France 2013

FRANCE - 2013

Just a 3 week trip this year - to much going on at home to manage any longer, re recent house move and family commitments etc.
So much has happened in 12 months and many weeks spent in the motorhome: 10 week trip to Greece, 10 weeks in-between houses, 8 weeks whilst the builders were in etc.

But still decided to clock up some miles this trip heading for Draguignan in Provence (Southern France) - a trip of some 2575m round trip.

Our 2013 route, out from Plymouth, return via Calais

Sat 22/6/13 - Wales

On our way and first stop Guilsfield in Wales for Chris and Staceys wedding celebration

Sun 23/6/13 - Hereford

Onto Lucksall Camping near Hereford for 1 night with our friends Mick & Barbara.

Excellent campsite right next to the river Wye (£21)

Mon 24/6/13 - Plymouth

onto Plymouth and the Caravan Club Campsite at Down Thomas. A cracking location (if not to windy) overlooking Plymouth Sound.  Meal at the Dolphin Pub with our friends Pete/Debbie & Ian/Sarah.

Tue 25/6/13 - Plymouth

Ferry to France today (Roscoff) but not till 2300, so had a leisurely day in Plymouth and lunch with Ian at the old Fort William Navy yard which is now a trendy eating area. Lovely warm and sunny day.

onto the Brittany Ferry at Plymouth

Smeatons Tower on Plymouth Hoe

Wed 26/7/13  - Rennes

Arrived Roscoff at 7.00am then headed to Rennes (132m) along the excellent N12 to Camping Gayeulles, a Municipal Campsite set within the grounds a very large park (€20 with free WiFi).

There is a 24hr free Aire just outside the gate. Probably a better bet if you are arriving late and just need somewhere to kip. Warm and sunny - 20c

Biked into Rennes for a mooch. It was a nice enough centre, closed to cars as there was a kind a flea market underway - very busy.  Came back through ‘parc du Thabor’ a lovely public park - brass band concert underway, lakes, people picnicking - very nice.

Thur 27/7/13 - Chinon   

to Chinon - 152m. Another lovely day and pleasant drive along the D roads to the Loire Valley and a France Passion site near Chinon. 

Stopped first at Abbeye de Fontevraud, notable for its connection with past English Kings and Queens (the Tudors, Richard the Lionheart, Henry 11 and his wife Eleanor) - fascinating place.

Could overnight free here in the Campervan section of the carpark, but as it was located in the middle of a local housing estate we decided to head for a France Passion site nearby (a vineyard), trusting in the SatNav to get us there, which it did, but via some pretty narrow lanes.

'free' France Passion site at Chinon

Chinon Castle

Fri 28/7/13  -  Limoges

Spent the morning having a good look round Chinon and its Castle, having first sampled the wine at the vineyard cave - not so sure but felt obliged to buy a bottle (€7)

Another good drive today down the mainly straight D347 & N147 via Poitier. Had break at Lussac, which has a huge car park and MH service point, could easily overnight here.

To ‘Chateaux Leychoisier’, a particularly nice ACSI site in Bonnac la Cote (approx 13k N of Limoges). Set in grounds shared with a small private chateaux, the site seems mainly full of Brits with Caravans. Restaurant, Sm Bar, Swimming Pool - excellent stop. Pity the weather has turned cloudy and drizzly.  129m/211k today (749m so far)

Sat 29/6/13 - Decazeville

Continuing south on the free A20 passing through Brive-laGaillards, then onto the (at times) very steep and windy D840 which crosses via Gramat & Rodez over to the A75 motorway.

Stopped for a mooch at Rocamadour on the River Dorgogne, a popular touristy town and a former stop on the pilgrims route to Compostellia. Built onto the side of a cliff overlooking a mini Grand Canyon. A bit to hilly for Sue’s dodgy knee (even with the ascensor lift) so didn’t get to see much but a pretty spectacular location. Could easily overnight here but carried on along the meandering D840 to at free Aire at Boisson Penchot (close to Decazeville) next to the river Lot.  A cracking quiet spot for around 8 motorhones in well spaced out pitches.

