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Bliss Ventures
Bliss Ventures

Bliss Ventures

I am Bliss, descended from wolves, a 4000 year lineage of Siberian Huskies. I’m travelling the World in our self converted campervan Ivy with my Mum & Dad (Vikki & Darren). I love to be in nature seeking adventure. The spirit of my ancestors with me. Read more🇬🇧Isle of Wight
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  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    It’s just Bliss at the waterfalls

    May 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    After a saying goodbye to our ancient village refuge on the hill we go on our way. There’s promise of a spectacular waterfall on route so we head off to that. Well we are not disappointed, it is a spectacular place. Not just the waterfall itself, which is actually lots of waterfalls coming from the top of a large limestone gorge. The pools of water it creates and falls into lead into a beautiful stream surrounded by meandering paths. It has the feel of a tropical rainforest edged with trees, ferns and moss, casting cool shadows that were a haven from the strength of the sun today.
    Bliss was in her element paddling in the cool waters of the pools. She was positively beaming with happiness. I think this has been one of her favourite places so far.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    I think we're lost

    Abandoned villages

    May 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We packed up Ivy and hit the road again, feeling rested and ready for more adventure. We’d found an interesting place on Park 4Night that we wanted to explore about an hour’s drive away. It was a quaint and quirky little village that was previously abandoned but has been restored to its former glory. Nestled deep in a tree lined valley was a magical setting straight out of Lord of the Rings. Lovely little stone built dwellings with narrow cobblestone paths separating them, and lush grassy gardens. They were clearly being lovingly looked after of by the resident care taker of the village. On a sign at the entrance there stood a billboard with a plan of the village, on it were the first names of all the people who used to live there before it was abandoned, and which of houses they lived in. Which I found super cute and respectful. Would have loved to have been able to see inside the houses but they were all locked up. It would be fascinating to learn a bit of the history and to get a glimpse of what it was like to have lived here. It really feels like you are surrounded by the ghosts of the people who inhabited here, but not at all in a creepy or scary way. Just meandering around the tiny village streets was so interesting and thought provoking. As the only people there we felt like we were intruding into the private lives of the ghosts. Sorry Maria, Pedro, Sophia and all of you. Thank you for showing us your homes.

    We decided to move on to another deserted village ( unrestored this time) where we hoped to stay the night, located a further hour away. We arrived at a stony dirt track that took us up onto a plateau, all around the top was the village that dated back to medieval times, now completely deserted and in ruins. There was a large old church next to our parking spot which was the only building that still had its roof of vaulted stone intact. All of the many other buildings were crumbling down, nature gradually taking over and consuming them, but you could still easily imagine how the people of this little village struggled to survive here. The houses would have been tiny and very basic. Built of stone walls with narrow paths between them. The long grasses and the myriad of wild spring flowers made it an enchanting and beautiful place even though the village itself was decaying.
    After exploring we spent the rest of the afternoon looking at the vast view from the hilltop vantage point, soaking up the peace in quiet isolation. Lounging in the hammock chair hung in Ivy’s side door was just the most pleasant way to while away the time watching the sinking sun cast an ever reddening glow.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Spanish desert art work and almond trees

    May 21, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We were supposed to be moving on today but after a late night we’re both feeling like a day off so we stayed put. It’s comfortable here and the free electric can’t be sniffed at either.
    Took Bliss for a walk and found some Spanish artworks all along the path to the village. All sorts of pictures and little scenes made out of pebbles and bits of wood.
    Discovered some almond trees too along another path that led to an almond grove and another hermitage. There were a few ripe almonds to try on some of the lower branches which is a first. Very sweet fresh off the tree.
    So just spent most of the day lazing around Ivy and catching up with my soaps. Not really much to report to be honest. But a quiet day is just what the doctor ordered and was enjoyed very much.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    A little oasis in the desert

    May 20, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We survive the night ( The vampires concluding we weren’t virginal enough I imagine.) and things look a little less spooky in the morning. After a couple of coffees to wake us up and a short walk we decide to get out of this place.

    It’s a long drive to our next chosen sleepover and we plan a trip to Lidl on the way for supplies. After picking up what we need at Lidl we drove through some very flat and pretty dull places for a couple of hours. The roads were very bumpy and the potholes reminded us of home. Not a pleasant drive! There were a lot of wild poppies growing along the verges which broke up the bland looking countryside, but on the whole quite a boring drive. A vast expanse of grasslands, hundreds of wind turbines and pockets of industry.

