Despite the storm we sleep well and wake to a dry, partly sunny and mild morning. The wind has dried the muddy parking spot and we extract ourselves with no problems. Our travels start by heading north towards..... Leclerc! We stop for a good load as it is a while since the last big shopping session. Leclerc d'Oleron also has a conventional fuel station and LPG, if only we'd known. Then it's on to St Denis d'Oleron, through lots of small vineyards, with a ...

The rain didn't let up all night but at least the power stayed on. By 10:30 it starts to clear up and the sun comes out. We go over to look at the river in full flood this morning with the sun shimmering on its surface. First priority today is to top up the LPG so we aim for Leclerc in Royan, but on the way we travel along the deserted seafront past hotels and long empty beaches. Leclerc turns into a farce within a farce. The main entrance leads to the narro...

From very early morning we are lashed by a storm; torrential rain and force 6-7 winds. Leaves and twigs and seed pods clatter against the roof and sides. By the time we are up it has subsided to heavy sporadic showers, but doesn't look promising for a day of scenic driving. We use the service point and leave around 11:15 with the idea of stopping in Surgeres for coffee and planning the next move there. As we head south the skies lift and roads are only just d...

There is a glow in the sky as the sun rises through the semi naked willow. A tiny wren flits around the wheels of an ancient rusting seed drill placed under it for decoration. We leave in sunshine, welcome after three sploshy days, which creates high contrast and colours on the fields we drive alongside. The twin domed towers of St Jean d'Angely stand out ahead and before we enter this familiar town and stop in its Intermarche for 'a few bits and pieces'. Near...

Heavy rain and strong winds don't improve Chabanais this morning. We set off via a fuel stop and drive along a pretty cross country route west through yet more gorgeous autumn woodlands. Although there are showers there is not the grey mistiness of the last couple days. Near Cellefroiin we stop in a quiet layby for lunch and look back over our options for tonight. An aire at Matha, by the river, has electricity points so we set off for that. The rain stops a...