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Martin and Debbie Kinally
Martin and Debbie Kinally

Martin and Debbie Kinally

traveled in 16 countries Read more🇬🇧Stourbridge
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  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    1

    Homeward Bound

    October 15, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Well, it's the final day, and we're up early, I even managed to get a picture of the sunshine. Mist over the hills, and it's a lot cooler today.
    We have a good journey to the airport, a different way from the one on arrival, so it's not quite so hectic. The car's done us proud. It was small, but that's what you need on the narrow, windy, potholed roads of Corfu.
    Easy bag drop and straight through security, a quick bite, and we're on the plane coming home. It was a good flight, and I managed to see some lovely scenery.
    Back home, and it's 12 degrees, a bit of a difference from yesterday never mind, it's good to be back.
    It was a great holiday, a fabulous apartment, great weather, fabulous food and wonderful company. Thanks, Fi and Mark, for a memorable holiday. We've had fun and laughed a lot , here's to the next one.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    1121

    Small Coves Are Best

    October 14, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today's trip out is to visit some small villages and coves along the east coast.
    We're starting at Kalami where there is a house which used to belong to Lawrece Durrell, brother of Gerald Durrell. It's a tiny village with a pebbley beach and again crystal clear water. We sit and have a drink in Thomas's bar overlooking the bay.
    The next stop is just around the bay to the small harbour overlooking Houhulio Beach. You can't actually drive the car down to the harbour it's so small, but there is a taverna selling fresh fish dishes.
    Next, we stop just up the road at a view point, we are now at the closest point to Albanian we can be, we can actually see the beaches and houses.
    The last stop is Agios Stefanos, again a very small cove come harbour with a few tavernas and a couple of shops. It's lunchtime, so we stop to eat at a small taverna with it's own jetty for customers to arrive by sea, a they did. We watched two small boats depart after dining. The meal was nice, but no pictures, I forgot.
    Back to the apartment and one last chance for a dip in the pool. Fi's in straight away, but Martin takes a bit of persuading, but he does take the plunge, literally, and then wishes he hadn't, bugger it's cold.
    Packing done, and we're off for our last meal. We're returning to the first and best taverna of the week, Salt and Pepper just down the road, 3 Moussaka's and a Lamb Shank, Baclava, free bread and Pork starter and free Lemonchello, what more could you want.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    21111

    Palaiokastritsa

    October 13, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Well, that's a bit of a shock when we opened here shutters this morning. Solid cloud with a weak sun trying to burn through and considerably cooler temperature. Hopefully, by the time we're ready to go out, it will have warmed up.
    Today's jaunt is to Palaiokastritsa. It's the one place Martin can really remember from our holiday here with Kev and Di and the kids over 40 years ago. I have photos of Martin and Kevin on Pedalo's in the bay somewhere in the photo box.
    There's no town as such, just a collection of sandy bays and a harbour where you can take boat trips into the bay "to see the blue eye cave with it's crystal clear water and the natural light phenomenon with gives the cave a magical blue glow'." Yes, that's from the guidebook, There are also a couple of beautiful sandy beaches.
    After first stopping at the harbour for a look and an offer of "good price" on a boat trip, we drive around to the beach and park up, paying for a car park for the first time this holiday. The weather is starting to warm up, and the clouds are starting clear now. That's more like it.
    After a light lunch, well, let's face it, we're going on a boat trip, and we dont want it coming back up. They've all decided it's the best, and only way, to see the sights so I'm being dragged along, not exactly screaming and shouting, but very wearily. Thankfully, the sea is very calm as it's not the biggest boat in the world, only about 9 of us on it, including the skipper, but it's only 40 minutes.
    After a while, I managed to let go of Martin's hand, much to his relief, and take some pictures. The water is so clear inside the caves that you can see the different colours on the rocks and all the fish , waiting for the bread the boatman throws into the water. We pass the cove used in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, now used as a cafe/restaurant for holiday makers.
    After returning to the jetty, we have a walk around the shops and head to the beach for a paddle. This is the warmest water we've paddled in so far.
    Back to the ranch for a sit before heading back into Sidari for a meal at a lovely little taverna, no partying tonight, it's straight back home, we're going to initiate Fi into the game of Crib.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    1121