    Almost there and Ivy has a warning come up on the dashboard saying her tyre pressure was very high, so we had to stop, the state of the roads was getting to Ivy too!
    We figured the long trip combined with the bumpiness of the roads had heated and expanded the air in the tyres so Darren let some air pressure out and the warning ⚠️ signs went off.

    We proceeded to the Aire and I for one was relieved to get there, feeling very tired. We got a good spot on the end of a row of spaces with a nice little hedge, a view over it of lavender bushes, a pergola and right in front a hot spring. Free bins, grey water dump, fresh water, free electricity, hot thermal spring to have a dip in and only one other van here. 😁 Oh yes!

    It didn’t take long to decide that the hot springs (which were tepid at best) were worth a go. I have missed my bath at home so much and this is like the next best thing. It was surreal soaking in a hot spring while the sun was on our faces and in the distance we could see mountains with big black clouds and hear the distant rolling thunder. Amazing! Luckily we were close enough to the van to be able to see Bliss lying out next to Ivy, she is such a good girl. ❤️

    Spag Bol and a few glasses of red wine 🍷 and we were done for the day.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    There are splashes of poppies everywhereA dip would have been lovely but...The ravine the van was sliding towards1Satan's mark?2Sacrificial altar?53

    The Scariest Day!

    May 19, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Chapter I : Sliding to certain death!
    We pack up and head off for the next stopover, Darren has found on Park4night what looks like a very interesting place to visit and stay tonight. It’s a huge gorge with a lovely little river that flows along through the bottom of it. Apparently you can drive down a steep stony gravel road to get to the bottom and park there for the night.
    Well...we arrived at the top of the gorge and thought we better just check the road down to the river just to make sure we would be able to turn Ivy around to get back up. All seemed ok, plenty of space at the bottom to park up and turn around to get back up. The road was a bit sketchy as it was loose stones and gravel but it seemed doable. Darren waited with Bliss half way down the road and I went up to get Ivy. I must admit I was feeling a bit of trepidation as I started down the road but didn’t expect that when I put my brakes on to go down slowly that Ivy would continue to slide down the hill on the loose gravel 😬🫨🥺 to say I sh** myself would be quite a major understatement!! Then when she did stop sliding after about 4ft I put her into reverse and she just dug herself a hole in the loose gravel! Oh dear! We’re going to get stuck! Now Darren signals I have to go forward again (against all my instincts as just 20ft in front of me is the edge of the gorge with a drop of something like 50ft) so that I can reposition the tyres onto fresh ground that hopefully we won’t slide on when I make another attempt to reverse her back up the hill to safety. Shi**ing my pants I manage to move her forward and then whilst kicking up stones and gravel gradually she starts to pull herself back up the hill. Slipping, sliding horizontally as she goes.
    We get to safe level ground and just sit and breathe for a while. Thanking God (and Ivy) for not making today my last!

    With shaky legs we went for a walk down to the lovely little river at the bottom of the gorge. Wild flowers growing all around us and lots of birds, swifts darting around the cliff edges catching bugs and flies. The spot we’d hoped to take a cold water dip really did look inviting with its shingle beach and tropical coloured water, but somehow we'd lost the motivation for that now.

    After all the excitement we thought we would find somewhere close by that would be nice and safe to park for tonight.

    Chapter II : Lambs to the slaughter
    There was a nice little hermitage nearby with plenty of space to park on flat ground so we headed for that. We arrived and on first sight thought this is okay, lovely tended gardens full of roses all around the chapel. We got out to stretch our legs and let Bliss see where we were and started exploring around the immediate area. The chapel was very old, it had bars on the windows and was all locked up. We walked around the perimeter of it and came across a water fountain and around that some stone seats. On first glance you’d think that’s nice but when you have watched as many horror films as we have you can see the slightly darker side of this place. It looked like somewhere seances and sacrifices might happen. 😂 Continuing on around the corner we come across a big wooden door with sheet metal across the bottom, a large metal chain with padlock and at the top of the door we are horrified to discover what looks like a fresh deers foot NAILED to the door!! 😳. A cloven hoof is the sign of Satan right?

    We swiftly get back in the van and discuss the findings. Darren is completely freaked out by the creepy stuff we’ve seen whilst I think it’s just funny to be honest. 😂 Darren was allowed to watch Hammer House of Horrors as a small child and to be fair all the ingredients are here.

