Just like the locals

One of the slightly clichéd things to do in the wine growing areas of France is the "dégustation" and never afraid of a cliché we found a wonderful Co-operative in Sérignan, a close village to our campsite. Whilst going through the expected tasting and the potential purchase of a few "real" bottles, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, the locals in line at the other end of the outlet with all manner of empty water bottles and more regular wine carriers. We finalised our purchase but in between time I nipped out to the car where I had a couple of 1.5l water bottles. These were pressed into immediate srevice and filled with the local Rosé and White with a 1.5l bottle costing €1.48 - for the equivalent of two bottles. Needless to say this was the routine for the rest of the holiday as we filled and emptied the water bottles and gained loyalty points with each purchase!

And how was the wine? Superb - and all the better because of the price! We brought a few water bottles home and consumed the wine on this side of the Channel and it still tasted great - always a true test of the quality.

Top speed - could be quicker!

And it was - two days later I managed to squeeze another 1.5 mph out of this hill. In between, I sped down the same descent with a stiff headwind and I barely crested 30 mph. The descent was virtually straight and open allowing me to concentrate on speed and try a tuck position to try and wring the last mph out of the downhill. Then again I could have pedaled harder at the top but that takes some of the fun out of it!

And yes - that is an Avocet 30 "computer" that is still running! Pre-dates Hannah by a couple of years - so about 15 years old at least. I'm not the typical consumer and for some things, I seem to take care of things and they last forever!

We love French Supermarkets

With a self-catering holiday there is the obvious need to buy food and drink and following many years of past visits to France we know the Supermarket scene inside out. As we arrived at a reasonable time on a Saturday afternoon we quickly unpacked into the mobile home and went on the first "trolley dash". We didn't want to leave things until the Sunday morning as we have been caught out by odd French opening hours before, so off we went on our voyage of discovery.

After a few u-turns and signs that never delivered, we found the "mother of all" Hyper Champions in a purpose built small retail park about fifteen minutes from the campsite.

Even though we flirted with an even bigger Auchan, a strangely attractive Hyper-U and some smaller stores, we always returned to the Champion - even their petrol was keenly priced.

The top picture shows a section of the Canal du Midi that stretches from Sête to Toulouse - shot on a rare overcast day as we visited the Auchan Hypermarket in Béziers.

Halfway house

As our wonderful English weather has been so poor throughout August, it doesn't take too much to take my mind back to our wonderful holiday in France. To break up the journey south, I arranged an overnight stay at Chateau Ribagnac, just outside Limoges and Colette and Patrick welcomed us like old friends. This is part of the charm of the Chateau as their easy company compliments the stunning surroundings, fantastic food and new found friendships. We joined the "regular" guests for aperitifs and then a long and luxurious four course dinner, finally skipping coffee and rising from the table at midnight.

After a continental breakfast and a few "goodbyes" we were on our way south and the Girls were predictably wowed and impressed having experience something first hand after seeing so many pictures. A wonderful start to the holiday and almost the last time we would speak English for the next two weeks!

Almost there . . .

After a break from this project, there was a major push this and last weekend. Last week I completed the second and final emulsion coat and this weekend I tackled the woodwork. A few finishing bits and pieces tomorrow should see this finally finished and then I will tackle the stairway woodwork!