Mon 11 Aug and on to Briare, France

A cold start across the plain passing loads of vine growing areas. A good bit of flying by a helicopter who was spraying the crops---- what low flying and looked dangerous !

and saw the tiny tractors made to go up between the vines

noone is about- it's August and nearly everyone is on holiday, every town you drive through you are lucky to see one person and the banks are shut on Mondays - so no hope of changing US $ today.we were lucky to find one restaurant that was open and had an omelette!I'm beginning to get a phobia that a bomb has landed and noone has told us!

got chucked out of the bar in the hotel at 9.55 pm as he said he was shutiing up then!

Tues 12 aug and on to Le Mans. this is a big city but there was hardly any traffic
but it was nice to see some other people and some shops that were open! walked up to the old town area. The trams are so quiet here that they sound a siren as they approach.

Wed 13 Aug and to Port En Besson which is a bustling port and preparing for a Festival of the Sea-- all the boats are decorated, as are the streets.

the main road goes over the inlet and the bridge has to open to allow the boats to come through.

thurs 14 aug a day off and to see the Bayeaux tapestry.Bayeaux is a lovely town with a cathedral with 4 spires

went to the circular cinema and saw the wartime film and visited several museums.

Fri 15 Aug - another day off and visited a Chateaux.

sat 16 Aug- poddled along the sea road which was lovely and today the sea is calm- so bodes well for tomorrow ! Tonight we have 'flown the flag'and have attatched a Union Jack to the topbox !

Sun 17 Aug and on to the fast ferry at 11. 30 am. we were late docking in Poole but were very pleased to see mike, sue and harold who had come to meet us.--- that was great.

first sight of UK soil

last step off the bike at home !

Total miles : 6527

Petrol costs £410.83

Brendon and Tasha are now in Ukraine and are coming straight home-- they really have had a tough time and I take my hat off to them for accomplishing all that they have done. our thoughts and prayers have been with them all the way.

So that's it folks-- We are glad to be home- and back in our own bed ! I don't think we will be attempting a trip to that area again --- perhaps a coach holiday should be next !!!!!!