    Canal D' Amour

    October 12, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    For today's outing, 'weem guin up the cut ' or for the more refined we're going to check out the Canal D' Amour in Sidari.
    The name, when translated, means Chanel Of Love. It's a unique bay area surrounded by large cliffs, a shallow seabed, and a plethora of narrow caverns and water caves.
    According to local legend, couples who swim the length of the canal will stay in love forever, while those who swim to the furthest tip will find the love of their life. Many visitors, however, prefer to simply toss a coin into its water and wish for true love. Yes, all that came from the guidebook
    This part of Sidariis was very busy, especially on a Sunday, but it was fun, if a little scary, to watch people diving off the cliffs into the beautiful turquoise waters.
    Drinks at the bar before checking out some of Kev's recommendations for tonight's meal before heading back for a sit in the sun.
    Back to Sidari for our meal in a very traditional taverna covered in vine leaves. A Moussaka forme, a Pististio for Martin , he's been looking for one all week. A Chicken in cream sauce for Fi and a mixed Fish Platter for Mark. The cheapest meal of the holiday and very nice.
    Whilst checking out places to eat this afternoon, Martin noticed a live rock band were playing in the bar up the road, so off we go to investigate. They're pretty good, so we stop and watch the whole set. The temperature has dropped a bit tonight, but the litre of red wine seems to be keeping Martin warm. I hope his head is OK in the morning. It was a very pleasant night.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    111111

    Arillas

    October 11, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    The next town is Arillas, again another beautiful beach, and this one is sand. First off some light refreshments, sitting in the sun, looking at the sea, what more could you want, oh yes a Mai Tia, a Pink Gin cocktail and a couple of beers, followed with a club sandwich, yummy.
    Time for a paddle, Fiona and me take the plunge, Martin accompanies , but keeps his feet dry, and Mark sits, and people watche's. Another jetty to walk along and admire the crystal clear water before heading back to the car.
    We're trusting Google maps which tells us be can drive along the jetty at Agios Stefanos, but oh, oh, computer say no, it's just a big pile of rocks with a small harbour on one side and crashing waves on the other, but I think Fiona and Mark may have found a small project to work on.
    Back to the apartment for a chill before collecting take away Pizza's for tea and to watch Strictly, we know how to live on a Saturday night.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    111

    Finding our namesake

    October 11, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today, we're touring the western side of the top of the island. The first port of call is Agios Georgios, a lovely little village with a lovely beach, not quite sand more broken shells, but beautiful clear water. Fi and I leave the boys on the bench and have a paddle while collecting pretty coloured stones, perhaps a jewellery project?
    The next stop is Afionas, a pretty village high up on the rocks, know for its brightly coloured houses and golden beach. Unfortunately, parking is difficult in the village, and as we only wanted to stay a while, we objected to paying €15 for the privilege even when the price dropped to €10 for an hour. We had to be content with a picture of the road sign .
    Next stop, Corfu Brewery in Arillas Magouladon. The boys were a bit disappointed as we were hoping there would be a Brewery tap, but we only found a shop. Of course, purchases were made, and it's off the next stop. We're racking them up today    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    1
    1111

    Kassiopi

    October 10, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Our next stop is Kassiopi. This town apparently has a beautiful beach which we are heading for. The only way to get there is along the one way street through the town. It sounds good so far. What we didn't realise was the street was only just wide enough for a car, was very bumpy and twisty, and over a kilometre long with no parking except on private carparks, that's why everyone, except us, is walking. After heading back into the town and securing the last parking spot literally at the end of the harbour wall we decided to give the beach a miss and stay in the town instead.
    This is a beautiful town full of restaurants and shops with the harbour going in a semi-circular shape .
    A gentle stroll watching the boats bobbing about in the harbour up to the hill on the one-way street and it's time for a drink, right in the bar right in the harbour wall., a beautiful setting.
    We've decided to eat here before heading home and decide on the Kimi restaurant. Slightly uphill with a beautiful view over the harbour as the sun sets and the lights come on. A great meal, Potato Saganaki, Vegetables Tart, Mussels, and a Pasta dish for starters then 3 Corfu Chicken and a Mixed Souvlaki for the mains nice followed by a freebie orange cake and ice cream pudding.
    Now it's time to drive home, we were intending to be home before dark. Next time, we will make sure we are. Driving on Greek roads in the dark is not fun, but Martin got us back safely as we knew he would.
    It was a lovely day out.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    12

    Roda

    October 10, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    This morning, we were awake before the sun had risen fully, and it was a bit chilly, so much so that the cold water in the swimming pool was steaming but it wasn't long before the temperature rose to a respectable 21 degrees.
    Today, we're going for a ride to have a look at a few little towns and beaches to the eastern side of the islands north coast.
    We start at Roda, a lovely little village with a large sandy beach, a few shops and restaurants, and a very rickety wooden jetty, which, of course, we had to walk over. The sea is beautiful and clear.

