Colin had some more appointments in France so he and I headed back up in early/mid October. We stopped in Logrono as usual to pick up a few cases of Rioja.
As we were staying overnight in the large camper parking area just north of the river we took the opportunity of going across the pedestrian bridge and walking around the ‘old town’ a bit.
We stopped at a bar in one of the main squares and had a drink, then moved along to another one.
We were actually hoping to find a nice tapas bar but perhaps were on the wrong street.
In any case we had another drink, then Colin got a frozen yogurt cup from one of the many yogurt shops.
We kept seeing folks passing us carrying guitars, etc – they were buskers as that seems to be a big thing here. Also we were approached by a couple of beggars – also seems to be big here.
Logrono is an important stop along the Camino so there are lots of statues and signs along the way.
After a fairly quiet night we were on our way early in the morning, passing by Bordeaux with no problem, and arriving back in Mansle in the early evening.
After reading for the last couple of months about all the rain and crappy weather in Mansle we seem to have timed our return right as we’ve had relatively nice weather. We even got out for some bike riding which felt very good – it’s hunting season here so I did use a high-viz vest.
We spent one Sunday going to the monthly market in Rouillac – it’s a huge one and was very well attended. I actually made a purchase – some new black track pants.
On our way out of the market area we stopped and got some fresh beef sausage – excellent for lunch with new potatoes and peas.
The following weekend we returned to the same area and went to the Roman ruins ‘Les Bouchauds’…
…which has a large amphitheatre and sanctuary, and is still an active archaeological dig site.
The amphitheatre is built into a hillside and there are fabulous views from the top.
The bike ride we went on a couple of days after Nov 1 – All Saints Day in France – all of the local cemeteries had loads of new fresh flowers, mainly chrysanthemums.
As we went through the village of Monpaple on the way home that same day we heard a loud noise – it was a flock of cranes above us heading south for the winter.
Sally McKenzie's European Adventures 