Friday 3 Jan 2014

Some rain and wind overnight but not even the ferries going in and out disturbed us. A Brit pulled alongside us overnight and we noticed they were displaying a Motorhomefun sign, as are we, so after breakfast he knocked on the door. They’re off to Morocco too, but are old hands so after a natter agreed to keep an eye out.

Empty the tanks, top up the water and we’re on our way. We've planned a route to take us on fast roads, even on (non-peage) motorways as the idea is to chase the sun – we can do the tourist bit on the way back. Also the weather forecast is poor, and so it turned out. Almost straight away we were battling strong headwinds, which are murder on the fuel consumption, as we've already found out. But even keeping the speed down to around 55 mph we still made good progress and stopped just short of Rouen for lunch.

We've got Rouen sorted now (the Pont Mathilde is still closed) and suffered no holdups – but hit a tremendous rainstorm. The Seine river was also right up the banks so it was a watery afternoon, although the sun did come out later. Evereux and Dreux came and went then just after Chartres (must go and visit the cathedral, looks impressive) we ran into another rainstorm, which looked to be hanging over our destination, Chateaudun. However it cleared and we followed the satnav, netbook, Aires book and road signs – yes they all agreed for once! – to a lovely little aire on the banks of the Loire, right under the chateau walls.

Chateaudun

It was a cool crystal clear evening so after a hot chocolate we wrapped up and ventured out to explore. We headed up (and up!) into the lovely old town behind the chateau and found the main square where they were still celebrating the festive season.

Then we followed a pathway that dropped down the side of the chateau and returned to Bertie for a hot meal and relaxing night. Nobody else has pulled into the aire, but we suppose that is not unusual at this time of year. The Snowbirds will probably be further west; we’ll join them tomorrow.