    Next stop was Agios Spiridon, another small village, only 2 tavernas and a church, but again a lovely sandy beach, and no sea grass on this one , so after a bite of lunch, it's time for a paddle.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    11111111

    Slow Start

    October 9, 2025 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Well, I can't honestly believe that's the time. It was after 9.30 before we roused, nearly twelve hours in bed. Fi was up a bit earlier. We spent a leisurely morning reading and chatting before heading off to suss out Sidari.
    It's a bustling town at this time of year, so heaven knows what it's like at high season. We wandered down the main street, checking out the shops on the way, another fridge magnet to add to the ever increasing stash. We're checking out the restaurants for tonight, and there's plenty to choose from.
    A right turn down the alley, and we're right on the beach. The sea is a beautiful blue and it's a huge sandy beach lined with sunbeads and bars. These we realise are some of the same ones as is on the street we've just walked down, just the back entrance. The mountains we can see over the sea are Albania. Apparently, you can have a day trip there, should you feel like it.
    A gentle walk down the beach, and yes, you've guessed, it's drinky time, with a light snack thrown in. It's ice cream for pudding as we're walk to explore the other end of the beach. Mark notices a sunken boat a few feet out. We then spend a good few minutes watching two men trying to pull the sunken boat with the help of their mate in his car, no joy, just a broken tow rope. Mark sits and watches their endeavours to get it out while we check out the jetty and the other side of the bay, and Fi has a paddle. By the time we return, it's still not pulled out. This could take a while, so we head home for a sit by the pool or, in Fiona's case, a dip.
    The pool is not heated, so it's a bit cool, but, after encouragement, or was it ribbing, she gets in, very brave .
    Back to Sidari for a meal, all the toutes are outside trying to entice us in. Some have entertainment, we could have watched, Barry White, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, The Beatles or Madonna, but in the end we plumpt for Whitney Houston, luckily we had finished our meal before she came on. Back home to watch the footie. A good first day.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyCorfu ChaosTraveler
    1

    The Fab Four On The Road Again

    October 8, 2025 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Well, it's an early start as we're picking up our partners in crime for this expedition, Fiona and Mark at 5am.
    Thankfully, Birmingham airport seems to have ironed out the problems with security we had last time, and we've sailed through. A bit of shopping at Duty Free and a Wetherspoons breakfast, and we're boarding ready for an early take off. Good flight, I got some great pictures from the plane. We arrive ahead of time and pick up the car, smaller than we expected, and set off to Sidari.
    Getting out of Corfu town was an experience. Man, these Greek drivers are mad, but we're soon out of town and onto the smaller, quieter, bumpier, winding roads. It's not long before we arrive at the apartment. Wow, this was a good choice and better than the pictures. Our host is very friendly and shows us around, then it's unpacking before we head off in search of supplies.
    Oh look the local supermarket just happens to be opposite at taverna, it would be rude not to check it out, a swift drink and a promise to be back later for a meal, we head over the road to do the shopping and get it back home.
    After a unanimous decision of an early tea and an early night we head back to the taverna, it's only while checking out Kev's map we realise it's one of his top picks, Salt and Pepper.
    A fab meal starting with free freshly baked bread and Pork stew, Then it's a selection of cheese for starters, Moussaka, Stefado, and Beef Stew to follow. No pudding as we're all stuffed, but it's a yes to the free Lemonchello shot that comes with the bill.
    Back home and we're dropping like flies, all in bed by 10.30 our time, that's 8.30 at home. Let's see what tomorrow brings.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    11

    Calais

    September 22, 2025 in England ⋅ 🌙 5 °C

    After a good night's sleep, un a trip over the carpark tu Carrefour for some bread un summut for tea, we gets on the road.
    We're heading for Calais to park up for the night before our early train.
    Thev neva bin tu Calais itself, un as there's a new big Camping Car site opened he's decided tu give it a go. Hopefully, gettin there mid afternoon so they con ave a leg stretch along the prom and a walk into the town . He's decided tu gu fu it un use the toll motorway, e regrets it later as the euros start racking up.
    It's a good journey, more traffic today, but it's OK. Then they scare the sh, sorry life, out of me by goin uvva the Pont du Normandie, the huge bridge near Honfleur, closely followed by anuther one.
    Well, the new site is great, 8 killies from the tunnel, 102 pitches all with electric, un good size, no sardines this time.
    The weather has took a bit of a turn, it's cold, very windy un we've had rain, but them up fu a walk so off they gus. A short walk to the huge prom, but my God, it's blowing a hoolie, how they manage to keep upright, I don't know. The beach is lovely, a long expanse of fine sand, blown into drfts, un the sea is within easy reach. Lots of beach huts and the prom is full of free activities for kids, skate parks, climbing frames, un swings, etc. Theres even wooden sunloungers, un lots of seats on the prom.
    They watches an Irish ferry depart, both thankful they ay on it.
    The town itself is......a bit of a shithole with a rating of about 5, but it is a Monday in late September, un it's 4.30, un there's not much open, so back they cum.
    It's a rough night with torrential rain, waking er up. She thought she cud hear it dripping on the inside but after her wakes him up un they as a look they cor see owt, her says well it's nearly time tu get up, then checked her watch un it's only half three. Let's hope they can get back tu sleep.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler

