And finally....

 So here it is-the final blog. The ferry's booked, Kye' had his treatments, the route to Dieppe has been planned and I have a table booked in the restaurant for my final French meal. Brittany has been fantastic- great wide beaches, skies that go on for ever, delicious seafood, Irene and I really enjoyed our few days; since then I have been back in Chartres where this trip began.

And what a trip its been- lasted 20 weeks, covered over 12000k's and had some amazing times - yes, of course there have been some down times but they pale into insignificance when I consider the life I have been so fortunate to have led - everything I had asked for-  and talk about being looked after - not one thing has gone wrong  (whoops, maybe I shouldn't be pushing my luck, Not at Dieppe yet!)
And Betsy has been a star - I was so lucky to find her - thanks Steve at Eastfalia.

But I can't go without thanking you all for your texts and emails- they made such a huge difference. And whilst this adventure is finishing a new one begins- where to live, how to earn some money so I can go again if I want to - so much to look forward to - but don't worry, - I'm not planning on blogging that one - not yet anyway.

So, a final au revoir and a bientot from Jane and the gang.

A quick note

To all of those of you who have emailed me regarding finding a  vet for Kye-he thanks for you for your concern, says he's well but has to have a flea and tick treatment by a vet before he is allowed back into the country.(Even though he has been having them every two weeks.....! )

 He does wonder why I dont have to have any shots - I tell him that its because alcohol kills all known germs, and there he was thinking I was doing it for pleasure,
Bye for now

France Continued...

 And since then I have been pottering around the Burgundy region- really lovely - full of little villages, medieval monasteries and fabulous towns like Beaune - where I couldnt resist a winetasting in 13th cellars - 13 million bottles but we didn't get the really good stuff- wonder why? (This is a picture of the famous Hospital de Beaunen) and Cluny famous for its abbey.
Have been staying on municipal sites which tend to be just outside the town and cost around 9euros per night. And talking of the nights- brrr is all I can say on a public site- if I tell you that 8am its been 6 degrees you get the idea- but it has been lovely and sunny during the days.

Making my way to Brittany now, meting Irene in Dinard next weekend, going via Carnac and the standig stones. After then, well think the weather is telling me that its time to head for the ferry so will prbably be back the following weekend after fidning a vet for Kye's treatment - he is really wel and enjoying France I think.
So adieu et a bientot.

En Route to France

 These are the mountains through which the Frejus tunnel passes, I dont think I have ver been in such majestic scenery - and people put their feet into two pieces of wood and throw themselves down them- must be mad!

But it was a fantastic drive, although the tunnel itself wasn't that great- as its so old there are no fans so it gets very stuffy- hate to think what it would be like when its busy - the diesel fumes must be awful- memo to self- next time close the windows!

But after the lovely drive I came upon yet another lake- and stayed a couple of nights on Lac du Bourget - beautiful.

Arriverderci Italia, Bonjour France

 As you an see the sun has come out again and I've had a great time here on Lake Orta - its a very special place and I think the nicest of the 4 lakes that I have visited and not just because of the weather!
Its small and beautiful and there's a lot to see and do and not too many tourists- if you're a walker then this ones for you.
Anyway- tomorrow I'm off over the border to France, lst leg of this journey. Will be meeting Irene in Dinard on the 21st  for a few days but got 2 main wine growing regions to get through first.
Here's to continuing good weather for us all.
Ciao for now

A quick hello

I'm sure that there are many of you, my dear readers ( staring to sound like Jane Austen now,) who are of the  age to remember the song Hello Mother, Hello Father about the child who was at camp - well, that's just how its been with me -all will become clear.

I have been on the Italian Lakes for five days now - firstly Lake Garda - which was incredibly busy so I scarpered after one night though Garda itself looked as if it could be nice, and arrived at Lake Iseo which is much smaller and prettier, three nights there and arrived at Lake Como. How fab I hear you thinking- and yes I am very lucky to have this opportunity - only thing is that until this morning I've not been able to see much of the area due to the atrocious weather - thunderstorms, torrential rain, strong winds and the temperature not much above 13 degrees.  Now I know I didnt engender any sympathy when I was coping with temperatures in the 40's and I understand why- but just a little sympathy if you would for the last few days- no form of heating, everything gettng damp - at least have proved the point that can't sleep in Betsy in the winter!

But now the sun has come out and it is goregous - think Lake Como is the prettiest of the three I have visited,-  the mountains are stunning so am looking forward to a couple of days around here. I did go on a ferry trip around Iseo just to pass the day really but couldnt see much so am hoping for better things this week.

Unfortunately the on board elecric system has packed up, a very nice German spent about half an hour trying to fix it for me but to no avail - not a real issue just makes life slightly more complicated- more thinking of how to charge electrical items and how to keep the wine cool as the cool box does drain the battery quite quickly- have got the solar panel to trickle charge the battery but that does depend on the sun ( see above!)

 But apart from that life on the road is going well, probably ought to leave Italy soon for the sake of my hips - have had some scrummy food this time.

So will sign off with the wish that you are all well, keep the texts and emails coming, really do appreciate them.
Bye for now