The hips won't do it. After a sleepless night, we pack Nellie up and go, but not for long. By the time we reach Gaudins the very basic campsite we find there seems like heaven, except that it is 6km from any shops and we have no food. Paul, the gallant, has gone off on foot, while I prepare camp and do the other necessaries, washing etc. But not everything is bad, just before coming into the village – picturesque, hanging off the edge of a hillside, with views over a gentle arable landscape – we crossed a river that looked ideal for Nellie. Suffice to say, we have been paddling. Though fun, the main purpose for this is to wash her cut fetlock and bring down the remains of the swelling, all of which Nellie seems to enjoy. We wade out midriver, both of us knee deep in the strong current and enjoying the chill on our feet. But when Flea plunges into join us he is swept down by the current and I have to rush over to pull him back. Meanwhile Nellie, the unperturbed, watches us and waits. Back at the campsite Flea valiantly protects the tent and Nellie from a dog that is a larger version of himself, before settling down for yet another meal (he eats at least 3 times his own body weight in a day) and getting into trouble for stealing the cake Paul brought back. No doubt his thieving behaviour can be explained by his vagrant beginnings, but it is about time he believed us when we say that there will always be enough food for him. His thieving is not restricted to food either - socks, single, because the owner is currently putting the other one on, disappear in seconds, as do shoes and any other portable item.
Accommodation – camping, rating: basic/PR. Minimal facilities, basically in a field with shower etc in one corner. 15 euros. Les Monguets 04 90 75 28 62
No comments:
Post a Comment