Reflections. More Chateaux & logs.

'Well I started out with nothin n ahhh've still got most of it left.' Sings Seasick Steve, the 70 yr old former American Hobo and now bemused and wealthy blues icon.

OK! My name's Steve too but I guess I started out with an OK sufficiency with some fear as to whether I would manage. I am pleased to report; ahhh've still got most of it left! In other words my budget is going well and the money drain is not as large as I feared. The biggest factor is the ability to wild camp here in France without anyone complaining.... so far ..... fingers crossed etc.

I've been wildcamped in rural woods/forests the last two nights. Rural France, I have observed, runs on wood, big time. There are large and numerous neatly stacked log piles everywhere. In the woods, by the rivers, by the roads, in caves and outside everyones houses. Now France, or at least the parts of France I have been travelling through, has large areas of forest interspersed with agricultural land. These forests have innumerable inviting tracks to it's interior which often go for miles. Well of course they make beautiful wild camping spots, being careful always to pick a spot where I am not blocking anyones access. They have the added bonus of Tanya being able to wander free plus wonderful walks and cycle rides way off of any beaten track where only bird life and startled deer abide. Not a human in sight and because of the vastness involved there is often not a human sound to be heard. No traffic noise, no aircraft just the occasional sound of a distant chainsaw indicating the growing of another log pile. Not everyones choice I accept. For me, at present? Heavenly.

The track I am on just now even has it's own resident cockeral who regularly voices his opinion of us. He has already demonstrated his ability to almost outrun Tanya before frustrating her completly by flying up into a handy tree. Not out of sight mind you. Oh no! This cockeral has been here before. Just high enough so Tanya can still see and hear him clucking and sqwarking his delight at once again winding up this rather dumb looking black furry thing that can't even sqwark or flap a pair of wings. Five minutes later and he is once again strutting and 'cock a doodling' his stuff right outside of Sadie.

We were slow off the mark this morning. Seems to be getting a habit and, I have to admit, one that suits. There was a brief walk before breakfast and then an enjoyable and slow time spent 'doing' things until about 1130hrs when I deemed it had warmed up enough for the days activities to commence in shorts and sandals. Beautiful Summer blue sky weather here at the moment but still very cool early mornings.

Off we go to Chateaux Chambord leaving Sadie shuttered up against the heat and securely locked. Chambord is a huge Chateaux in a massive estate and also very commercialised. This was a warm and sunny Sunday so the crowds were out.

Unlike the charming and lower key Chateaux d'Usse Tanya was not allowed inside so it was a bikewalk all round the beautiful grounds, a pleasant lunch at one of the cafe's and then an even longer ride/ walk till we got totally lost somewhere in the estate.

I did feel a little conspicuous at lunch as I was in three quarter length trousers, untucked short sleeved shirt, sandals and a dog reluctantly attached to me by a red extending lead firmly held by a clasp hook on my belt. My fellow diners were all out in their late winter Sunday best jackets and pink monogrammed long sleeved shirts, jeans or smart trousers and, without exception, smart black shoes. Ladies were in smart jacket and trews or skirt outfits complete with overcoats and in several cases scarves. The couple who sat next to me did'nt seem to mind too much. They spoke a leeeetle English which along with my leeeetle French and Tanya as an ice breaker made for quite a pleasant lunch.

It is fun as I ride around with Tanya sitting happily in her green bucket carriage to hear the comments as I pass others and they suddenly see her. "Ahhhhh! Juan, juan, regardez le chien dans le byciclet ....... Ahhhhh!!" Or words to that effect etc. Always brings a smile to my face.

Back in Sadie now. Yes. We did eventually find our way out of the estate but not before I had frustratingly found several miles of their very long and high estate wall interspersed along it's length by equally high and firmly locked gates. Once you're in you're in!!

Tomorrow? As usual hav'nt a clue. That's for tomorrow. Meanwhile I've one starving dog to feed. She is actually snoring quite loudly on the drivers seat at present but once I make a move I will get that raised head and two big black eyes saying to me. "have you forgotten about me, do you not know I'm a poor underfed and starving dog who has had her arse sat in a green bucket all day and her poor doggy brain rattled out of her head". "Aye right!!" Answers me.