The final instalment. We enjoyed a very sunny 5 days in Amsterdam. We drove to Gouda for a cheese and relaxed before heading to IJmuiden on April 18th to catch the ferry. It was full of foot passengers who hadn't been able to fly because of the Icelandic Dust Cloud. We had a pleasant crossing although it was much more expensive than the other ferries we use. It was worth it to sail into the Tyne though. To see familiar landmarks from the boat was delightful. Then it was half an hours drive and home! An excellent 106 day adventure was over, now to plan the next one.

It's Tuesday it must be Netherlands.

We arrived in Netherlands on Tuesday. It was only 160 miles but the motorways were packed with lorries, it was worse than UK. Never mind we arrived OK and found our site in Amsterdam Bos, woods just south of the city. We got the bus into Amsterdam on Wednesday and had a good look around before spending the afternoon in the Van Gogh Museum.

The weather has been excellent since we arrived so we have just chilled out on the site today as we were both quite tired. We will have a look around the area tomorrow before catching the ferry home on Sunday.

The most amazing realisation for me has been that from Amsterdam we only have a 30 mile drive to get home, 17 miles to IJmuiden then 13 miles from North Shields! Unbelievable.

Yesterday we we went to Ypres, or Ieper as it is called here. We had a most interesting afternoon looking round the 'In Flanders Field Museum'. A very informative and modern museum. At 8 o'clock we went to the Menin Gate to hear the Last Post. We expected to see 1 or 2 other people but there must have been 200 there with groups from all over the world joining together for a very moving ceremony. It's amazing that it happens every evening of the year and has done since the First World War.

Well on to Amsterdam tomorrow, our last stop before home. The sun has been shining here but we are still not used to the cold. Oh to be back in Conil!

It's Friday it must be Belgium.

On Thursday we left the Loire and drove to Belgium. The route chosen by sat-nav seemed very close to central Paris but we made it. We pitched up in Jabbeke 9 kms from Bruges after a long 300 mile drive.

On Friday we drove to the coast and were amazed to find it so developed. It seems the promenade stretches from one end of Belgium to the other. It was very interesting though.

On Saturday we got the bus into Bruges. What a lovely city. It was very lively and vibrant and busy. The market was great and we wandered the streets and visited churches at our leisure before having an enormous braatwurst each for lunch. We had a super time before getting the bus back to the site, tired but happy.

Loire

Chateaux of the Loire

We have had a lovely time in the Loire Valley. We visited Chambord although we didn't go in. It really is magnificent and we had a splendid walk around the grounds.

CHAMBORD

Then we popped up the road to visit Cheverny. We went into Cheverny as it is properly furnished in the French style. It was very good. We also tasted some of the local wines. We particularly enjoyed a white Cour-Cheverny made with the Romorantin grape.

CHEVERNY

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here but tomorrow we move on to Bruges. This will be a new experience for us and one that we are looking forward to.

Loire letter

We are now settled at Camping les Saules, probably for a week. Camping les Saules is beside Cheverny about 6 miles south of Blois in the Loire Valley. We can see the chateau from the site entrance and the golf course is just across the road. I had forgotten how beautiful this area was.

Today we went into Blois and enjoyed another stroll round a french market. I just can't resist them.

I was watching a creature swimming in a pond near to the site yesterday. I wasn't sure what it was, beaver or otter, so I went to ask at reception and was told it was a muskrat!

It was raining again this morning but I am currently looking at blue skies and have been told that the weather is improving.

Howway the lads!!!!!!

Heading North

All packed up and ready to leave St. Medard de Guizieres in the Gironde. Our next destination is Camping les Saules next to the Chateau de Cheverny in the Loire Valley. This area has been super and we are looking forward to visiting the Loire Valley again. It just appears that we are visiting everywhere a bit early this year as the weather is still not very good. Never mind onward we go. I don't know if the next site has wi-fi but lets hope that it has so that we can keep in touch.

Happy Easter to all our readers!