1st June is the annual local Marathon which is run along the seafront. Here in the centre there was a refreshment station and a band, all very jolly. It was a hot day though and they did not start till 08.30, a bit late in my book.
Cassidy and I went down to the cafe on the front to drink coffee and watch the action. The runners, in addition to their numbers, have their first names printed so the crowd could, and did, call out encouragement to them individually. Nice touch!
“ALLEZ JEAN-MICHEL”
14th The movers arrived to empty the flat today. My furniture etc will be stored in the garage of my downstairs neighbor till the new house is built. Cassidy and I will live in the van for the summer and move into the downstairs flat for the winter, courtesy her very kind offer of rent free accommodation except for electricity and water.
This weekend there is a celebration of the liberation of France by the Americans. Yes you heard, the yanks won the war!!! Just in case you were in any doubt.
Many roads were closed round the village to facilitate a parade, the beach housed a “military encampment”
and the promenade was crowded with old military hardware and vehicles.
A good quantity of elderly men were strutting around in (what one assumes are “fake”) WW2 American military uniforms. I have to say that I an more than a little ambivalent about displays such as this, that bring out the worst in men and stimulate Nationalistic attitudes.
16th I installed myself in the new “Aire” at Mershers yesterday afternoon. Today there is a big “vide grenier”, a cross between a Flee Market and an Antiques Fair, being held at the Port. Close enough to walk to and far enough away not to be part of the Madning crowd. Our early walk was lively with birdsong and bunnies and the typical fishing huts of the estuary.
19th I have a problem with my fresh water tank, the water is just running straight out when I try to fill it. There is a valve that you have to open to completely drain the tank when you winterise the van and leave open for the winter. I have closed this with some difficulty and I think it is faulty. I have been in touch with the agents near Rochefort and explained that I am living with a bucket so there is a degree of urgency. They said that first time they could see me was Wednesday. So yesterday I moved to the Aire at Soubise so that I would be a skip and a jump away for my 9am appointment.
Soubise is a nice village on the Charente River between the sea and the port of Rochefort so when the tide is right you can have quite large ships sailing through the reeds!
And from out on the jetty, views of the boat storage and port.
I duly presented myself at 9am only to be told that I did not have an appointment. After some searching the receptionist found that it was in fact for the next Wednesday, 26th! I said that it would have been nice if the person making the appointment had been clearer but as I was here and had already spoken to a technition and we were pretty sure what the problem was and that they would more than likely have to order a part would it perhaps not be a bad idea if someone had a quick look, confirmed the problem and got the part ordered so that when I returned on the 26th they could just fit it. I could not believe the degree of total inflexibility that this suggestion was met with! Needless to say I left not best pleased.
21st Back in St Georges this evening is the annual street party in the village kicking off at about 6pm various “acts” set themselves up outside their shop or restaurant and the music begins. I went into town with |Luce and we sat in the church square and watched and listened over a couple of glasses of cold white. Very civilised.
22nd. Over this weekend it is the Festival Nautique with many water sports represented, sponsors tents, food and drink stalls and a disproportionate number of seriously fit looking young men! (nothing like a bit of eye candy!)
I wandered down at lunchtime and had a good serving of chips and fried prawns with a bottle of water for 9 Euro!
Of course, this being France, there are more elegant feasts on offer, like Oysters and wine from the Black, shiny and smartly livered Gillardeau truck
25th Back in the Aire at Soubise. On to Rochefort in the morning hopefully to get the fresh water tank fixed this time and the drive battrey hooked up to the solar panel.
These photos are for Chris!
Took an evening walk through the village centre with the typical fortified Romanesque church of the region and a handsome Town Hall. I think the pond with its twee bridge, fountains and lights is new since I was here last year. As far as Cassidy is concerned it is just a big drinking bowl.
capetocarpe 