Montmarault - 2 November 2022

Another good, quiet and dark night with no overhead street lighting.

Tintin drove today - about 3 hours. We spent about 50km on the soon to be opened A79 - (on 5 November). The 88km section is gradually being widened from two single lanes into two dual carriageways. It was a bit frustrating as we were on one lane the whole time, with a speed limit mainly of 70km. Apparently, vehicles won’t have to stop at all, as overhead detectors will read your ‘tag’  - the system will be ‘free flow’ with no barriers - like it is already in Portugal. Lovely smooth service, and we didn’t have to pay.

We like that almost everywhere, places look clean, well maintained and cared for. The French often have a good display in the middle of their roundabouts - only took a photo of two today!

The scenery is beautiful, and varied. It’s a joy to see so many different coloured cows, horses and sheep being where they should be - outside. Plus, everything is so green! Being sunny helps too! Been about 17°? today - due to rain and be cooler tomorrow.

We’re just parked up in some random French Aire. Most important was a quick walk to the boulangerie. More a traditional artisan baguette (all that was left!) - but crusty and tasty. Bought a couple of cake like things for later - one coconut and jam, the other chocolate and nuts - both chewy and good.

We walked to the Carrefour this afternoon, as there wasn’t really anywhere else to go to! Needed some more milk, and bits and pieces - again!

Not many pictures - and not a lot to say.

It’s been a very sad sort of day. It would have been my Mum’s 82nd birthday today, our first year without her on her birthday. Sarah very thoughtfully took some flowers for her and left them on the bench where we’ve had a plaque for Mum and her sisters - overlooking Fermain where they all grew up. Stevie obviously was helping!