Sat 17th August to Sat 24th August
Day One, Saturday 17th August
As usual lately, we had to take diversions over night along the A1 and after we picked Amber up it was the same down at the M20. Anyway our train through the tunnel was on time and as last time we had our breakfast as we traveled under the chanel.
The route through france was A26 all the way to Reims on to the A4 to the D980 then D3, D1003, D330 and across a bridge to the apartment. It took longer than I thought it would it was about 315 km or 196 miles but we still arrived far too early.
We had a quick look at the place then drove off to a supermarket (ALDI) in Dormans and collected a few things we would need for the first few days. While we were in there it started raining, so we looked for somewhere to go while we waited for the rooms. We called into a pub Le Champenois in Dormans, and had a beer each (amber didn't) while we waited for the accommodation.
On arrival at the accommodation we were shown around by the cartacker then soon got unpacked and set the TV up and I made food for us all.
Day Two, Sunday 18th August
Today was the rest day, we did practically nothing and it did rain on and off most of the day. Saying that it did clear up on the afternoon and we did do some sunbathing.
I did cross over the path and took some photos of the barges going up and down the river.
We did get the TV working so that we could watch films from online places and we had an indoor BBQ for our tea.
Day Three, Monday 19th August
Our wedding anniversary, 47 years today.
But first we went out to have a look around the area. We headed for Provins and parked up in the town center, then after a look around walked slowly, up to the Saint-Quiriace collegiate church.
I went for a look around the church while the other two sat outside doing nothing, yes there were just the two of them, Amber and Fran just stayed back at the room.
From there we wandered round to the old fort, César tower, had a quick look around and then wandered back into town. Back in the center we got sandwiches and other stuff from a supermarket, then went back to the car.
We drove up to the car park we should have been in and had our lunch in the car. After that we drove around the walls of the old town (not sure if we were aloud on the road we used but we did). Halfway round the walls on the corner tower was a man doing a bird of prey display, something we had seen on our last trip to France but in Chateau d'harcourt, Chauvigny. We watched the display for a bit and then headed back towards the house.
Back at the house Dot and I opened a bottle of Champagne for our anniversary, and wandered down to the river to drink it.
Day Four, Tuesday 20th August
Another day when we did nothing, except sitting in the sun, we did get shopping in but other that that nothing.
I did have plenty of new beers though.
Day Five, Wednesday 21st August
Today was a visit to the World War I Chateau-Thierry American Monument, in Chateau-Thierry and Amber was with this time. Even though you can see the monument from miles around, it was quite a long drive to find the entrance. Once there, we parked up and went for a look around.
After a good look around, including the in World War One museum there, we set of back to the car. It was now Ralph mentioned he could see McDonalds from up there and showed Amber, so guess where we went next. After our McDonalds was down, we drove into Chateau-Thierry center for a look around and a walk along the river.
We then drove back to the rooms to sit in the sun and maybe have a drink or two before I made the supper for us.
Day Six, Thursday 22nd August
Todays drive out included all of us, first we drove to Épernay, the only place we have camped without taking a photo. So we went there just to find and look at the campsite. Well it was not what I remembered and it was a very long walk into town, not something I would like to do now.
From there we drove on to Mareuil-sur-Ay, where we decided to have a walk along the canal Lateral a La Marne. There were quite a few barges and boats moored up there and also a couple of Motorhome Airs by the canal as well.
We walked along to a bridge over the canal, I took photos and then we walked back to the car but didn't just set off back, we went in a cafe for a drink. We got beers and sat outside Le Bistrot in the sun for our drinks. Then we called into the supermarket there for a couple of things we needed before heading back to the rooms.
On the way back we passed through Dormans were I took a photo of the suspension bridge there, I had been meaning to get one all week.
Back at the rooms we had a very relaxing time and a few beers.
Day Seven, Friday 23rd August
Today we had a nice quiet relaxing day sat in the garden in the sun. Although Me, Dot and Amber did have a walk along the river but not far.
We did get some of our clothes ready for the trip home tomorrow but other than that we had a good drink and some good food, we did have to finish off what was in the fridge.
Day Eight, Saturday 24th August
Up early and got the car loaded up ready for the trip home and were soon ready to set off.
We arrived at the tunnel early but got straight on to a train, even though on the other side we still had as far to go. We also had to drop Amber off near the M25 but then it was stait home.
