Monday 3rd June Yesterday as I drove in the Monts d'Arrée area, I had seen road signs for Mont St Michel, which I didn't think was really nearby. But this was not the well known Abbey Mont St Michel, but another. Consulting the map later, I found that in this area, one of the highest peaks is Mont St Michel, which overlooks Lac St Michel. So, heading off this morning, I decided to visit Mont St Michel as it was not far away. It was possible to drive almost to the top, which was convenient. On top there is a chapel and a 360 degree view. The altitude is less than 400m, but it was cold and windy. There was a good view across Lac St Michel and one could see the nuclear power station on ... read more

Saturday 1st June Guilvinec This morning I headed off from my overnight stop in the country and deliberately stayed off the main roads, taking more interesting byways. Before long I came across the charming town of St-Nicholas-des-Eaux, on the Blavet River. It was cool, but still and quiet there in the morning sunshine. There was a lock on the river and a pleasant park and hillside overlooking. From there I drove up the hill to an historic lookout. At this place the river does an almost complete loop, and the lookout has views down both sides of the bluff to the river. There is an historic railway bridge down there, but it was not possible to see it due to the trees – one could see part of the old railway line on the other side ... read more

Thursday 30thMay Today was a public holiday for Ascension Day, and this would be a busy weekend in France, as a lot of people would ‘font le pont’ and take Friday off to get a four-day weekend. My hosts planned an overnight trip for us to Nantes – we would be staying with friends of theirs. After lunch we headed off and after about an hour we arrived. The friends of my hosts took us out walking and we headed for the port. Nantes is on the Loire River, just about 10 or 15 km from its mouth at St Nazaire. Nantes is also one end of the Nantes-Brest Canal, mentioned previously. Hence Nantes was a very important port ands ship-building centre. The port is now primarily for pleasure craft, and there was an excited crowd ... read more

Sunday 19th May – Friday 24th May I was sick for this period. Most likely a gluten response due to accidental intake. This is the longest period of time I have been sick following gluten intake. The trials and tribulations of having Coeliac Disease. Saturday 25th May I was nearly better today with just some stomach pains remaining. I decided to get out and about a bit again. In the afternoon I went for a riverside bike ride for about an hour. It's always very pleasant along the river. This weekend in Guipry-Messac was a junior soccer extravaganza. There were plenty of teams from around France and greater Europe in attendance, they had three reduced-size fields going, and lots of games sere played. They also had rides and sideshows, as well as a disco and fireworks ... read more

Sunday 12th May This morning I went to Mass at the church in Guipry. There was a choir but the hymns were not very bright – they seemed heavy rather than uplifting. At the house I helped with some gardening – planting tomatoes and zucchini in the vegetable garden, which is a few doors down, behind the big old house I've mentioned before. I have also started the planning of my trip in southern Germany, for about a week before I fly home, and this took up a lot of time today – trying to devise an itinerary and book hotels. I have decided to do part by train as I travel towards Munich, and part by rental car from Munich. I have planned the driving days (about 4 days) along the German Alpine Road, and ... read more