10 February 2024 – Indoor games and flamingos

Miles driven today = 0

Total Miles to date = 861

Much as we loved our old van, Bertha, it’s at times like these that we are really grateful for the amount of space that we have in our current home on wheels.  The rain crashed on the roof throughout the night and for most of the morning so all we could really do was have bit of a lie in before getting on with a few indoor chores and planning our next few stops.

I did put on my big boy pants in order to battle my way through the elements to the campsite launderette.  They have huge 18kg machines so we were able to get pretty much everything we have worn or used so far on the trip, other than bedding, cleaned and stowed away in one load. 

After lunch there was a break in the weather so we donned waterproofs and headed east along the seafront and away from the town.  Although the rain had paused the wind was still gusting to 40mph so we had to hang onto our hats and the bikes have remained firmly locked away in the garage.

We stumbled across a memorial to a fellow called Gilbert Le Roy who, according to the inscription was a “victim of Nazi barbarism” and was deported to a concentration camp.

No dogs allowed on the beach.  Not even dead ones apparently.

We did manage to see some of the famous local flamingos.  This was one of two groups we spotted.  They tried to take off when they felt we were getting a little too close but soon thought better of it when they realised they weren’t getting anywhere in the wind and returned to paddling around in the mud.

Once the rain had fully abated a little before 6pm we took ourselves out for the meal we had promised ourselves.  Most of the restaurants which were open didn’t start serving until at least 6:30 so we loitered for a little while before settling ourselves down in a cosy little place called L’Escaluna.

The set menu seemed to be pretty good value at €24.80 so we both plumped for the Soupe de Poisson to start.

Then for a main course I had the Dorado while Lisa had the Red Mullet, both of which were very tasty.

Then it was Apple Tart to finish for me while Lisa had the Panna Cotta.

All thoroughly enjoyable, washed down with a very pleasant bottle of vin blanc.  But for some strange reason I could help having the feeling that we were being watched!

11 February 2024 - Le Val, Provence