    Carrefour to the rescue

    September 21, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Well, tuday weem starting the homeward journey, we've got 2 days tu get to Calais for the train home.
    We're gunna be doin about 400 killies tuday, most of it on motorways, un as it's Sunday there'll be no big lorries as they ay allowed to drive. He's just noticed me mileometer has just clicked over the 24,000 miles, er thinks e meant on this trip, silly sod.
    He's trying tu talk er into having a gu at driving, her ay sure, but her said OK. They change uvva at the services un off she goes, holding on tu me steering wheel for grim death until er starts tu relax. Then he starts telling er how tu use me cruise control, un weem away, 100 killies an hour, then the skies turn black un it throws it down. Why does it alus rain when er drives.
    He's checking for a stopover before Caen, but she says she's alright driving, so weem going on a bit, might as well while it's quiet un it'll save doing it in the morning traffic.
    He's found a nice little aire in Cabourg, where they con stretch their legs with a walk along the estuary. It's her fust time driving thru towns u hers doin okay till they gets tu the traffic lights where er gotta turn left down a small road tu the aire. Lights turn green un her crosses the carriageway fine, gets 10 yards down the lane and there's a sign un barrier says 'route barree' - road closed. Uh oh, luckily there's a small road behind her un an entry just in front, out he gets un directs er back un forward till the can move off, unny problem is them further forward than the traffic lights, she cautiously pulls forward just as another car turns into the road, e day know it was closed either, no signs. He reverses un pulls off, they look, both sides un the road is clear, so off she goes, following the deviation signs.
    Okay, so far, until they get tu the Aire. 'Computer say no', the aire's full, so another 3 point turn while e looks fo somewhere else. Carrefour to the rescue, according to hes site app, un the Brit who's just pulled up alongside, there's 50 pitches available on their carpark, free of charge. It's a no-brainer, so off she sets. Sure enough, huge carpark un about 15 other motorhomes, pitched up around the edge. Into reverse un parks up in a bay.
    Rain, deviation, 2 x 3 point turns, narrow roads un reverseing, not bad for a beginner, even he says so. No leg stretch as it's starting to look a bit dark, so it's time for a drink instead.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler

    Rest Day

    September 20, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Well, best laid plans un all that. .
    When his lordship finally woke up at 10.00, yes, that's right, they were a bit disappointed with the weather. When they decided tu come ere un stay 2 nights the weather said it were goin tu be sunny un warm, not wet un cool.
    Them are aving a lazy day, resting up for the journey tommora, un I'm glad o the rest un all. They sat un read till middle of the afternoon until they decided tu go for a walk to the Lac du Jaunay. The original idea was tu gu for lunch, but o course due tu waking late e day want lunch.
    It was a good walk, but the lake was a bit disappointing, could ave bin due tu the weather or the lack of people, but summut was missing. In the end they did have a bite, er had a gallette un e had a crepes, with a small beer of course.
    BBQ fu tea, so yes you guessed it, it's pis...g down, thank God for the canopy. Although it's rainy un black as yu hat looking out the front of the van, there's a quite nice sunset uvver the back of the van turning the sky a glorious pink.
    Let's hope it's better weather fu travelling tumorra .    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    11

    Transit day

    September 19, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We're off agin tuday, moving inland and north a bit. They must ave red me mind yesterday as they've promised me a rest day. The weather's looking good, so he's splashing out un booking a real site, with a comfort pitch. That means yu own tap un drain, un were stopping 2 nights, yippee.
    Good journey as we're doing quite a few killies tuday, un when we get there, it's huge site with lovely big grass, yes grass pitches. A quick tour round the site, shop, bistro cafe un swimming pool. Then it's kettle on un chairs out, sitting in the sun.
    He decides his going for a swim, hers decided she's staying ere, last time she went with him she ended up on hers hands un knees on the floor, resulting in 2 carpel tunnel operations un a new knee, un do yu know the spookies thing it exactly 2 years ago tuday .
    It's Friday, so guess what it's curry for tea. They know how tu live    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    212

