St Vaast le Hoque

 

It rained heavily during the night, drumming on the roof of the van. But we didn't mind. It would wash the red sand of the Sahara and the yellow pollen from the fir trees from Marge's roof. We thought the farmers here would really appreciate it as well as everywhere is so dry. 

By the time we'd eaten breakfast and tidied up the cloud gave way to a watery sun. The forecast was for a nice day. Fingers crossed. Just one more sleep until we return home Marge. Are you sad? Yes. Are you? Yes. Look at that.

A duck crossed the road nearby with a string of ducklings obediently following behind. Ah, aren't they lovely. Big day in France today, Marge. Who do you fancy Macron or Le Pen? I don't think much of either of them. Us neither.

We only had a drive of around an hour to St Vaast le Hoque. A nice easy run Marge. Nice and easy you say. Why has that annoying sat nav women sent us along a road that's too narrow with a corner we can barely turn. And who put that large boulder on the corner! Breathe in Marge, this is going to be very, very tight indeed. After some slow and careful manoeuvring by Angela, Marge squeezed through. Angela argues quite often with the lady giving us directions. You stupid woman! She shouted at the voice behind the map. 

We arrived at St Vaast le Hoque at midday. The aire is adjacent to the campsite which we have stayed at many a time. We know this area well, and really like it, which is why it was the chosen stop for our last night in France.

Bicycles ready, lunch packed we cycled out to the pointe de Saire. A round trip of around ten miles.

We found a place to sit beside a disused blockhaus left from the last war. It sheltered us from the breeze and turned out to be a real suntrap. We spent three and a half hours at the beach, eating lunch, both silent in our own thoughts, probably the same ones, wishing we could stay in France a little longer. Then reading and observing. What a wonderful way to spend our last day. Perfect.

It was half past six before we returned to the town, having stopped up by the marina to watch the amphibious vehicle that took visitors to and from the Ile Tatihou.

Then a walk around the boatyard to the little fisherman's chapel.

Upon our return to Marge, we exchanged pleasantries with our new German neighbours. They were just setting up their table outside ready to eat. Out came a Hovis loaf. Have you been to England. They had, sailing from Poole early this morning. They'd been visiting Wales for two weeks. The Mumbles apparently so busy this last week because of the school holidays they could find nowhere to stay. 

This evening was warm, and we were able to sit with the side door of the van open until after nine o' clock. A contrast to the damp miserable weather of yesterday evening. The sun shone on Marge until it went down and it stayed light until after nine thirty. Oh, how we are going to miss all this. It has been a really nice day and to top it off Marge's engine management light has been off all day. You don't get away with it that easy Marge. It's a visit to the garage for you when we return home. For now, enjoy this last night. An early start tomorrow to make the most of the day before we catch our evening sailing.