Now the last day has arrived.

Yesterday we went to Ventnor where we had a walk along the promenade and a drink. Lots of people in the sea. We bought crab sandwiches to take away, for lunch.

Moved inland to Godshill where we had booked a table for that evening's final dinner. Found it to be the IoW's most visited destination.  An old village with lots of tourist shops. But no parking! At least there was a huge car park which belonged to a complex of shops but it was locked at 6.00 p.m. which was no good for that evening.

Moved back towards the sea and followed the coast on the Military Road to Mottistone where there was a National Trust garden.

Walked round the garden and had a drink before returning to Godshill. Parked  in the huge shop carpark and Lynda washed her hair while I explored, looking for somewhere to park after 6.00 p.m. Found a space on an estate, where we had parked earlier,  and moved there.

Got changed and went to pub/restaurant.

Had a lovely meal and said our goodbyes to the Martins.

Returned to the site and managed to drive too far, in the dark, onto my ramps! The van slipped off the back and broke the end lip of both ramps - still, no real damage done.

Today we set off home, catching the 12.00 o'clock ferry. We will head for Holme on Spalding Moor before heading home.

Went to Morrison's for some supplies and a money off fuel voucher, and then travelled to Shanklin for the beach. Eventually found the esplanade and a helpful local authority traffic officer advised me about parking.  Had to pay for two places - £9.

The Martin's arrived shortly afterwards and we headed to the beach. Found a spot and headed into the water (4 of us). It was quite cold. !

After a brief swim and a sit Olivia and I hired a pedalo. Spent about 20 mins pedaling about the bay. Followed this activiy with a picnic and then Darren and I went for a walk to both ends of the esplanade.  After a few bat and ball games we returned to the carpark.
Received praise and a round of applause after manoeuvring the van out of the carpark,  missing parked cars by mere millimetres.  Returned to site where we sat in the sun and Lynda drank nearly a whole bottle of rose.

Today we went to the garlic farm where we bought some garlic! And some other garlicky products. We then moved onto the vineyard where we walked round the tour and then tasted some wines. Unfortunately they were out of stock of their red wine, but Lynda bought some rose.

From there we moved to Carisbrooke Castle where there was an  'event'. Lots of mediaeval stalls and the highlight was a jousting tournament.  4 knights represented the North, South,East and West. Of course the Knight representing the North won!!!

Returned to the site for fillet steak - lovely!

Last day tomorrow. Planning to tour the island, maybe see a couple of gardens and then meet up with the Martin's for a last meal. We head home on Thursday while they head to a friend of Darren's in Kent.

It has been a day or two since my last blog, but I now have account access to wifi.

The trip from Calais to the CL was along the south coast, an area we have not really explored before. We will have to come back.

The CL was beautiful,  5 hard standings, lots of space and lots of short grass. And the sun was shining.  Walked up to the village pub for a meal.

The following day we went to the village shop, a community run enterprise for breakfast and a few provisions before returning for the journey along the coast to Portsmouth. 

Eventually found the ferry and set sail for the IoW. 

Olivia,  Claire and Darren were waiting in a pub for us.  Had a drink and then went to find our campsite before going to the needles for fireworks. 

3 went on the chairlift,  and2 walked down the steps to the beach, very stoney.  We then went on a boat trip out to the Needles.  It was all very pleasant. 

Returned to the carpark for the fireworks which were quite impressive.  We then made a quick exit to try to get back to our campsite before the gates closed at eleven. Made it.

The next day was Claire's birthday. We walked into Sandown and got some cash and then in the afternoon we moved to the Martin's site for one night. Had a swim in the pool before barbecuing duck breasts. 

The next day we went to Osborne House. It rained a little but it was a good day out. Returned to our campsite for sausage and mash. 

Yesterday we spent the whole day at the Garlic Festival. After one huge downpour it turned sunny and hot. Had a go on a Segway. An interesting experience which included running over the instructors foot.

The highlight of the day was the appearance of Chesney Hawkes who was quite good, well Claire seemed impressed. 

Bought a load of stuff in Euro City and then followed Betty (Tom Tom) to a none existent campsite. Her second attempt was much better - a nice little ste in a village.

This morning we returned to Euro City to fulfill an order and buy some forgotten surplies. Then went into Calais to fill with diesel before arriving early for the ferry. Just got started making sandwiches for lunch when we discover all the vehicles in our lane had gone!