    La Flotte

    September 18, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Weem moving on agin tuday, cor blimey what I'd do fur a rest. Not far, weem unny goin tu La Flotte, via the Intermache for a stock up.
    We park up on a car park just outside the town, he's read about it on one of the camping sites, half of the spaces ave bin took up by the wagons used by the men widening the road un we get the last spot.
    Off they gus un leaves me under a pine tree waiting for the cones tu drop on me bonce, hers already picked up 3 or 4, God knows what for..
    La Flotte is a bit like Saint- Martin-de-Re unny not as big, un not as busy. It's got a central harbour surrounded by shops, bars un restaurants. The idea is to have lunch, un sos not to miss out, they decide tu find somewhere first. They find a restaurant un asks the waitress for a table, apparently them just in time, she's just putting the closed sign out. It's a busy little place, galletts, creps un the usual mussles.
    After a quick deco of the menu, they decide on galletts. Her orders one with mushrooms un bacon, un e wants one with a sausage, plus two bottles of Cadette IPA. Well, the good thing about gallettres, they dow tek long tu cook, un the arrive quite quick. Well, the waitress who took the order spoke good English, but the one who brought the food day. They worked out she said foristaire, which er recognised as hers, wi mushroom, she then mumbled summut in French, they both said sausage, as yu does, un her looked blank un put the plate in front of him. Well, tu say he wore expecting that in un understatement. A gallette, potatoes, lettuce, un some of that raw ham, not a sausage in sight. They both look at each other un laffs, then he said e day think it was right, but he'd eat it. Thems tucking in when original waitress cums up, looks at his plate, looks at her un starts apologising, she said she'd orderd the wrong meal, he said he'd eat it but she said no, her ud get him a new plate. Which she ,did un was an happy bunny, he dow like that raw ham.
    After lunch they as a walk round the town with an ice cream, un er buys erself a souvenir salt celler before heading back tu me .
    We am moving down tu the end of the island near the bridge to a camping car site at Riverdoux-Plage, it's right by the sea un very poplar, so ers hoping we con get on otherwise it's a rethink. Well would you believe it they as the last spot. Packed in like sardines agin, but it's unny fu the night, un we can see the sea from the winda, unny just.
    They gus fur a walk tu the beach, bit scrubby un tides out, so the cross the road un walk a couple of hundred yards un their on the beach on the other side of the island, better beach this side un of course her decides to have another paddle. That's okay but om gunna get sand all uver me floors now. Honestly, they dow care, you know.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    2111121

    Saint-Martin-de-Re

    September 17, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We're on the move agin, un this time it's to a proper campsite, e checked last night un there were unny 1 pitch left so he thought 'bugger it I'm booking it', not a bad price either.
    We're gonna goo straight to the site cos we cun get in at 12, then the plan is tu gu inta town in the afternoon un have a meal. Ha Ha, best laid plans.
    We get tu the site un it's the furthest pitch from the entrance, but it's next tu a nice old English couple, so they as a chat. I con call u old cos e was 85 un er was 83, but they day look it.
    Well, them left me in peace on me nice big pitch surrounded by hedges un off they pops. It's not a long walk cos weem right in the town. Lots more shuttered houses, her's just realised hardly any un these houses as gardens, where'd you do yu barby.
    They gets down tu the centre ville, un wow, it's beautiful. This town is surrounded by walls, un it as an harbour but in the harbour is an island full of shops un restaurants. Yu con get onto the island by a stone bridge on one side un a swing bridge on tuther side. It's a bikers heaven, un there's loads of um locked up tu just about every bollard u cun find.
    The harbours full of boats, all shapes un sizes un the towns heaving with people, but they con see why.
    Well, fust stop, yes you guessed it a drink, well it is 1 o'clock un hers gotta tek er pills, good excuse. After, they walks along the right-hand side of the harbour un out towards a lovely beach, passing sum donkeys on the way, but not in trousers.
    Then back tu the centre via the light house, un a gallery selling strange statues, like the one dotted around town. Then over the bridge, but there's not much open here., but a lovely church. They've bin on the lookout fu sumwhere tu eat, but yes, you guessed it thems got the timing wrong agin. They've shut after lunch, un dow open till 7.pm it's unny half four, so they as a drink, a bloody expensive one, people watch for a while, un as a think.
    As usual there's a lot of fish on the menu, but he'd promised er a pizza, well they ad found a couple of places, shut of course, un they both thought they were pricy so, they as an ice cream while they walks round the lefthand side of harbour un then they gus to the supermarket un buys 2 pizza for tea, cheating but a dam site cheaper, un they were both happy..
    One of these days they'll gets this eating out in Feance cracked, but not tuday, but they as both decided this is the best place theys visited this holiday ❤️    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1111122