    It starts raining and thundering so we decide we’d better stay put now as it’s getting a bit late to be moving again. Then out of the rain a bunch of people suddenly turn up (we’re in the middle of nowhere remember and the nearest habitation is a few miles away!) what the hell are they even doing here in the rain? No car, they’ve walked here! Why would they do that?

    Now Darren is even more freaked out so I try to logically explain why they might be here. They have been caught out on a walk in the rain and are seeking shelter until the rain stops. Obvs 🙄
    Then more random people walk past in the rain and then walk past again going back the other way. Darren’s now convinced we’re going to be human sacrifices tonight 😂 especially when we finally settle down for the night and just before midnight a car drives past us on the dead end road and then drives back past again. It’s dark, it’s raining, there’s flashes of lightning and roaring thunder. Darren is totally convinced we’re on the vampire’s menu tonight. 😳☠️👻👺👹😬    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1

    Didn’t want to leave these views

    May 18, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    After a peaceful night (apart from a brief visit by the local cows) we decided to stay for the day and another night. It’s just such an awesome view that you really need a lot of time to just sit or lie on the bed with the back doors open and take it all in. Lots of birds come and go including many huge vultures circling around overhead, a bit ominous but interesting to see.
    Until about midday we had the pleasure of having the place to ourselves then a succession of people started to arrive and go up to the abandoned building that was largely in a ruined state. We think it must be up for sale. Although it would take a lot of work to make it habitable I can absolutely understand why someone would want to live up here, though it is probably pretty bleak in winter. A couple of small vans turn up later in the afternoon and stay for the night so we’re not alone this time.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1
    Moody mountains1Call of the wild1View through the skylight

    Spanish mountain roads/dirt tracks

    May 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We had a long drive to get from our remote spot to the nearest fuel station and shop so we headed off in that direction unsuspecting that the majority of the route was going to be at 30km per hour or less due to the state of the roads and the sheer terror invoked by the precipitous drops outside Ivy’s doors. Ivy’s upgraded suspension was truly put to the test and thankfully stood up to the task. We took it as slowly and carefully as possible, so glad that there was no other traffic on our tail. Eventually after what seemed like an eternity we were once again driving on decent tarmac, able to relax a bit on our way to the shop for supplies. The diesel and shopping is much cheaper in Spain which is a pleasant surprise.

    With learned trepidation (because I’m getting used to Darren’s choices of park ups being...let me say...right out there!) we continue on. Well I was correct to be nervous 😬 we wind our way up a very steep, narrow track with switchbacks all the way up to the most amazing views from every direction. We couldn’t find a spot that was completely flat so we wedged rocks and our ramps under each wheel so in the event of brakes failing we wouldn’t roll off the edge of a cliff.
    Well who needs TV when you have views like this. We spent the evening just looking in awe at the distant mountains and valleys around us until it started raining and we had to go inside. Thinking it was all over for the night no sooner had it started it stopped, providing the most vibrant rainbow 🌈 for us to enjoy. Life is smiling on us, it truly is.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1

    Spain 🇪🇸

    May 16, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We crossed over into Spain 🇪🇸 It felt strange that there wasn’t some kind of fanfare to mark the crossing into a whole new country but just a small sign and a few restaurants along the road.
    Spain is a new country for us, never been and not really sure what to expect. Neither of us have any real clue how we will communicate as Spanish isn’t even a language we covered at all in school. The roads definitely aren’t as good so far and the Spanish people seem to be much more aggressive driving around the steep bumpy roads. The first place we tried to get to was along a very damaged and potholey single track road and when we arrived at our destination it just didn’t feel right. We moved a little further along but still not quite happy with the vibe of the place we decided to move on and find somewhere else.
    Eventually after a long drive we randomly came across a car park and decided to stop and stretch our legs. We had a lovely walk that took us across a shallow river by way of some large boulders that acted as stepping stones. Thankful not to have fallen in we continued on to find a very pretty abandoned house surrounded by wild flowers 🌺 of such varieties. These old abandoned stone houses and villages are everywhere and really make you wonder about the history of them and the forgotten past of the people who once lived there. We moved to a more secluded park up just along the road next to a small lake to spend the night. Today has been an epic day, we’ve made more memories in this one day than we could have done for a year at home which in itself makes it all worthwhile.
    We spent a lot of time and a lot of our money building Ivy so that we could do this in an off the grid way. Not using campsites, being surrounded by nature instead of people, commercial buildings and traffic noise. Absolutely the best decision we’ve ever made, as I sit here soaking up the peace and quiet in the sun I am so grateful to have had this opportunity, and so glad that I didn’t chicken out (as I have on occasion felt like doing. ) This is truly the happiest time of our lives.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    2
    1

