Thursday 22nd.

A restful day. We walked this morning along the river, near the site. 

Then back to RosieMay to sit and read, have a restful lunch and plot a route to Lake Como for tomorrow. 

Then off out again for a walk through the woods on the other side of the river, with our umbrellas as we were experiencing summer showers!  

But every lining has a silver cloud....

And coming back through the trees we saw this, which is not listed in my Northern Europe flower guide, but looks like a pasqueflower relative. 

Wednesday 21st.

A day exploring Chamonix and the surroundings. We walked to town and explored the shops and drank coffee. As there was a heat haze and clouds around the high mountain tops we decided not to go up in the cable car but to take the rack railway up to Montenvert overlooking the Mer de Glace glacier. 

We explored the various exhibitions explaining the formation of the glacier and an underground exhibition  of rock crystals and then found a lunch spot out of the wind.

When we had seen everything we walked back to the station only to be told that the electric train that brought us up had broken down and we would have to wait while the broken one was recovered and the diesel backup train was sent up to us. It wouldn't happen if this was Switzerland!

They did offer us free coffee but as we had already sampled their poor excuse for cappuccino ( we have become coffee snobs now) we declined. When the diesel pulled in to the station an hour later a large cheer went up from the assembled mob. 

We were able to spot the site on the way down. 

Safely at the bottom we bought provisions, took more photos of the glacier below Mont Blanc and then walked back to the site. 

Tuesday 20th.

Now this is a proper holiday. 

Croissants for breakfast and snow for supper!

Another long journey made longer by two diversions and the sat nat not understanding that when I said No Tolls I meant no going into Switzerland tolls as well! We nearly saw Geneva close up - we saw the border crossing and the toll signs but then did a hasty three point turn in the police station yard and took a cheaper road. Which took us to a very nice picnic spot for lunch...

The range of mountains in the background are the ones that gave Jurassic its name. And we drove up and down them on a scary road on our way to not going to Geneva. Fortunately we didn't have to go back over them!

Then on to Annecy - right through the middle in fact, town square and all! You have to love sat nav's.

We are now on the Camping Mer de Glacé site near Chamonix in the shadow of the Mont Blanc range. This is the view. 

We are here for three nights and we have free wifi.

Monday 19th. France.

An early start from Folkestone. 

We got on an earlier train than expected because we got to the Tunnel in plenty of time!

Then a dash down the east of France avoiding all the toll roads. So many back roads, and villages and a few towns and cities too. 

We stopped a few times including a very nice lunch stop by a canal.

Never mind the scenery look at those wood stacks. Kate was very jealous. 

Then onward, ever onward. Langres looked very interesting but we had no time to stop - I will have to send our very own Passe par Tout Pierre to investigate and write a report. 

We are now settled at Croix d'Arles site, South of Langres, with wine and tea - no need to guess which is mine. 

We seem to have travelled over 373 miles today. And even more in kilometres!

Sunday 18th.

We are on the CC site at Black Horse Farm near Folkestone now.

We stopped off at NT Knowle on the way. 

The Italian Tour - Saturday 17th

A change of plan. We left home a day early and drove to Tredegar House CC site for the night. It is on our way to Folkestone and we won't be able to hear our neighbours 21st birthday party from here. 

St David's Caravan and Camping Club Site

A very nice site with sea views. Book a hard standing as these have the best views. Good loos and showers. About a mile from the coastal path at Abereiddy. Good fish and chips in the Shed at Porthgain. 

The Three Oaks CL.

Field site near Pembroke. Slightly sloping field that was too wet to drive on. Slightly sloping hard standing. Facilities were In a converted pigsty..... I need say no more..

Saturday - Aberdaron

A very nice day - bright but windy. A walk down to the cliffs to see a standing stone and views out to Bardsey Island.







Then a longer walk this afternoon around the cliffs.

Friday - Ty Newydd site, Aberdaron.

A pleasant drive stopping to take photos of Portmerion across the estuary.



Then through Portmadog to a National Trust house and garden.

Then on to Aberdaron and an evening walk to see the sunset.


RosieMay can be seen in the middle of the field.

Thursday - Harlech

By train to Portmadog to see the steam trains. And a walk to Borth y Gest.

Wednesday - Harlech

A day at Portmerion - using Public Transport!
We toured the village and all the shops then walked the woodland path to the lighthouse.

Tuesday - Harlech

To the castle and then round the town. 

The view from the castle. 

Then a six mile walk on the beach. 

Monday. Through Aberystwyth to Harlech.

Wonderful walks along the front at Aberystwyth and up the funicular. Then around the town.





Then along the coast to Min y Don site below Harlech Castle.






And a walk along the beach.

Gwern y Bwlch CC site

Well laid out site. Good views. No facilities only hook up.
Photos for this trip - click here