Set off Ne towards Nimes, not been going 5 mins before dreaded wind
starts. Its a northerly so part side and part headWind. Quickest way
to Nimes is N113 but it's so nerve wracking with the wind and fast
traffic I decide to get off it after about 20km. Branch off onto
lovely rural road at Uchaud and stop for a while for a bite to eat and
watch some camarque white horse. Get to destination at Remoulins and
camp by side of the Gardon river. Really nice sheltered woodland
patch.
Tues 24th
Cloudy, windy and rain in morning but rain stops about 10:00. Take
stroll into Remoulins, nice medieval centre. Walking across bridge
over the Gardon I had to lean sideways and occasionally grab rail to
prevent being blown into road. Visit Pont du Gard in afternoon, very
impressive, an incredible construction for what is essentially a
single file footbridge.
Weds 25th mar
Tent zips have been gradually failing over the months due to strain on
them. With its crude pvc and mesh patches and half open zips the tents
got a goth/punk look I quite like. Hope it holds out till I get back.
Set out for Avignon. Main roads most of the way but pleasant scenery
and first views of snow capped Rhone Alps. Nice view of Avignon on
approach then branch off to campsite which is directly opposite the
famous bridge. Pitch up then stroll into Avignon for quick recce. Tent
overlooks the town so get nice view as sun sets.
Thur 26th mar
Walk into Avignon and make way to tourist info to get a town plan.
Visit main sites, papal palace, st. Benezet's bridge etc. then meander
side streets for a while to get away from all the tourists. Something
of interest at virtually every turn. Find nice quiet square in front
of library to have lunch then walk around city walls for a while
before heading back for a cuppa. Fascinating town with plenty to see
and do. Take afternoon stroll along banks of Rhone before dinner.
Really pleasant and interesting day.
Fri 27th mar
Glorious sunshine so catch up on washing as down to last set of
clothes. Walk into Villenueve lez Avignon, on the other side of the
Rhone, in afternoon. Visit Philippe le Bel tower as they have abstract
photography exhibition on. The tower originally controlled access to
other side of Avignon bridge. At the time this side belonged to
kingdom of France and the Avignon side was the border of the Holy
Roman Empire. Good views from top of the tower. Walk through historic
centre to fort St. Andre. Apparently this town has more historic
monuments per square metre than any other in Europe. Wonderfully
intriguing place, whereas Avignon has a sombre grandeur this place is
brighter, more human and friendly. Thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Sat 28th mar
Cloudy day. Take another walk into Avignon to take audio tour of
bridge history and visit Rocher de Doms, the site of the original
neolithic settlement and now 'english' gardens. Manage to get back
just before rain starts in afternoon. Rains all afternoon so do very
little.
3 comments:
Pip - I am getting a bit worried about your mental state, are you having a trans-gender crisis?? I refer to the statement in your blog thus - ''glorious sunshine, must catch up on washing''
You seem to have be captured by Avignon so here are some extra facts!!(from wiccy!)
The bridge has achieved worldwide fame through its commemoration by the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon"
chorus as follows:
Sur le pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond
In fact, people probably would have danced beneath the bridge (sous le pont) where it crossed a river island (the Ile de Barthelasse) on its way to Villeneuve. The island was (and still is) a popular recreation spot, where pleasure gardens once stood and folk dancing was a popular pastime for many years. The bridge itself is far too narrow to have accommodated dancers.[1]
P.S. Ellie says 'it seems you have been away for years and would like you to come back now!'
So you're still plagued by the old "dreaded wind after going for 5 mins" problem, eh? Thought it might have cleared up by now. Fingers crossed 'n all that. Hang on a second; I seem to recall it was a Southerly not Northerly issue, or is my memory playing tricks again? Think I'll get some more RAM installed then walk round the block twice and see if I can remember err... my house number, why I started, my own name...any of these will do. Senior moments are the best 'cos one can just put one's bumbling efforts down to senility. So said Col last time we all met, anyway.
As Led Zep said: "Ramble On..duh duh duh duh"
Phil,
How the devil are you dear boy? Do I detect a homeward bound tone in your recentest blogging?
Seriously dont rush, theres nothing going here. Besides I am squatting in your house with some middle aged ladies of ill repute, kicking back an smokin da pipe! Some redecoration may be in order upon your return.
Godspeed and I look forward to welcoming you at your door with open arms.
Pints of bitter may be appropriate when we meet but the following words will be banned from the pub conversation : trip, bike,Cycling, punctures, wind, tent, foreign,Crap,spain, Portugal, france , old ruins,museums...............................................................only joshin bud
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