France

We have had a lovely week in France. The weather held out until the day before we left when the rain started. But we were visiting family so it did not bother us at all.

Gerard and Michele met us at Valance station and took us back to Mirmande where we were staying with them. Mirmande is a very old village, built on a hill and dates back to the 11^th century. We had a walk to the top of the village, a very steep walk. It never ceases to amaze us that people take their cars into the village!

Another day we went to Crest, a large town that has the highest mediaeval tower in France and we climbed up that too. The tower is all that remains of the original castle, again from the 11^th century.

We were very well looked after by everyone and we both think we have put on weight despite the walks we had – all that good French food. Yesterday we returned to Grays, leaving Valance at 2 pm and arriving at Ebsfleet Station at around 7.30 pm. It was so convenient only having to drive the rental car through the Dartford Tunnel – around 30 minutes to Stifford Clays. The rain was really beating down so not having to venture on the dreaded M25 was a big relief.

Not sure what we will do this week – we leave for Melbourne on Friday so we only have a few days left now. It seems a long time ago now that we were in Egypt and on the narrow boat. The time has gone so quickly.