    We conquer our fears and the mountains

    May 16, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    After a peaceful nights sleep by a lake we are revived and ready to tackle the steep climb and the mountain pass into Spain. 🇪🇸 Excited 😝 is an understatement!
    We head off and after a very short time come across an open area too stunning a sight for us not to stop and explore. With snow capped mountains on all sides there’s a fast but shallow river flowing through immense boulders of rock that at some time you can imagine having tumbled from up high. Bliss of course absolutely has to dip her toes in the glacial ice blue water, seemingly completely oblivious to the freezing temperature of it.
    On we go in the direction of the summits, climbing up and up getting closer and closer to the snowy peaks. Finally we reach a car park on the mountain pass just before the border of Spain. Bliss was ecstatic to discover the snow when we got out of Ivy and immediately rolled around in it before getting up and jumping, leaping and running around like a puppy. It’s just lovely to see her so very happy, being able to bring her to a place where you can tell she feels so completely at home 😊    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    Mile after mile of jaw dropping scenery
    Happy happy happy11Free electric ⚡️Home for the nightView of our garden

    Return to the mountains

    May 15, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    After a slow start we got going to the aire to replenish our batteries and our water tank. We had to wait until 3pm before we could charge the batteries so in the meantime while we waited we went for a walk to the local village. Bliss enjoyed a splash in a lovely little river that we found and on the way back to the van I visited a small shop where I bought some bread and some bacon which went well with eggs for our brunch.
    We took advantage of the free water and even gave Ivy a good wash inside and out as she had got pretty mucky over the last few days. Finally we were all done with our chores and we headed back out to conquer our fears and the mountain.
    The drive was incredible, again it was pretty extreme and scary but we made it all the way up to the lake that we had chosen to stay beside. Stunning is all I can say...high up in the clouds for the night. On getting out of the van Bliss was even more excited and animated than usual, this is her kind of place, so wild and untamed.
    Tomorrow we cross the border into Spain 🇪🇸. Another first for us all.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Rest and recuperation

    May 14, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    When we came down from the mountain we found a little clearing by the side of a dirt road to spend the night. We had to drive through some ridiculously narrow village streets praying that we would not get ourselves actually stuck between the buildings, we have seen others on YouTube suffer this fate so it was a real concern. We were relieved to get to the place we were going to stay but it probably wasn’t the wisest choice, when the stormy weather arrived we realised we were right under a big old oak tree. We survived the night though and ended up staying there all the next day and another night. I don’t think we realised how much the day before had taken out of us but we enjoyed a long peaceful day just relaxing in Ivy and gathering ourselves together to get back into the scary mountains once the weather improved. We had depleted our batteries so we planned a trip to an aire the next day that would provide free electricity and water, if only we had this kind of facility in the UK!Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1What's up buttercup1Would you stay here in a storm?

