Tue 30th June

We proceed to the south, the temperatures well into the 30's, it seems the UK have had a
similar good spell. One sure thing, theirs won't last.
At Artin on the Loir we finally find a new Aire, unfinished, it seems to be a private
project by a Campingcariste who has a riverside cabin complete with little boat house
and boat. There will be 5 fully serviced pitches, no electricity, the cabin uses solar.
We stayed for free, saw no one so we couldn't get any further info. it is one to keep an
eye on for a riverside stop.

Wed 1st July

We decide we have done enough unwinding and it is time to head for the sea, a quick call
in on mon ami in Mansle, knowing he is busy this week, we stay the night at Aigre,
near the Charente river.
Now Aigre used to be a free Aire to stay and 2E for water. Things do change and now
it seems that all is free including Electricity, the Electricity connector is the standard
old French one, I have the 16A Euro Connector and no adapter, but then I don't normally
bring mylead even. Connecting up would save a little gas on the fridge so I made a mental
note to get a French outdoor plug.

The regions Boule tournament is in full swing, we watched the players across the way
playing under floodlights.

In the morning there was a knock and and the lady from the Marie wants 5E for the night
with showers etc. included, I didnt read the colourful A4 notice on a door which could
have been an invite to the knitting circle. Still 5E is not a bad price for all in,
despite us not using any at all.

Thurs 2nd July

Leclerc at Marenne for provisions and a French plug which I fit to my lead at lunch time.

Oleron Island is one of our favorite spots despite the variable reception given to
Campingcars. We check on La Chateau for any changes. Yes they have built a new Aire
right next to the only Disco on the Island, lots of pitches, water and electricity
(they use the 16A Euro connector I have just taken off my lead)
included at 8E a night. We may give it a try if we are desperate but on the face of it
it seems they will get none of our expenditure this year. Just like Saint Dennis,
(I have called their Mayor fool before) in the North. What makes the Mayor of La Chateau
and his mob think that we want to pay 8E for Water every night when The new inflated price
for water is 4E for 100 ltr which lasts us a week, and be next to the Disco?

As it turned out these two communes had none of our expenditure this year. The supermarkets on the other
hand are no fools, Leclerc in particular at Saint Pierre have increased the size of their
store and car park, setting aside a large area for Campingcars to stay the night for free.

Wake up you silly Mayors, yes if Campingcars are not regulated you will get too many
in all the wrong places, trying to sting Campingcaristes means you won't get a return
on all the work you have done. Occupancy figures are low at both 8E Aires, local traders
do not benefit. Maybe we don't spent too much in the Restaurants but I wouldn't mind the
income from a few of the Campingcars food shopping, deisel, gas and etc.

The Maniac of Saint Trojan should get a mention too. Here in Trojan, Campingcars are
welcomed but of course not by all. We understand that some Restaurant owners think a
Campingcar takes up a place where a diner could park.
The Maniac of Saint Trojan keeps Restaurant hours and likes to blast his horn near
Campingcars when he leaves work late at night,he has been doing it for several years.
He is not unique, there was one in Biarritz too,I just hope I have never eaten in this
small minded fools establishment.

The rest of July passed by with lots of sun and several huge storms, one good soaking
right through to the skin is par for the course, We saw it coming on the beach but
thought it may miss us. No matter how fast we pedalled on our velos we couldn't dodge
those spots.
We varied our Municipal Aire stopping places with Vineyards and friends on the Charente
Maritime mainland some times we really slum it.

Oleron Island is typically represented by the Hollyhocks which grow in abundance, up
through the pavement in places and boats. I know you don't want to see pictures of bikini babes.

A nice little village in Charente Maritime is Mornac arty and boaty.

There will be no loop to the South this year so no visit to La Spice. We want to take
a look at the Massif Central.