We have now left the Tarn Valley and have headed north towards Calais and home. The drive through the Massif, the Cevennes, was wonderful if somewhat clouded by...cloud. What is quite striking is that for some of the journey we were driving at someting like 3500 feet of more. This is impossible (?) in the UK. The scenery changes between about 700 meters and 1000 meters is notable. At about 700-800 meters it really looks like England, with rollong fields and dec...

Episode 1: Weight Several years ago, around 2010, I made one of my rare visits to the doctor in Rainham. After a few words he suggested that I get on the scales. To my horror I tipped the scales at 16st 5lb. Although I knew I was a little porky, since I resisted the idea of using the scales, I had no idea what that meant in terms of pounds and ounces. Suitably horror struck I immediately cut out the extra bread and cheese sandwiches at 10am and switched to ...

Camping Les Prades is in the valley of the Tarn. It is surrounded by steep valley slopes of sharp rocks and outcrops. It is peaceful and quiet although I am told that this will not last! The area is very popular with the French and this means two things. Firstly, that the campsite that is quite large will get overrun by many campers and others so that will generate noise. The site is ideal for any people who like water borne fun. Canoes and kayaks are available ...

Today we bid farewell to the south and began the trek north and home. It has been an eventful few weeks but very enjoyable. Today was full of contrasts except for the wind. Yet again it has blown and gusted so it put paid to any cycling activity. At times it was so strong that it blew the van about on the motorway but the views were worth the wobbling of the vehicle. After leaving Lambesc, and buying six bottles of wine from the local cave, we headed west towar...

We have come to Lambesc. The reason for that, in one sense, is that it is the start of the return home. However, we have only moved about 60 kilometers from Peynier so, if we keep that up we will get home in December! But the real reason was because Meryl found a cycle guide and details of a cycle route. Now you might have gathered that we have done just a little bit of biking on this trip. Unfortunately Meryl found the hills around Peynier too much of a challen...