    Can you have too much adventure? - YES

    May 13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Excited and nervous for the next leg of our journey that is going to take us to the mountains! 😁😬
    The terrain gradually changes and is becoming more hilly as we make our way, suddenly we breach the brow of a hill and there before us in the distance is a huge range of snow capped mountains 🏔️ stretching from east to west in our line of vision. Darren was looking at his phone at the time so didn’t immediately see it until I, calmly as I could, said “look at that!”
    He looked up and was clearly shocked “OH MY GOSH” he exclaimed 😂 ( or choice words to that effect)
    We needed some supplies so we found a Lidl and right next to it a McDonald’s. Thought we’d see if it’s any better here but no! Still junk.
    We were going to go to Lidl together but as we were going in I thought better check if Bliss has settled down in the van okay... checking the camera she was giving it her all... howling like her life depended on it! So Darren had to go back to the van while I did the shopping. Unfortunately I didn’t have a list as I’d left my phone in the van so the shopping took forever. By the time I got back to the van an hour later I was stressed right out and so was Darren because I’d been ages. 😳. A rare mini domestic ensues as we argue about who should do the shopping until the pointlessness’s of it all gives way to the resignation it’ll have to be me. Can you imagine the food choices Darren might make? Octopus with strawberries and gravy anyone? 😂
    We continued on our way heading up the mountain, up, up, and up we went getting steeper and winding along narrow roads through tiny hamlets that were barely wider than Ivy. Switch backs and death drops and huge rock faces looming over us all the way up. No barriers, loose rocks waiting to crush (or so it seemed) Already feeling a bit stressed out from the shopping trip this was definitely getting out of our comfort zones, it was all becoming a bit much. Overwhelmed by the adrenaline rush of it all. The views all around us were otherworldly like nothing we’ve ever experienced before so close up, and feeling so responsible for all of our lives I was genuinely quite scared. 😱
    I was worried about how Ivy was going to cope with climbing such extreme hills but I needn’t have as she was a real trouper, she did get a little warm but she coped so well with the really steep and long climb.
    We reached a small plateau which was going to be our stop for the night and tried to take a deep breath to calm down from all the excitement. We looked at the weather forecast for the night, it was predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain! Uhoh 😟 Thinking about how very exposed Ivy was, and the lack of any phone signal in this remote location we decided that we should move somewhere safer for the night. Yes OK... we chickened out!! 😂
    It probably didn’t help that there was literally a huge real life vulture circling above our precarious choice of home for the night.
    I’m sure we would probably have been absolutely fine but after having moved down the mountain to lower ground I didn’t regret our decision especially when the stormy weather did finally hit us. Even at this lower altitude and sheltered position the van was buffeted. I don’t think we’d have slept much if we’d been up that mountain in the storm and I’d have had many pairs of pants to wash today had we survived.
    At the end of the day, this is all new to us, we’ve lead quite sheltered lives on the sleepy Isle of Wight. I think we can forgive ourselves for bottling out this time while we become acclimatised to this more adventurous way of life x    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Another quiet lakeside

    May 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Like a pair of migrating wildebeest we do seem to gravitate toward waterside park ups. We arrived after a pleasant uneventful drive and immediately went for a walk around the lake. It wasn’t a huge one so we walked around the perimeter in under an hour. Met a nice friendly French man with his old lassie dog. Had to keep Bliss on lead as there were signs saying “Cyanobacteria present” in the water which is dangerous for dogs and people.
    Darren got a couple of nice pics around the lake but nothing to match the last couple of days.. On returning we retired to the van when we suddenly realised how many mosquitoes were buzzing around waiting to feed on any unsuspecting victims. Tried the citrus candle as a deterrent but it didn’t seem to work. Laying on the bed before it got dark I was quite disturbed to see hundreds of them hanging around above the skylight like they knew we were there and were just waiting to pounce.. 😳😬
    The noise of the frogs was simply ridiculous… don’t believe me? Watch the short video below.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Picture perfect parkup!

    May 11, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Up a narrow winding dirt path to find a wonderful spot for the night right underneath an old windmill. Now restored to its original condition by charitable donations this beautiful quaint windmill has stood high on the hillside since 1716. In the UK we’d all have to pay £££’s to visit, but it’s just here for two wanderers and a husky to rock up and stay the night for free.
    It’s pretty hot and humid today and so quiet here that we decided an outdoor shower would be nice 😊...and it really was. Luckily nobody turned up in the middle of it, could have been very embarrassing 😳. Sorry everyone, I didn’t get any pics of Darren in his budgie smugglers. 😜
    After the impromptu shower a couple of people did turn up to take pictures of the windmill so we timed it well.
    Bliss was happy laying in the shade of the van staying cool 😎 for the afternoon. We were hoping for an opportunity to get some amazing sunset pics of the windmill but unfortunately we weren’t the only ones with that idea. A family turned up and set up a picnic with their two young children right underneath the windmill. Darren didn’t feel comfortable taking photos with the family there, can’t really do that sort of thing in this day and age. But would have made for some lovely pictures with the little girls in their pretty summer dresses picking wild flowers under the shadow of the windmill.
    They left just in time to get a few pics of the sunset and the lighthouse lit up and Darren was more than happy with those.
    In the evening as it got dark and quiet we were treated to a distant thunderstorm that lit up the far hills. A lovely quiet nights sleep was had here.
    In the morning we were surprised by a girl walking past with her two dogs and her pet goat! The goat was not on a lead, just behaving exactly like a dog walking alongside her like it was the most normal thing in the world.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1113

    Rise & shine sleepy head.

