That term that sailors use........

So next up Spain.....so how does one get from Croatia to Spain?????

Okay well here goes.

We headed up to the Slovenian border (its shaped like a chicken don't you know - Big River Man reference, in case you have forgotten) and then through Trieste, Italy (watch out for the smell of sulphur) then back round to Genova, this is where we tied the knot or some other sailing term to depict us crossing our outward track and sad but true the route back home...boo, hoo. Well anyway then its a push on through North Italy to lLke Garda. We stopped one night in Italy and again were horrified at the quality of campsites and the price of food and fuel. After one night we hightailed out of Italy and into France.

A cloudy Lake Garda, its there just over the hedge..........

Sean (Philippa's cousin's husband) often spends time working in the South of France so we managed to hook up in a little place called Cagnes Sur Mer near Nice. We found an Oasis of a campsite in the mayhem that is  Cagnes Sur Mer and spent a great evening with Sean.

Harley loves Sean.

Next day it was the long trek across the South of France, some stunning scenery and strong winds go hand in hand in this region. 

 

Our target was the Camargue. We had ventured here earlier but came under attack by sand flies. We really loved Saintes Maries De La Mer and its strange blend of Franco Spanish charm. We also tried the small town of Arles but were disappointing with the location of the campsite in relation to the old town so pushed onto Saintes Maries De La Mer. We weren't disappointed, no sand flies, hurrah.

 One of the beaches at Saintes Maries De La Mer

 A traditional Camargue house part thatched and shaped like a boat's hull at the back to protect it from the strong off shore winds.

 Coffee at the Poets Bar, our favorite

 The plot at Saintes Maries De La Mer

Full moon madness

 Bull fighting is still a common sight in these parts

MMmmmm and this little stowaway Mantis seemed to have made himself at home whilst we were out. This chap made it from France to Spain and that was after I threw the blighter out of the van but he sneaked back in on our outdoor chairs. He's now quite happy living in Spain and sends me regular updates on how he's doing.