Packed up quickly and boarded an early ferry.

Heading for a CS tonight before getting the ferry to the Isle of Wight tomorrow.

Spent the night on a France Passion are just north of Le Harvre.

Now in Euro City in Calais!

Sail to Dover tomorrow.

Got up this morning and it looked a reasonable day so we decided to stay another night.

Walked down into town and bought a pressy, and then went for a promenade along the bay. The tide was in but there were a few swimmers and lots of sailors.

We returned to the centre and bought a baguette before returning to the site. After a brief rest and a drink we returned to town dressed for la mer. When we arrived in the water it felt cold but we soon exerted our bravery and swam! Returned to the beach and chilled before returning to the site, via an ice cream and some gift shops, for lunch (3.00 o'clock)

Sun occasionaly bursting through with a searing heat.

Begin the treck to Calais tomorrow.

We left Quimper yesterday and headed south to Benodet. A small seaside town with a Carrefour so we stocked up.

Travelled north intoy North Finisterre stopping of in a little town with a big church and a Calvary. Had a sandwich, a coke and a chocolate eclair.

Drove up to the north coast and eventually found a France Passion site - a farm with four other vans.

Minor damage to a rear panel leaving the site. Just like Morocco but the other side - merde!!!

Travelled along the coast with lots of other tourists, many in Motorhomes. Eventually found a campsite with a sea view (if you jump up!). However the sun is shining and it is all very pleasant.

Probably head into St Malo tomorrow.

Spent yesterday visiting more Arthurian legend sites. Then went to Josselin. Looked around but apart from the castle with its three Rapunzel towers there was nothing to make us stay as the best restaurant was closed in the evening.

Decided to travel on to Quimper. By accident we came upon the campsite we had read about - over E40 per night!. Tried to buy a cooked chicken - none left, tried the restaurant - nothing spectacular, so returned to van and pigged out!.

Today we walked into Quimper and after a bit of history - the market and the cathedral, we found the recommended posh restaurant for lunch.

A couple of hours later we ambled through the town and back to the van where we made a valiant attempt to maintain our (my) alcohol levels.

A little bit of free WiFi tme left this morning!

It's another beautiful day, having breakfast outside the van.

Then it is off to the land of King Arthur! The same legend here as in Cornwall.

Hoping to find a nice restaurant for tomorrow - maybe in Quimper.

Travelled along the Loire yesterday and arrived at a France Passion site, a winemaker in a village called Haute Guerlan. The family were having late lunch (Sunday) when we arrived. Set up on shady area of grass. Had a drink and a sit and then walked into the village, it was closed.

Returned to the van and had a drink, a sit and a meal while the family played various games, boules, petanque etc.

After breakfast this morning we went to taste the wine. We bought a few bottles at 2.40 Euros a bottle.

Travelled around Nantes into the centre of Brittany. Walked around various megalithic stone sites at St Just, walked into the old centre of Redon, stopping to watch boats go through the lock, and on to Rochefort en Terre.

Found the campsite and got pitched. Walked into the village - very old and pretty. Went to a free folk concert. Had galettes and a beer (Lynda a cider). Band were from Ireland - stayed for three songs and then returned to van.

Tomorrow we intend to explore the area further visiting Josselin and the area associated with King Arthur and Merlin.

Arrived in Amboise yesterday.  Went straight to Montlouis to fulfill the wine  orders. Returned to Amboise to the campsite. Took ages to register - typical French! Took even longer to get through the barrier as the code did not work. Frustration levels were high!

The weather forecast was for strong winds and rain,  and this duly arrived, with thunder, at about 10 o'clock.

Sunny again this morning.  Walked into Amboise and went up past the chateau. Followed signs Clos Luce  which turned out to be the house and garden where Leonardo da Vinci lived. Can't believe we have been to Amboise three times previously and never found this Chateau.

Gardens full of working models of many of his inventions. Very interesting.

Moving northwest tomorrow into Brittany although the actual destination is as yet undecided. 

Sitting in an Aire in Broglie just south of Rouen. The sun has shone all day. Avoided all tolls and had a great journey, although Rouen itself was the usual nightmare. The Aire cost 5 Euros - the first money spent in France. Heading for Ambois tomorrow. Probably stay on the campsite for A couple of nights and source some Montlouis.