140m today - seemed longer because if the windy roads.

Rocamadour

 Aire at Boisson Penchot (close to Decazeville)

 The river Lot, right next to our campsite (Aire)

Sun 30/6/13 - Millau 

Onto the A75 ‘free’ motorway continuing south toward Millau and the Tarn Gorge, recently spanned by the impressive Millau Viaduct, designed by Sir Norman Foster it is the worlds tallest bridge with one of the mast supports rising to a staggering 343 meters.  However we decided not to go over the bridge but to drive down into the valley to stay in Millau itself. Millau is overun with campsites but we opted for an ACSI site ‘Camping St Lambert’, cheap at €11 but good enough and right on the river. Took the Scooter to have a look at the bridge from underneath then into town for a very passable lunch.  149m today - Weather glorious.

The Millau Viaduct

left and above - Sue in Millau

Mon 1/7/13 - Arles

83m drive today, A75, then A750, toward Montpellier which we had to go through (round) at a pretty busy time. Heading for the Roman town of Arles but first taking in the famous aquaduct ‘Pont du Gard’, a truly stunning peice of Roman engineering that I have always wanted to see. Even Susan was impressed with this one.  Used for 500 years to carry water to Arles and was considered by the Romans to be their finest peice of engineering. A pleasant open location, swimming & hire boats just under the bridge and a lovely cafe were we took in the scene.

Then to Camping L’Arlesienne just a couple of miles through Arles, another ACSI site that have a separate section for MH tourers which is near the entrance but better than the main site which is right on top of the motorway.

Pont du Gard

Cafe next to the Pont du Gard - what a great spot

Tue/Wed 3rd 4th July - Trets (Provence)

Took in a few more Roman ruins today before heading to the pretty town of St Remy du Provence for a pit stop.

Then to Camping Le Devancon for a couple lazy days just relaxing and chilling out , a quiet out of the way campsite deep in Provence.

St Remy du Provence

Thur 4/7/13 - Aups

Into the heart of Provence and the lovely town of Aups

Camping Les Pres. Easy walk into town.

Fri 5/7/13 - Lake Saint Croix

Headed for the Verdun Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix (lac de Sainte-Croix) a man-made lake formed by damming the Vedun river and completed in 1974. It really is quite a spectacular area. We parked up lakeside for lunch that hired a boat for a trip up the gorge
Boat trip on the Gorge du Verdun.  Took the scooter for a spin along a road at the top of the gorge.

Lavender FP Site, drinks overlooking lake (nice white wine)

         

Lake Saint Croix and the Verdun Gorge

Sat 6/7/13 - Cotignac

I took the Scooter to Sillans la Cascade, a really beautiful waterfall and river that drops into wide blue pools amongst lush overhanging vegitation.  - hottest day yet.
Very rustic Municipal Campsite at top of steep hill in Cotignac Camping des Pouverels (€15.50), friendly receptionist, free WiFi

Sillans la Cascade

Sun/Mon 7th 8th July - Aups

Short drive Quinson where we parked up in the aire for breakfast. This is also part of the Gorge (near the Dam) but less busy. Fancied a swim here but way to cold.

Back to Camping Les Pres in Aups for a couple of days. We like this campsite, which is quiet (apart from strange barking frogs) and just a short walk into the very pleasant small town, where we had a wonderful eve meal at the restaurant 'La Truffe' - a rare occurrence  for us in France.

Tue/Wed  9th 10th July, Draguignan (Provence)

Met up with friends - Pete,Jackie and Alan,Becky all staying at Alan & Beckys villa. We stayed on the Intermarche car park. Couple of great days in excellent company. Went to St Tropez for the day (approx 40m drive) and caught the ferry from St Maxine to Port Grimaud and then St Tropez.  Absolutely chucked it down whilst we were having lunch in St Tropez. We parked the MH for the day at an aire just on the outskirts of St Maxine (the Aires book did show another aire in the centre of St Maxine but this looks to be a regular car park now).