    Ars-en-Re

    September 16, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Morning, well the weather's okay agin tuday. Weem moving agin, but on the way thems stopping tu a a look at Ars-en-Re, them unny goin there cus e likes saying Arse.
    They parks me up in a field, a field, I asks yu, but I ay the unny one, un sum of these look like them bin ere all night.
    Another little town with narra streets un shuttered house', un a very striking church with a decoratvely painted steeple. They gus inside fur a look, as yu does, very nice with a huge tapestry depicting the island, the needlework is fabulous.
    This town as also got a market un they love a market so offs they gu tu find it. Well it's all round the back o beyond, but when the gets there, it's quite big. Lovely produce all displayed nice. Round the corner is a lovely little harbour un some nice lookin eateries but them got tu get on so they con park me up in the Aire at Le Bois-plage-en-Re
    It's a big aire un there ent too many spaces left, but we found a nice one, next to a little VW., she'll keep me compny, but fust he gis me windshield a wash, it's covered in seagull shite. I'm cosyin up the the VW, she's unny about 3ft away from me sides, while they bugger off tu check out the beach, it's unny about 500 yards up the road.
    My God it's huge, it gus for miles, beautiful fine white sand, wi the sea not too for out, a few pebbles but it's okay. Her decides to gu fu a paddle, well you can't not. It's cool but okay, so it's stroll up the beach before tea, them ent are racking up the steps this holiday.
    Now sum of the parking on theses aires is a bit iffy, but when they gets back from the beach her notices the wust parkin hers sin so far, he might be got it in behind the tree, but I dow know how he's gunna got it out.
    Her ay sin too many sunsets this holiday but er looks out the winda un the sky's gone a lovely colour so off she pops down the beach for a picky. Her missed the sunset but the pics are rather nice un the beach was packed wi people ticking photos. Let's see what tommora brings.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    11

    Ile de Re

    September 15, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    We're on the move agin today, weather's a bit better un according tu er apparently, it's gunna be ok fu the next few days, yippee.
    Weem going tu the Ile de Re, un island just off the coast of La Rochelle. We've got tu gu ovva a big toll bridge tu get there..
    The bridge is 2,926 mts long un 42, mts high, it reminds er of when the drove down to Key West in the States. The island is unny 19 miles long un 3 miles wide so them goin tu the furthest point u then mekking the way back. The fields are full of grape vines, as far as the eye can see.
    On route they stop off at the Phare des Baleines, lighthouse tu you un me, the as a leg stretch un nearly get blown away. Theres gift shops fur er tu look at, un them full of Salt un Soap med from donkey milk, urgh. Who knew yu cud milk a donkey!
    All the packaging ad got donkeys on, yud be alright ere Jen. They dow know why, so er asks er mate Chat GPT. Apparently, the 'Anes en culotte' or Donkeys in Trousers were used for agricultural work un fetch un movin salt from the marshes. Because of the salt marshes, there are lots of insects un mosquitoes and tu protect the donkeys legs from gettin bit the locals invented trousers for um to wear . After a while, it became a mascot fu the island.
    After the lighthouse Weem on our way tu tonight stop at Le Portes-en-Re on a proper camp site.
    After a cuppa, they gus fur a walk down tu the sea un around the little village. On this island, they as a rule, only 1 or 2 storey buildings painted white, un the shutters as tu painted either blue or green .Theres not much open, so there's no chance of a drink.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler

