the weather has been like this for most of May, we have heard. The grass is long and green, and the creek that runs along the side of the bottom road is full of water. We are currently not swimming in the pool, and I longingly think of the warm clothes I left behind in the caravan in the Netherlands.
Never mind it is still beautiful, and very peaceful. It has been great to also catch up with friends.
So we have spent our time lazing around, reading, walking and spending time with people.
Our trip down was on very busy motorways, which caught us by surprise as we had thought it would be easy. We had forgotten that it was a long weekend in the Netherlands and in France so Friday and Saturday people were out on the roads trying to get away for a few days, in what was predicted to be gorgeous weather.
The usual bumper to bumper traffic on the motorway between Lyon and Orange.
We were fascinated by the number of motorway services that have been upgraded and now have huge self service coffee machines. Surprisingly the coffee is extremely good too. Walter posing in front of one of the new self service coffee areas in a revamped motorway service stop. My apologies to the person who suddenly stepped into the photo at the moment I pressed the button.
We arrived at Camping Manjastre on Saturday afternoon, and very quickly set up our caravan and awning. So easy now with the lightweight sun canopy and less equipment.
Our view over the grapevines, very peaceful, secluded and quiet.
The weather on Saturday and Sunday was glorious but it gradually clouded over on Monday, when the rain set in overnight. It is rather pleasant, hearing rain on the caravan roof, knowing you are warm and dry inside. I used to find the sound of rain on a tent a little worrying rather then comforting. Would it leak? And don't touch the side of the tent, anyone. But they did, and yes the tent leaked. Modern tents are so much better, I think.
A view of Le Lavandou Beach, deserted mostly, as the sky started to cloud over.
The garden in front of the town hall was beautiful. Sadly it is only set up for Spring, but I guess it would be too hard to maintain during the hot months of July and August.
The other half of the garden.
A view towards our favourite cafe on a very quiet holiday Monday.
No time to stop at Cafe Centre. Instead we were looking for a suitable restaurant in which to have lunch. We chose one that had plenty of diners, not sure if this is a good recommendation or not. We were happy with our Mediterranean salads, although I am still a bit unsure of the marinated raw salmon that accompanied the salad. An acquired taste I think.
I went for a walk along the back road, and admired the healthy looking grape vines, which were just starting to set fruit. I think they have been loving the wet weather.
Our caravan set up and ready to go. Walter was reading contently in the corner of the photograph.
A deserted swimming pool last night. Still very picturesque.
The storm clouds approaching us. And those clouds certainly released a lot of rain.
According to the forecasts the rain has now finished for a while and temperatures are set to rise again. Looking forward to it.
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