Day Two

We awake to the sound of the birds and the trees rustling, after a very comfortable nights sleep in Priscilla, my home for the summer.

We pack up and stop by a Boulangerie, Boucherie and Grocers to buy Tarte aux Fraise (strawberry tarts) a particular favourite of mine, real French bread, pork and sausages and stock up on some basics like Orangina (why does it taste better in France?), cheese ham, pate and water.

Our next destination is Le Puy en Velay, a childhood memory of volcanic intrusions and a tree covered mountains is the driving force behind this intended stop over.

We motor on, picnicking as we drive (well I am partnered to a hospitality manager!) and Priscilla makes light work of it as she bombs down the French auto route at speeds that even my 4x4 would struggle to maintain. Johnathon gets to grips with the yet un named Sat Nav which is proving to be extremely accurate.

We then hit a torrential storm on the northern edge of the massif central, speeds are down to 20 KM/hr on the autoroute and I'm checking for leaks, but Priscilla holds her own and ploughs on through the storm. With the thunder and lighting adding to the dramatic effect we decide that a stop over in a rainy Le Puy en Velay is no longer such an appealing proposition, so we re route and choose a new destination, the Gorges du Tarn to the east of Millau and past the storm.

This is the river valley that the new Norman Foster motorway bridge spans, its a impressive site from down in the valley. We rock up at Les Peupliers campsite, on the banks of the river Tarn, we managed to bag a riverside spot as the sun comes out. Its a stunning location with really friendly staff and fabulous facilities.

We unpack the side extension for Priscilla, a tunnel tent affair that zips up and allows you to drive away with your gear left off view inside and keeps you camping spot safe. Its the only argue free putting up of a tent that we've ever had! Testament to the ease of the design and speed it goes up, a real result!

With the mountain bikes we head off for a spin around the campsite, an eclectic mix of Dutch, French , Belgium, German and a smattering of English makes for an international melting pot of culture's.

Johnathon works his wonders on the catering and a BBQ ensues with pork au Roquefort and Gratin Dauphinoise sloshed down with a bottle of SVB (Sauvignon Blanc for the uninitiated)!