      

Thur 11/7/13 - St Forgeux (Lyon)

Heading for home and a good run north today - 282m. Found a great Aire in St Forgeux, approx 30m west of Lyon. A large parking area with toilet block adjacent to Tennis and Boules Club,4 free elec points on wall and water tap - excellent.  It is located in a valley next to the town at bottom of steep road - though a better road to it is approx half a mile further on. 

Fri 12/7/13 - Paris

290m today - Camping Indigo (was Bois du Bologne) €41.40.

Spent Sat touring Paris on the Scooter

On our way by 4pm, locked gate, (need to pay for extra day if leaving after 1pm) OK in the end (chocolates).

The Pont du Arts near Notre Dame - check out the keys

Sat 13/7/13 - Aire at Beauvis

just 66m but felt like a lot more

Aire at Beauvis just off A16 - tried one in town near Hyper-U, funny smell and empty

Aire was high up on hill overlooking town

Took A1 out of Paris, should have been A16 which takes longer to become a MWay but more direct route to Calais going via Amiems instead of Arras,

Sun 14/7/13 - Home

Tunnel 11.20, home by 7.00pm

very slow on M25 & J18/19 M6 

Euro trip 2012, Part 1, 28/8 - 12/9

Our 2012 Euro trip  - part 1, to Montepulciano (Italy)

Tue 28/8 - Canterbury Park & Ride, 272m

On our way by 12.20, arriving at Canterbury Park and Ride by 6.30pm (6hr 10m). They provide a separate area for MHs for just £2.50 which includes bus to Canterbury and back.

However once settled we had a re-occurance of a water pump problem - no running water.
Took it to Cranhams to repair, which we thought they had but alas the problem continued throughout the trip

Wed 29/8 - Hans Sur Leese/Belgium, 328m - 600m so far

Headed for Belgium for our first stop, an Aire in Tournai but wasn’t that keen on it so carried onto Hans sur Leese (Belgium) and stayed at an excellent municipal parking area in the town (€10). Situated in a pleasant, quiet spot and a an easy walk into a lovely small town.

Hans Sur Leese, Belgium

Thur 30/8 - Kelh/Germany, 227m - 827m so far

Sunny morning, went for a walk around Hans sur Leese through the park to the river - building up Mrs Bs ankle (recovering from ruptured achilles).

Then onto our next stop, a MHome aire (called Sosta’s in Germany) just over Rhine from Strasbourg.  Got stuck in rush hour traffic just a couple of k from the parking site.  Came in the wrong way, in future come down the German autobahn (A5).

Mauled to death without running water and having to use water containers and the kettle - a real pain.  But managed a short walk and a couple of lovely German Pils.

Fri 31/8 Como/Italy, 231m - 1058m so far

More foot therapy this morning for Susan with a very pleasant walk alongside the Rhine in what is a really nice park area that has been created on the margins of the river. 

On our way by midday heading down the A5 toward Switzerland in fairly heay rain. Paid for a 10 day HGV (over 3.5 ton) pass at the border (€27).  They were going to charge extra for the scooter trailer - but got away with it in the end.

Did plan on staying at an ACSI site near Lugano at the top of Lake Maggiore (Switzerland bit), which took some finding in heavy rush hour traffic and when we got there they offered us a really grotty small pitch next to the rubbish bins so moved onto Como town and a known parking area for MHomes just outside Como town. Seemed a good enough spot and had one other Camper for company, so pitched up and headed to a local pizzeria for tea.

Sat 1/9 - La Spezia/Italy,   248m - 1306m so far

Very restless night - lot of road noise then early morning deliveries to the Bakers opposite, so made an early start.

Headed for the Somaglia services area approx 20m south of Milan on the A1 to try and sort out our water problem. Refitted the take up pipe in the water tank but the pump starts spluttering once the level in the tank drops below the bit the pipe fits into.  Rang Cranhams (my dealer) but couldn’t offer much help other than agreeing with me that it may need glueing in.  So still no running water.  They had showers in the services toilet block which we both used. 

