Cooler weather this morning but Ali is hot under the collar and very frustrated. Despite doing one load of washing at the gite on Monday it was only half then and the pile keeps building. Then she finds an animal has been through the rubbish bin. To top it all the batteries are running low so she can't have a much wanted shower.

We need a campsite for a day. Camping Rejellant is 112 miles north in Ruffec; a phone call confirms that they have space for only €12/night and that they have a washing machine.

The first half of the trip is through various up and down rural scenery, sunflowers, vines, hay and woods, then near Angouleme we join dual carriageway for fifty odd miles. We arrive a the site at 14:10 and are met at the gate by a man in a golf buggy who leads us straight to the pitch. We get hooked up to electricity and put the wheelchair batteries on charge. The first load of washing goes in and a line is hung between tree and van. Second load in, first load on line, line breaks, more frustration. Line rehung, washing billowing in wind. Nice.

Muppets across the way try to light BBQ but end up with broadband smoke-signalling system all through site - and washing. Ali quite cross now... But help is at hand! Rain comes and douses bonfire. And washing.

'You have to smile' Nick tells Ali. The reply has been censored.

Anyway, short shower then sunshine again. Washing starts to dry.

The site is peaceful, charming and cheap and the staff are helpful and friendly. Our pitch is right next to the bar which has cold beer on tap. A couple of glasses brought back to have with chicken and chips for dinner and an evening of music puts everything right.

We make a few plans for our next week heading up through the Loire on our way to Brittany and home.

By bedtime the laundry is dry enough to come in for airing, the volts are going up on the batteries and the cool evening is a pleasant relief.

All is well.