    May 11, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    The promise of a great view from our bed got us up early (well Darren anyway 🤭) What better way to start the day than this. Coffee in bed waking up with the most stunning sunrise and the fresh morning air coming in the back doors. I can’t believe nobody else is up to see this (but happy to have it all to ourselves)
    After a short walk into the village for fresh bread we packed up and slowly made our way to the next place to stay the night.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    Didn't have a clue what we had just witnessed!

    Aurora this far south? Don’t be silly.

    May 11, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    An evening sitting outside with a small glass of bubbles. Late into the night there was a strange glow in the sky which Darren noticed because he was trying to get a photo of the stars ✨ that are just so bright with the total lack of light pollution here. The photos he took however were initially discarded as he couldn’t capture the stars without this strange pink glow that he didn’t notice until he looked at the photos and frankly was completely spoiling his intended photography subject the stars.
    Turns out it was the northern lights, something that is definitely on our bucket list. Who knew that it could happen while we were away, all we needed to do was just stay at home!! The display we missed on the Island was spectacular by all the accounts people were sharing online... gutted to have missed it... but anyway, here’s what could be seen as far south as we were.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1
    11111

    A long journey south.

    May 10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Made significant progress towards the south today through some stunning landscapes. The first hour through flat farmlands with huge uninterrupted fields of wheat, rape seed and other staple crops. The terrain definitely seems to be changing now though. Slightly more hilly with views as far as the eye can see. This country just keeps getting better every corner we round there’s more jaw dropping scenery. The urge to keep stopping to take it all in is great but we must press on slowly to get to our next overnight stop. After a quick interlude at an aire where we could empty our grey tank, toilet and rubbish we continued on another forty minutes and arrived mid afternoon to a lovely park up with a view across woods and fields. There was by the end of the day no more space as it’s pretty popular but that was fine as we were at the end with the best spot. 😆 We were lucky to arrive when we did. We got the awning, chairs and table out and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the view and catching up with this diary. 📔
    Tomorrow we should get a lovely sunrise as our back doors are facing East with a vista of lush woodlands and pasture between us and the horizon.
    Tonight we ventured into the village that’s here to see the sights, the tranquility, the stone buildings and the summer atmosphere with sweet fragrances and swooping swallows catching the evening insects. It’s just so… it’s just so, well it’s so very French ain’t it 🇫🇷 😂
    Tomorrow we’ll go again to buy some fresh bread and to see what else the village has to offer.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    13

    Got a bit ticked off!!

    May 9, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We had some chores to do today, a little shopping. Filled up with fuel and found a washing machine and tumble dryer to get our clothes clean and dry. Washing machines at the fuel station...inspired idea!
    We had high hopes for the place we had planned for tonight as the reviews on P4N were all good. When we turned up there was one other van there, a French couple with their little boy who waved hello to us as we arrived. We immediately got out to go for a walk which we were all keen to do after feeling a bit cooped up the last couple of days because the river stops did lack decent walks. The place was very interesting with woodland paths and lots of hills and crater like holes in amongst rock formations. In rocky areas there were lots of little lizards 🦎 scurrying around our feet. Of course this was extremely exciting for Bliss who had to be put back on her lead so she didn’t try to catch them and eat them! They were pretty quick though so I’m not sure she would have been very successful.
    On returning to the van we soon regretted the lovely walk we had just had! The next two hours were spent removing the hundreds of tiny ticks that Bliss had picked up, and several on ourselves too!! Cringing 😬 we decided that as soon as we woke up in the morning we were out of there! Darren did a bit of research and discovered that we were right in the middle of the very worst area for ticks and Lyme disease 🦠 in the whole of France. Tomorrow was going to be a long drive to get as far as possible away from the area.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    3A woman's work is never done
    3An Egret... don't worry I had to Google it too 🤭11

    Another secluded stop by the Loire River

    May 8, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We carried on our journey south along the immense Loire River crossing quite a few huge bridges that I was happy to drive across this time! We found a place along the way called Faye which is Darren’s daughter’s name, it was beautiful, just like her. ❤️
    After stopping at an aire to empty our grey water we proceeded to our next stop. Another secluded riverside park up just big enough for us.
    The Loire is immense, from our vantage point on the southern bank we watched a colony of Egrets nesting in the trees, occasionally taking flight in a mesmerising display of the purest beauty imaginable. Along side the Egrets was a lone Stork, much larger than I’ve ever seen before. Who needs a telly when all this wildlife is outside your door.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    1112

    Time to move on.