    Lunch in La Rochelle

    September 14, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Oh my gawd, what a night, it's peed it down most of the night, that un the wind un the noisy neighbours being loud till the early hours, e reckons them bin on the pop.
    Thems worked out the bus, it's the D1, D standing for Dimanche (Sunday) so a bit later on them goin back to La Rochelle un they're gunna treat themselves tu lunch.
    It's brollies un pack a macs on un off tu the bus, it's still drizzling but them goin for it.
    Well, what a difference 24hrs meks, the place is practically deserted, it could be the weather, but it could be the fact there's no shops open. The French keep Sunday like we used to in UK.
    They walked round the other side of the harbour, only to find even more boats, all shapes un sizes.
    The restaurants are open but there's not many sitting outside unless them well under cover. Now cums the big task of finding summut to eat. They wants a Plat du Jour, but er dow like fish un neither of um like mussels so that narrows down the picking a bit. They finally find somewhere they can agree on. Out cums the phone sos they con translate the menu. He starts with Goats cheese tart, well tart anyway they wunt much cheese in it, her tried summut new Salmon Gravlax, it was okay but not quite as good as smoked salmon. Next, he has Fish n Chips, un her as another Burger. Pudding, well you ave to don't you , he has French Toast un her as Panna cotta, very nice it was too.
    Thems got about un hour for the bus, so a quick walk round the ramparts to look at the third of the towers protecting the town.
    The weather ay no better, but the forecast fu tumorra looks better, let's hope so, me tyres are startin to look like wrinkled prunes.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    12

    La Rochelle

    September 13, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Well, the weather's changes, it's wet on me bonce un it's cooler tuday. Theres a few motorhomes off this morning, so them discussing whether to try un find me a pitch wi electric before they gus out, and yep it's a goer ,weem on the move, just round the corner but I'm plugged in.:
    Off they gus tu catch the bus into La Rochelle, good start it's on time, they asks the driver for the stop, as you do, un gets answered in a Scottish accent, not what they were expecting .
    La Rochelle is heaving, very busy place. No sea front as such, but lots of harbours and marina's. At the opening of the marina, 2 huge towers stand on either side. The harbour side is full of restaurants and bars, you certainly won't go hungry or thirsty here, speaking of which it's time for a drink un snack at The Jolly Sailor . A walk around the town down the tiny streets, there is one they ay goin down tho. Then an ice cream afor heading back tu the bus, they do want tu miss it. They've enjoyed it but there still more tu see so thems decided were stopping another day un them coming back tumorra, if they con find which bus is running on a Sunday.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    2

    Bye bye Loire, Hello coastline

    September 12, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Well tuday were saying tarra a bit tu The Loire until we cross it agin on our way um. Weem off tu the coast tuday, about 180 killies tu do so I needs some juice afore we go too far. No motorways, so I cor ave a burn, christ there's a lot of roundabouts on this road. Lots of open fields tu look at but hers upset as them too late tu see the fields of sunflowers in full bloom, them all yead apart from the odd few.
    We're stopping at the Aire de camping at Port Neuf in La Rochelle, blimey this is a big site about 170 pitches, they cor get one wi electric but them on un it's filling up fast. I've got lots of French totty to look at so om OK.
    After a cuppa un a chat with anuther Brit couple they as a walk down tu the prom, it's a shame er cor get er leg ovver a bike as it ud be a great ride into the town. They watches the sailing club go out fu a sail, un a couple of windsurfers tek off tu sea, its nice un breezy here.
    Back before it rains, eye eye the sign ses the sites full.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    121

    Sampling the delights of Saumur.

    September 11, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Another camping car site, but at least this un as some grass fur um to sit on in the deckchairs, shame it's rainy un cooler tuday.
    The plan is tu ave a restful afternoon reading, in her case, planning next stage of trip in his case, then thems goin intu town for a wander un summut tu eat, good luck with that. He ses he ay aving a pizza it's gunna be a 'Plat du Jour'. Ha ha.
    It's a big town un it's quite commercial as well as touristy, but as per usual there got the timing wrong, it's rush hour or at least it would be if the little tourist train addn't broke down on the bridge causing a right old traffic jam, no ones goin anywhere.
    Most of the restaurants ay open yet so they meks the way tu the old quarter where they find a bar un there they sits people watching, her favourite hobby., until the restaurants start opening. They pokes them heads in the church, as yu does, un starts the hunt fu tay.
    Fish, cunnard of duck, fish, more fish, Thai, this ay looking good un tu mek it worse no pizza either. They wanders back tu the bridge un out come Chat GPT, his new best friend, it ses there an Italian right were them standing, eye, eye, there is. Looks okay, no pizzas though, but it's ere or nowhere. They decides to eat inside, there's a nip in the air tonight. He plumps for Pork wi Apricot un Almonds un Tagliatelle, un hers an unadventurous Hamburger , it's alright though un suitably stuffed, they cum back um, taking in the sunset over the brigde. Thems gunna av another try at watching Yellowstone, still don't know about that one yet.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1

