Friday 17 July - At Chezeny-Forens

At 9.00am, at least it's stopped raining but low cloud is scudding about and the temperature is just 16C compared to 35C yesterday afternoon! There will be nothing much to report today which will be devoted to drying various things out, packing the van for an early departure tomorrow to the airport and, if the weather allows, a bike ride. Frustratingly, the Orange internet connection has tripped off part way through loading photos even though I have successfully topped up the payment.

It has been a terrific last two weeks with wonderful places visited, people met and communities in action. Portugal and Spain were fascinating in their own ways but there is no doubt that France has our vote for the majesty of its scenery and natural features, its inspiring food, wonderful wines and general sense of settled well being - at least in the places we have visited.

The blog will stop here to resume on Sunday 26 July after the various holidays and the team reunites. Our current thoughts are to head towards the Dolomites then move north again to go to the WW1 battle sites and, hopefully, visit Philip and Renate Banbury in the Alsace. It seems increasingly unlikely that we will reach Eastern Europe and Scandinavia both of which would be more than we could chew - despite their attractions.