Onto La Spezia in Liguria on the Med coast driving along the spectacular A15 motorway which winds through through the mountains through tunnels and viaducts for most of the way.  Missed our turn onto the A15 because Mrs SatNav stopped talking to me - oh how we become reliant on these things.  Heavy rain most of the way. Parked up at the free ish Sosta in La Spezia, a very large dedicated MH parking area at the back of an Ambulance depot.  It is gated and run by the crews who just ask for donations (beer money).

Early night tonight but kept awake by noisy Italian neighbours (having a good time would you believe).  Then the guy right next door decided to run his engine no doubt to charge his batteries at 9.30pm !! His exhaust ony feet from our MHome door - I don’t think so !!!! Not wishing to generalise but Italians do seem oblivious to others, existing in there own little bubble.

La Spezia

Sun 2/9  La Spezia/Italy,  day 2

Good day !! - finally sorted out our water problem.  Had a good look with glasses and a torch in the tank only to notice TWO holes out of the tank: one is a vent to fresh air and one is to the water pump, no guesses for the one I had been coupling the uptake pipe to.  Anyway now sorted, and what a relief after 5 days of no running water.

So can start our holiday proper now and first trip out was a train to the Cinque Terre Villages.  Pleasant day out and these villages are nice enough and you can walk along the coast between each one but overun with tourists (mainly Americans) and restaurants are all over priced.

Stopped of at the excellent Naval Museum on the way back (La Spezia is a big Navy town).  Must look up the story of HMS Valiant attacked in Alexandria harbour by the Italian ‘human torpedoes’ - interesting story.

Navy Museum at La Spezia/Italy

Sun 3/9 - Viareggio/Italy,  41m - so far 1347m

Chucked it down for most of the night, but by 11am it was glorious with full sun.

I’m told they needed this rain, not had any noticable rain for months, then we arrive and the heavens open.

Onto Camping Italia today (ACSI taken) in Torre del Lago Puccini (Puccini’s birthplace) which is approx 5k from the coastal resort of Viareggio.  Had a look at Camping Europa first, but not a patch on this place.  WiFi is €6 for 3hrs

Tue 4/9 - Viareggio/Italy - 2nd day

Trip out to Torre Del Lago on the Scooter to see Puccini’s house  - it was closed of course, we always seem to arrive after 1pm when Italy shuts for siesta.

Later we joined the passageata on Viareggios wide and traffic free prom.
Full of 1920s art nouveau buildings and lots of cinema’s.  I even found a huge bookstore (so the Italians do read), Fifty Shades of Gray featured prominently.

Wed 5/9  Lucca/Italy - 18m today /1366 total

First went to Pisa for the afternoon.  Took the usual “look at me holding the tower up” pics and had coffee and snack overlooking the the Duomo and Baptistry. Very pleasant area if overrun by tourists (mainly young ones).

Onto Lucca and tried free overnight car park first but had a big fair on it. Stopped at Sosta Il Serchio nearby - €20 and free WiFi.  Nice quiet spot though pitches very small and bigger rigs stick out - still had to remove bike trailer.   Friendly Dutch neighbours next door who like many were fascinated by the Scooter trailer. Had a French guy in PIsa yesterday taking pics.

Pisa

Pisa

OK, we had to do this pic !!!

Thur 6/9 - Lucca/Italy

2nd day at Lucca and Camping I’ll Serchio.

Went for a good walk along the walls and through the town and had lunch in the Piazza Cittadell, at the aptly named Madame Butterfly as it was next to Puccini’s birthplace.

Camp I'll Serchio in Lucca - evening G&T

It's getting hot. Sue under the AirCon

Fri 7/9 - Florence/Italy,      62m today -1429m total

To Florence Camping Michelangelo and a whopping €40 but in a great location set amongst olive trees and overlooking Florence. Easy to get into the city on the bike and scooter.