    May 7, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    After two days of being lazy we decide to move on. First stop is the Super U to stock up on food for the next few days. We found some zip ties there so thought I’d just secure the diesel heater pump a bit better while we were parked in the car park on flat dry ground. Bliss did her best to supervise my work under the van by keeping watch at the door while Darren took the opportunity to take the rubbish to the bins.
    A short drive from there we found ourselves at a small parking spot right on the bank of the Loire River. On the way there we came to a bridge that said okay for vehicles 7.5tn but to me it looked like it was a foot bridge as it was narrow and not very substantial so I was to say the least not very happy crossing it, even though Darren assured me it would be fine. He of course took great pleasure in videoing me having a bit of a meltdown while I drove over it against all my better judgment!... anyway... turned out it was fine. 🤭
    We were sure we’d found the perfect quiet spot that would be somewhere nobody else would be turning up so started making some dinner. Just got everything out to make a lovely salad (so stuff everywhere!) then a man turned up asking us to move, albeit very politely (in French) so we packed up dinner and moved a bit along the path. Halfway through eating dinner we noticed a man taking photos of the van. Darren went out to say hello and make sure he wasn’t a weirdo who might come back and murder us in our beds tonight (it’s very secluded here!) but he was just saying that we weren’t allowed to park here overnight. Darren explained that we had come across the spot on park4night and that we would leave in the morning and managed to win him over so we were able to stay. It did put a bit of a damper on what would have been a lovely place to though. Cheered me up when we saw another otter swimming in the shallows. We kept Bliss on a short lead here as the river is vast and extremely fast flowing
    In the morning we were up early to get back on the road.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    Nice weather for ducks
    1

    What to do on rainy days?

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Weather forecast says rain all day today so we’re staying put. It’s time we had a slow day anyway and it’s so peaceful here, we have everything we need and we can plug in for free electricity to top up our batteries so it would be rude not to.
    On trying to light the diesel heater for some hot water to wash up with we soon discovered we had a problem! It seems we have air in the system again which is preventing it firing up. This is bad news as we will likely be needing hot water and heating when we get up into the Pyrenees mountains so we need to fix it somehow.
    Luckily we had until 10am before the rain was due so Darren was able to get under the van to try to figure out a solution. Next thing I hear is “Oh shit!!” as the inlet tube to the filter snapped off as Darren was trying to reposition it! Oops... what are we going to do now! Well, after a bit of head scratching we figure get rid of the filter altogether (it’s broken now anyway) and hopefully that’ll get rid of the air that’s stopping the boiler from lighting up. So we get it all back together, minus the filter, strap the pump back up with gorilla tape (someone forgot the zip ties!) and realise that we only have three more tries to get it lit before the Truma heater system locks itself and we won’t be able to try anymore. So with bated breath we try to start it up...it splutters white smoke and then fails again! We only have 2 more attempts before it will be locked!
    Finally...really not expecting things to go well, it works!! Yay 🙌🏽 we have hot water and warmth. Then the rain arrives and we spend the rest of the day inside enjoying our little cozy home on wheels. Cheese, biscuits and nibbles in bed and a couple of crime documentaries, what more could you ask for.    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    4
    3😂 btw, the sound where Vikki says “did you hear that?” Is the van creaking on its ramps, not a fart!

    A pond with ducks and a million frogs

    May 5, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    In the morning we thought we’d get our step count up and join those people for a walk around the lake. As we were getting ready to leave I saw another otter, that’s 3 now! This time Darren managed to get a short video of it swimming near the shore. We walked around the lake which is pretty big! At least 10,000 steps worth! Lots of bloody annoying fit people running past us all the way. Definitely moving on to a quieter place today...
    Moved on and found a pretty little park up next to a pond. Went for a walk, which is the first thing we always have to do when we arrive anywhere (whatever the weather) as Bliss is like an excited child going “where are we now! Let me out! I need to see! I need to pee! Let me out!”
    So like dutiful doggy slaves we get out in the rain to check out the area. Walk towards the pond and all of a sudden loads of frogs leap away from our feet back into the pond. Bliss is beside herself... Prey drive fully triggered. Darren very nearly went for an unscheduled swim. 😂
    Returned to the van for some food and the remainder of the afternoon spent resting, listening to the frogs 🐸 ribbiting and the rain on the roof. It’s so cozy and relaxing inside Ivy when you’ve nothing to do and it’s raining outside...(if you can tune out Darren’s snoring) 😴 😂