    Montsoreau

    September 11, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We're travelling on tu Saumur today, our last day travelling down The Loire. Thems, well hims, read about some nice picturesque villages along the way, apparently, 'must see, chocolate box places', so them gunna give um a go on the way. One of um, Candes St Martin, you can't drive thru so them relying on sat nave tu get um there, oh oh, well tu say the road was narra was an exaggeration, it were dam me near enuff a cart track, still it got em tu the recommended car park just outside the village .
    The village is on the river Vendee, nice setting but what all the fuss is about they cor see, it's an OK village but thems sin better. They walked tu the edge of Candes Saint Martin but decided not tu go any further, save the walking till later. Back along the river un onwards to Saumur .    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    11

    Chinon

    September 10, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Weem moving on agin today tu Chinon, a medieval town on the banks of the Vienne river. Apparently, it's where Joan of Arc met Charles VII in 1429 un theres a big statue of er in the town. Theres another château here, but they wow be goin to it as it's up steep hill overlooking the town. It's lit up at night, so that might be nice.
    Another camping car site, glorified car park, but them okay when yu unny stopping the night, un anyway they'll be no sitting outside tuday, it's raining.
    They set up un as lunch before walking into the town, armed wif brollies un pac a macs.
    They walk uvver the bridge un get a great view of the chateau up on the hill. The towns full of narrow streets un beamed houses of various colours. They finds the statue of Joan un it's a big un, un they also sees a black London cab un a red telephone box, them a long way from um.
    Back um for the night, hers hoping tu get a picky of the Chateaux lit up so while he's washing up she walks up the road to find a good spot, well that day work, no street lights, no pavement un ers shi....g herself as her dow like the dark. No spot for a picky anywhere on the site so her cums back defeated unny to turn round in me doorway to get a great view, typical.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1111

    Villandry Château

    September 9, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Thems off up the town in search of the market, they walks by the river tu get to it, very pretty. It's not a big place, Blere, but it ay till the last turn of the road that they find it, all half a dozen stalls, not much of interest for um but as per they find a bolangerie for a tart un sum bread.
    We're off tu Villandry un thems oping to get on the camping car site just up the road from the château. It's not a long journey un there's plenty of pitches to choose from . After a bite of lunch, they lock me up un head off to the château, this one's supposed to have a nice garden, un they like a garden tu wander round. Here's the boring bit fur yu.

    'Set in 15 hectares, 7 of which are gardens, there been a fortress here since the 12th century . In the 19th century the chateau was owned by Jerome Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon. In 1906, two scientists, Joachim Carvallo and his wife Ann Coleman owned the château, after restoration of the inside they turned their attention to redesigning the gardens in the style of the 16th century, their great-grandson is now in charge of running the estate. '

    Well them well pleased with this un, not only well decorated but the gardens u summat else, very formal but stunning. There's the Ornamental Garden, the Forest, The Greenhouse, the Water Garden, The Sun Garden, The Maze, The Herb Garden un The Ornamental Kitchen Garden, ruddy el, more gardens then u con shed a stick at. It med er laf when her heard a yank ses 'Have you smelt the Lavender Garden, it stinks, but in a good way'. Unny a yank cud say that.

    They went for a walk thru the village on the way back, thought they might get a drink but couldn't find anywhere so after investigating the pizza vending machine on the roundabout and deciding it didn't sound invitingm thems back fur a sit in the last bit of sun weem expecting for a couple of days, rains forecast so I might get a bit of a wash.    Read more

  • Martin and Debbie KinallyDown The Loire to La RochelleTraveler
    1

    Château de Chenonceau

    September 8, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Well, tuday weem doing chateau number 2, well they wud be if they cud get me ablutions done, some blokes bin parked on the dump site fur ages, at least 20 mins. He gets fed up un wanders uver , pretending tu check out the water, not really, he's tu try un chivvy um up a bit. Women sitting in van ses summut about waiting fu the driver, he's unny gon tu the privy fu a turn out un weem sat ere waiting like a stuffed lemon. Anyroads he's ad enuff un reverses over tu try un at least fill up wi water, un low un behold blokes comes out of privy apologising . What do men find tu do fu so long?
    At last wim on the road to Château de Chenonceau, this one's a floating one, or at least that's what it looks like. Built onto a bridge spaning the Cher, no, not the singer, the river.
    Built in the 16th century, it's surrounded by 4 beautiful gardens un lovely decorated rooms. It even has its own apothecary, alright fur when the missus as un ead ache.
    After spending a few hours looking round, they finally return tu me, parked up on an aire at the side of the railway, and we're on the road again. A bit of shopping in the Aldi on the way tu Bere und another camping car site in the town, ready for tommorus market. BBQ tonight, fust one.    Read more

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