Site on a slope and although we were fairly level all the facilities were at the top of a very steep road.  Had a good mooch around the city and drinks in the Piazza overloooking the Duomo, watching the huge number of Americans and Japanese getting thier culture fix.  Most seemed very young - or is it just me getting old !!

Dinner was in the Campsite restaurant in a cracking spot overlooking Florence as the sun went down. Pizza and Chianti - of course.

Piazza Michelangelo is on a hillside next to the campsite and a popular spot for veiwing the city, it is also a gatherig place for the Florentine young who party there till well after 4am, so something of a disturbed night.
Bless their high spirited cotton socks !!!

The river Arno toward the Ponte Vecchio

Susan and David

View from the Piazza Michelangelo overlooking Florence

Sat 8/9 - San Gimignano/Italy    34m today - 1463 so far

Took the bike into Florence early this morning for a good nosey around. What a great way to get around on a beautiful sunny morning. Couldn’t believe the huge queues at all of the major galleries and sites well before they were due to open.

Away by 1pm for a short drive south heading for San Gimignano down the appallingly bad SS2.  Stopped just outside San Gimignano to investigate a worrying noise coming from the trailer. Turns we are missing an important bolt the secures the curved bar that goes over the scooter seat. Must have been dislodged by all the excessive rattling and shaking. Luckily I have a padlock that will do the job for now. Not a great design as it was only held on with a spring clip.

Tonight at a Free tolerated Parking Area just outside the town although we were first ‘rounded up’ by a guy on a scooter wearing a hi-viz jacket jacket who took us to his campsite. Bit like they do sometimes at concert car parks back home.

San Gimignano is lovely town, famous for its tall square buildings - but oh so packed during the day. Dined later at the Peruca restaurant and had some of the tastiest food we have ever experienced: I had ravioli with pears and saffron cream and Sue tender strips of grilled steak on rocket - delicious !! Then drinks in the square listening to a very pleasant violinist.  We like San Gimignano, especially at night once the temp has dropped (40c earlier) and the crowds have gone.

Anthony Gormley 'art' perched on top of one of the San Gimiginano towers

San Gimiginano from our overnight

Sun 9/9 - Monteriggioni/Italy   18m today (1479 so far)

Monteriggioni is a compact sleepy medieval hilltop town completely encircled by high walls.  Could overnight for €5.00 in the large car park under the walls. Lots of other MHomes parked for the night and met up with Dennis and Penny from Oz who keep a UK registered MH in Preston and were currrently meandering to Turkey. Went for drinks with them in the piazza later, lovely temperature and a great time to chill once all the hordes of tourists have gone. Chianti Classico for me Prosecco for the others.

Mon 10/9 - Siena (Sovicille) 18m today (1497 so far)

to Camping La Montagnola (ACSI €16) in Sovicille which is approx 7m from Siena.

Nice campsite set in wooded area. Caught up on WiFi and Laundry then into Sienna on the bus.  Headed for the main square ‘Piazza Del Campo’ for MrsBs birthday meal and to watch the world go by, but alas the food was pretty average and the service slow.  These restaurants/bars that overlook busy squares I think are best for drinks only. Headed up a very steep street to look at the Duomo, as Cathedrals go this one was quite spectacular, built out of Black and White marble and meant to be the biggest in Christendom but further building was abandoned when the plaque hit. Wonderful building none the less.

Getting the bus home was an ordeal, it was 30m late, he drove like a maniac and didn’t take us to the terminus at the campsite. MrB had to walk the rest of the way back along pitch dark paths and and roads. Thankfully the nice receptionist lady went back and pick Sue up from the village, who was sat all alone on a bench.

Weather continues to be glorious, 35-40c most days occasional distant thunder in the afternoon as the day heats up just to remind us that there is always a chance of heavy rain.

Mon 11/9 - Siena (Sovicille) day 2

Chilling and chores day.  Took the Scooter out for a spin and food shop and what an absolute joy riding along the quiet meandering Tuscan countryside in glorious sunshine - wonderful !!