    Title disclaimer: Not a racist honest 😇    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    The French seriously know their cakes!1

    Lakeside under the trees

    May 5, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Arrived at a lakeside parking spot, no services but hoping to find a peaceful spot to rest as we’re all quite tired. Lovely view of the lake but unfortunately there was a constant stream of people walking, running and cycling along a path that circumnavigated the lake. We had thought we’d stay a couple of nights here but it’s too busy so we only slept the one night. In the morning we ourselves walked the perimeter of the lake. Lots of joggers and fishermen met along the route.
    Bonus though… finally captured an otter 🦦 on camera!    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler
    311Viva la France

    Le Mont Saint-Michel take two!

    May 4, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Amazingly, considering our sore feet from yesterday we managed to actually get up and get going before dawn. So so glad we did, it was beautiful, the mist rising from the open fields was glowing as if on fire as it reflected the sun rise. Not a soul to be seen until we neared the bridge to the island and then only a handful of people were about (strangely they all seemed to be Chinese people!) Bliss was grinning like a Cheshire Cat, clearly enjoying the day as much as we were. The walk there went in the blink of an eye as we were awestruck by the sights and sounds of a perfect morning. We arrived at the island and as if for the first time we could now see what we had missed the day before amongst the scrum of people. The village is amazing, how on earth was this possible, it was built like something you could only imagine ever seeing in a fantasy video game. The stone walls and cobbled streets with gift shops, cafes and restaurants that were built on such a gradient and the many quirky little narrow passages and steep stone steps leading to small clearings where trees grow and walls with death drops everywhere (I’d never want to take a child there, I’d be a nervous wreck!) for someone scared of heights it certainly triggers your vertigo. Birdsong all around you as you are now at their level high up on the rooftops as you ascend the steep winding steps. Unfortunately we could only get halfway up because we weren’t able to take Bliss into the monastery or the museum but it was still very much worth making the effort to get up and go again when it was quiet. I would have loved to have seen it at night, I imagine that lit up it would be stunning. We made the long walk back to Ivy tired but happy and set off for our next journey to our next overnight stop.Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Crowds at Le Mont Saint-Michel

    May 3, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Arrived about midday to a vast car park and were directed towards a dedicated camper-van area which was about as far away as is possible to get. After a brew we started the long pilgrimage to the Mont. I had read advice not to come in the morning because there would be school trips and the afternoon would be a better time to visit. How wrong could they be!...it was absolutely heaving with people. All the way from the car park, an hours walk to mont saint michel there were so so many people. We went along anyway but in truth it wasn’t at all a pleasant experience, couldn’t see anything but people, we were packed together like sardines. If you know anything about Darren and I you’ll understand how this made us feel. I’m surprised Darren didn’t just flip out like Taz of Tasmania and send French folk flying from the buttresses in all directions. But beyond any expectation we both managed to keep our cool. So very proud of Bliss too who took it all in her stride.
    After a short while we left for the long walk back to the van feeling quite disappointed and mildly stressed out.
    But then Darren informed me that it was open 24hours as it’s basically a village, people actually live there. We decided to get up at dawn and go back then, hopefully it will be quieter and a much better experience right?
    Got to bed early and set the alarm for 5:30am… Will I actually get up?    Read more

  • Bliss VenturesIvy’s Maiden VoyageTraveler

    Back to the coast

    May 2, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We’re drawn toward the coast like the water flowing from the stream we slept at last night. We found an aire that has electric and water dump so going there for just the one night on our way to see Le Mont Saint-Michel the next day.
    We had a walk down to the beach with Bliss who was able to get off her lead so she could have a proper run around. It was heartwarming to see her so happy and behaving like an excited puppy, sometimes lately when she’s tired it reminds me she’s 9 years old, to see her having fun like she did when she was young is lovely. From the beach we can see Mont Saint-Michel, a massive village with monastery castle at the top all built on an island in the sea, it looks amazing from here so can’t wait to see it properly tomorrow. Later we took a walk around the small seaside village and indulged in a cake shop. Happy days!    Read more

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