Wednesday 18th September

There is a touch of autumn in the air this morning. The tables and chairs left out over night have a film of dew on them.

Camping l’Ardèchois is a very fine site (and so it should be for 50€ a night!) with a good dog walking area, that is just a little short for a decent ball chase, but the real reason we are here is because it is only 3km from the Pont d’Arc the world famous natural ‘bridge’ that spans the river. Over millennia the river got fed up going around a massive lump of limestone so created its own short cut through it.

We walked over the hills between the campsite and the gorge as there is no path along the river and had stunning views along the valley and the thickly wooded cliffs on either side. Just like yesterday, the site has been thoughtfully managed so that nothing detracts from one of the worlds natural wonders, Durdle Door eat your heart out! Even the folk sunbathing and the canoes pulled up on the beach seemed to enhance rather than detract from the view. Ambition #2 achieved!

We picnicked on rocks overlooking a set of rapids immediately before the arch, betting on which would be the next canoeists to capsize in front of us. There was the reason we had chosen not to canoe this river. It turned out the chances of navigating the cascade successfully was about 3/5.

Wendy and I planned to catch the free bus back to the campsite, but when we got to the stop, discovered that the next bus was on Saturday, so we walked back along the road, past a couple of campsites already closed until next year, through a tunnel and discovered a bar in a cave right by the side of the road.

To satisfy the dog fans, here are some photos of Bryn sleeping and walking on a loose lead. He’s really not that interesting when he’s well behaved. 

Tonight we bid farewell to the Fozzies after three and a half amazing weeks touring together. Tomorrow they are heading home, via the Auvergne, to await the birth of grandchildren 4 & 5. We have had a great time together and we are very grateful for their company that has enhanced our escapades, not to mention the top class photography.

Safe travels on your journey back and we look forward to hearing good news very soon.

Now, Where are we going to go?