Siena Duomo

Susie outside the Duomo. Marble everywhere

Siena Duomo - Impressive detail

Siena - Mr B at the Pizza del Campo

Wed 12/9 - Montepulciano    47m today, 1544 total

Easy morning sunbathing and reading then away by around 1pm heading to Montepulciano. 

Parked up at the Sosta (€10 and I think the only sucker who paid) which was just a huge car park next to the town. Montepulciano is a lovely old renaissance town perched high up with great views of the Tuscan and Umbrian hills and the vineyards that produce the wonderful Vino Nobile wine that this area is famous for.

Lousy nights kip at this place, first the local youths seem to think this car park is a race track for scooters, then it chucked it down for most of the night then.

Couldn’t figure our why most Motorhomes came, used the water and waste facilities and then buggered off - until 6.30am that is when all around us trucks and stalls started setting up.  Thursday is Market day !! Had to load up the Scooter and make a quick escape - what a palavar !!

Looking down from Montepulciano

Euro trip 2012, Part 2 13/9 - 1/10

Euo trip 2012, part 2
13/9 - 1/10 (Palea Epidavros, Greece)

Thur 13/9 - Lake Trasimeno   27m today, 1571 total

Short drive to Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno, along I would say probably the worst road surface I have ever driven on - it was appaling - could only crawl in places.

To Camping Listro - a €12 ACSI site right on the lake.  Pitched up overlooking the lake and battened down the hatches because by 9.30am is was chucking it down again. 

There’s been a real change in the weather from 40c a few days ago to 16c wet and windy and downright orrible.  Reading day today I guess, Sue down to last book and wants a Kindle. Did manage an evening trip into Castiglione del Lago, another lovely medieval walled town for drinks in the square.  Bought some tasty local cheese.

Not a lot to do when its chucking it down !!

Fri 14/9 - Lake Trasimeno   10m today

What a night: howling wind and chucking it down most of the night. Feels like Blackpool prom in winter. Told its due to buck up tomorrow - it had better - our tans are fading !!

Moved to other side of lake today (wind and weather offshore) to Camping Kursaal at Passignano, a really impressive £16pn ACSI campsite located in hotel complex and includes use of all hotel facilities, free WiFi, Pool, Beach etc.

Camping Kuursal on Lake Trasimeno (near Perugia)

Sat 15/9 - Lake Trasimeno   2nd day at Lake Trasimeno & Camping Kuraal

We like this site - have full use of all the hotel facilities but retain the comforts of the MHome pitched up by the lakeside and all for just €16pn and the weather is back to normal today - sunny and in the 30s. Excelenti !! Took the Scooter for a Battlefield tour today. In 217 B.C. just north of our campsite was the battle of Lake Trasimeno where the Roman army suffered its heaviest defeat (15000 dead) by the Carthaginian army under the command of Hannibal (2nd Punic war).

Ate in the hotel tonight, in the conservatory dining room overlooking the lake.

Glorious sunset over the lake (see pic).

Sunset over Lake Trasimeno after a stormy day

Camping Kursaal on Lake Trasimeno (near Perugia) - We liked it here

Sun 16/9 - Lake Trasimeno  3rd day at Lake Trasimeno & Camping Kuraal

Another glorious day.

Passignano market 

Mon 17/9 - Gubbio   48m/1619m

Couldn’t decide today whether to go to Assisi (birthpace of St Francis) or Gubbio both apparently vie for Umbria’s most medieval (stuck in time) town. Went for Gubbio in the end and parked up at the towns MHome sosta, just €5 for the night, elec extra if required.  Quiet spot but next to school, so no chance of a lie in after 7.30 when all the kiddie winks start arriving in their Vespas and Piaggios for school, which starts at 8am (they finish at 1pm). 

Eve meal at Fabiani’s a restaurant set in a 15c palazzo that had deep well inside.

