22nd July
Travelled down the Dordogne today and stopped at Bergerac. Nice Municipal site on the river. Nice old VW camper pulled in next to us. Saw many a Castle today. This area is so picturesque you can understand why so many people tour here.


23rd July
Wandered around Bergerac for a while and then headed west again. So hot today! Thought we would make a dash for the coast and treat ourselves to an evening swim in the Atlantic. Arrived in Biscarrosse at around 6.30 and its still 34 degrees outside.
This is surfers heaven, the beach goes all the way to Spain. (100K or so!) Found a site in the woods. This is the first area we have found where you cannot camp wild. So the sites are a bit commercial and very packed.


24th July
Woke up bitten to death. Mozzie heaven, my hell. It`s our Kerri`s Birthday. Phoned her early and had a good chat. Miss Kerri and Chris loads! Decided we had had enough of the woods and headed inland again towards the Pyrenees. These pine forests go on for miles. Found a lovely church with unusual bell tower. Stopped in Mugron. The centre of Foir Gras country. The Madam of the passion we are staying in was so eager for us to taste hers. Principles lost out of politeness, but there`s no way i`m buying any!! (Actually tastes gross so I won`t be tempted to eat it again!) Bought some duck stew and some rough pate. Still hot so played Boule (Kevs winning 8 to 0, so far!)


25th July
Stopped just short of Lourdes as the passion we wanted to stay in was unable to take us. Poueyferre looked nice from the site but we are too hot for anything other than a swim!! The sat nav sent us down some tiny roads again today. There are new houses being built all over the place with the most amazing views.

26th July
Visited Lourdes. For a non believer, this place has an awesome presence. Surrounded by the Pyrenees, nestling in a valley with a roaring river. The best bit for me was the acoustics in the round chapel. People were humming notes in harmony. Amazing noise.



Went off in search of the Lama farm we wanted to stay in yesterday. It is really high up in the mountains, almost in Spain. We were a bit early to stop so headed on up the valley to see the Lake. There is a great Municipal site on the lake shore. Going to stay here instead and do some biking in the morning. Tonight we are going to utilise
the fire pit provided to cook dinner.

27th July
Last night proved to be really ugh worthy. We set a roaring fire and gazed at the flames.

Whilst out walking and cycling we have gathered today’s fire wood. We were only 5 or 6 Kilometres from Spain. Seems a bit near but much too far for unfit Smith’s!