I mentioned yesterday that the sun was missing and only just visible through thick cloud. I didnt say that the cloud was oddly coloured.
When we woke we found out what that colour was. Sandy. So sandy we could barely see through the motorhome windows as it rained in the night, not enough, but sufficient to deposit a good coating of Saharan sand all over everywhere. This was the same sandstorm which we knew had hit Spain a few days before and it had obviously been following us.
Bob had to give the windscreen a good wash before we set off (and several weeks later once home he had to climb on the roof and blast off the full layer of sand which was still stuck on there). The sky was still a very odd shade, though the sun seemed to have forgotten how to shine, but at least the rain had stopped. Had quite enough rain this trip thank you.
We left our rather lovely and certainly peaceful campsite and headed north. It really was quite amusing to see, as we drove along, that all the vehicles we passed had mysteriously changed colour and were a sandy beige
sort of shade. Car parks full of them too. We heard later that Saharan sandstorms are a bit of an annual event but this was the worst for 17 years. My photos certainly for the first part of the drive look as if they have been taken using a beige filter and I dont think we saw any sun at all except through a thick sandylike smoggy sky..
We drove due North, over the Loire, near Blois and then up through the endless flat unbroken expanses of field in the direction of Rouen. Not the most picturesque area of France but one we have travelled through many times, just something you have to do if you want to get to the coast eventually. Driving along the river towards Rouen it was all so familiar that we pointed out spots where weve stopped for a break on previous trips.
Crossing through Rouen was easy this time unlike a couple of bad experiences in the past. Think a new road has opened which meant we missed out the scary section where someone ran into the side of us a few years ago and then said we hit them. The Insurance
This is a very old Norman town with some lovely timbered buildings. it looked pretty charming as we drove through to get to our free aire which was located behind the fire station, near the police station and next to the council buildings in a pleasant green space. A pretty safe location for the night and just above a pleasant walk along the river.
We decided to walk into the town in search of a bar. Unfortunately no bar anywhere in sight. Not sure if this is because of Covid but the only place open was a boolangerie so instead of a beer a by this time thirsy Bob had to make do with a rather nice French cake.