Pretty much had the place to ourselves, excellent huge pizzas and a good house Sangiovese (only €6.50).  Had couple of drinks in a square earlier and got some really tasty snacks with the drinks.

The days are still lovely and sunny but cooler in the evenings - fleeces required (bit like Tenerife in January)

Tue 18/9 - Ancona 

To ferry port ready for crossing tomorrow to Greece. Big shop and fuel up at Auchen first. Stayed at the Sosta a few k from the port situated high up overlooking town and harbour. €12 incl pretty useless 3amp elec (Mrs B couldn’t even use hairdryer), but nice quiet spot.  Did consider free car park close by, which although on main road would have been fine for 1 night, lots of other MHs there.

Wed 19/9 - Ancona  Caught the 1.30pm ANEK Ferry to Greece today.

Arrived at port early in case of any probs, but pretty straightforward really. All the Motorhomes etc were put on last, so waiting in line for a long time. Booked onto the camping deck so had full use of the Motorhome along with all the ships facilities - showers etc, ideal for the long crossing.

Had to pay extra for the Scooter trailer which I hoped they would miss, alas No - €72 thank you Mister !!.  Probably would have got away with it had we not arrived at 7am and been put in point position for all to see.

Ancona ferry port - Waiting to be swallowed

Were in there somewhere

Thur 20/9 - Diakofto/Greece  50m

Arrived in Patras at 2.30pm to a lovely sunny Greek day, should have been 3hrs earlier but it seems the ferrys go slower these days to save fuel.

Followed an English couple we met on the ferry (Colin & Sue) out of Patras along the old coast road toward our 1st stop at Diakofto, a lovely free overnight right next to the sea.

Alas our sense of euphoria was soon spiked when diesel fumes started to permeate the air and we discovered the return of a previous problem - fuel leaking out of the fuel filter through a failed rubber seal. Phoned Fiat assist (had to go via our UK dealer) - told would be first thing tomorrow as it was now past 8pm.

Getting fuel filter leak 'sorted'

Fri 21/9 - Loutra/Greece  120m

Breakdown guy arrived first thing to check problem, not much he could do so followed him to nearest Fiat dealer approx 20k back toward Patras.

Repair done and away from garage around 1pm and headed south to to Camping Aginara on the Kastro penninsular (approx 70k south of Patras).

However could smell diesel again and sure enough filter still leaking altough not as bad. Phoned Fiat assist again and they are arranging for a new filter unit to be ordered and sent to nearest dealer.

Sat 22/9 - Loutra Killini/Greece 

Beach and chill day on this really nice site. Moved pitch to be nearer the beach then the German Clampetts pitched up next door with 2 noisy kids to spoil our bit of paradise.  Took the Scooter into local village for scoff and drinks in a comfy relaxin bar next to the sea.

Mrs B looking cool

Sun 23/9 - Katakolo,Greece 

Thought we would try and limp to our next stop - Katakolo (and closer to a Fiat dealer). Seemed ok initially - just a small trickle, but after restarting engine to park up it started pouring out.  It stops as soon as you turn the engine off but awful smell of fuel inside the MHome, getting p****d off with this now.

But Katakolo is a lovely harbour and town and a port of call for cruise ships heading for Olympia.  Stayed overnight on the harbour wall with the fishing boats and yachts - lecky,water,showers etc all for £5.00. 

Very much a town for locals today (Sun) as no cruise ships in, Greek music and dancing in the bar near were we are parked on the jetty and all the bars that front the harbour were really buzzing with the local young, but what a difference Mon brought when 2 huge cruise ships came in - the place wore a very different hat but still very pleasant none the less.

Katakolo, camping on the harbourside - great spot

Mon 24/9 - Olympia,Greece  1890m so far

Temp repair done to Fuel Filter by local Fiat dealer in Pyrgos, who bypassed the filter unit with a short piece of hose and 2 jubille clips. New unit to be ordered and fitted by Fiat dealer in Kalamata - hopefully (never happened).

