Here we go again
There is a lot involved in going away on holiday. Especially when as we go away for not just days, but weeks.
It’s not just about making sure you have enough climbing kit for all eventualities.
All other climbing eventualities kit
Alpine kit
… it’s also about a million and one other things that need doing before departure.
Mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, telling the neighbours etc. Right down to, what to do with the tomato and courgette plants that Mrs P has been carefully nurturing. We didn’t think we would be able to get away this summer, so Mrs Greenfingers herself had committed to the care and succour of multiple plants. With hindsight this was perhaps not a great idea. Who will look after them? More importantly, how can we transport these huge plants to anyone living more than two doors away?
A novel use for a bike rack
Gandalf (our camper van) and his bike rack came to the rescue here. Two rather slow and cautious trips later and Mrs P’s pride and joy had been delivered to one very happy new owner.
And then it’s off. By ferry to France headed for Austria’s snowy peaks. We are VERY excited.
Day one, Thursday 13 July, sees us well on our way with an overnight stop at Châlons-en-champagne.
The weather is great, the campsite peaceful…
Erm…
Gandalf hanging out in the Champagne region of France.
Well, maybe not for long. Tomorrow is Bastille Day here in France. For those who don’t know it commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. That event marked the start of the French Revolution, during which the monarchy was overthrown and a lot of people’s heads where unceremoniously detached from their bodies courtesy of madam guillotine.
The night may not be so quiet after all, fireworks (or is it gun fire?) are already going off in the distance.
Vive la Revolution!
In France that phrase is a precursor to violence and much bad tempered shouting. They don’t need much of am excuse. Interestingly, in England, the same phrase is merely the precursor to a lot of stern letters to the Times.
I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow. If we make it through the night.