Then headed approx 30k inland to Ancient Olympia and Camping Diana. Warmly welcomed by a very friendly and eccentric 90year owner. Only 4 MHomes in the site (with us) and much to my surprise 3 are Brits and as you do (well I do) had a good natter with them.

Tue 25/9 - Kalo Nero,Greece   33m today - 1923m so far

Early start today to visit the Archeological site at Ancient Olympia.

Managed to walk down the long arched tunnel into the 200m stadium and get the obligatory pics on the original marble starting and finishing blocks before the masses arrived from the cruise ships.

Went back after lunch to visit the surprisingly excellent Museum which contain stunning 2500 year old statuary and scultures that have been recovered from the site. This must have been some place in its heyday !

Then moved on, driving an hour down the coast to stay overnight right by the sea with a few other motorhomes at Kato Nero, a small resort witha few hotels and tavernas.
Weather still glorious and had dinner outside then a short stroll to the nearest taverna at sunset for drinks (half litre of execllent house red just €3.00).

This place has a real end of season feel about it with very few customers in any of the Tavernas.

The start line at Ancient Olympia

Olympia before the crowds arrived

Beam me out of here Scotty

Wed 26/9 - Pylos,Greece   34m today - 1957m so far

To Camping Erodias at Gialova, approx 8k north of Pylos - excellent ACSI campsite right on the beach overlooking Navarino Bay (famous sea battle 1827 - when a combinded British fleet defeated the Turks securing Greek independence).

Thur 27/9 - Pylos,Greece 

Camping Erodias 2nd day at this great campsite.

Trip out on the Scooter to see the remains King Nestors Mycene Palace (big pal/ally of Odysesus during the Trogan wars).

Lunch and Mythos on the pleasant quayside at Gialova, a very naughty crepe for MrB.  Went back Gialova for dinner after a trip to the not so impressive Pylos which is just a very run of the mill town.

Fri 28/9 - Nafplion, Greece  134m

A real mix of driving conditions today: the usual rough pitted and uneven roads, high mountain passes with endless switchbacks and then what joy lovely smooth toll motorways (I would gladly have paid 4 times what they asked just not to be shaken around for a while).

Our destination was the lovely harbour town of Nafplion, overlooked by two floodlit citadels it was for a while the capital of Greece.  We parked for the night on the huge carpark next to the harbour with about 6 other campers.  Saw a Cruise ship anchor up send one tender ashore and back and then leave, all in less than an hour - odd.

Extremely hot at the moment, OK during the day when there is a breeze but very oppressive at night once the wind drops.

Nafplion, another excellent harbourside overnight, but oh so hot

Sat 29/9 - Palea Epidavros   29m

Had planned to stay at Nafplion for a couple of days, espescially as its free, but just to hot, we need a campsite with some shade and elec for the aircon so headed for Camping Nicholas at Palea Epidavros.  Very quiet campsite so pitched on a great spot right adjacent to small beach (€20). Nice taverna and bar next door right on the waters edge.

Called at Ancient Epidavros on our way (free entrance for some reason) to have a look round the stunning 15000 seat ancient theatre which is part of a larger complex dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing (apparently they were big on using snakes, more specifically letting snakes have a little nibble at you as part of the healing process). 

Cracking sunset tonight with a full moon appearing in a red sky reflected on a flat calm sea - very pretty.

Sun 30/9 - Palea Epidavros 

Relaxing day today, chillin swimmin and moochin. Even suzie braved a couple of sea swims today.  Palea Epidavros is a base for Yachting firms Sunsail and Sailing Holidays and it was fasinating watching them both share the same jetty, Sunsail have all thier yachts move off Sun AM as Sailing Holidays have thiers returning Sun PM.  Will be our turn in a weeks time.

Mrs B taking some rays at Camping Nicholas

Mon 1/10 - Palea Epidavros day 3 at Camping Nicholas

Another very relaxing day on our prime beach front spec.

Tea out tonight at one of the harbour tavernas, veal for both of us and the very passable cheapo house wine.