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Published: October 22nd 2017
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Geo: 43.1433, 6.38134
Hard to believe we have been here well over a week now and despite not venturing far the days seem to be full, but with what? David has managed a few rides out on his bike, one of which was solo but the reason will be revealed later in this posting. Gordana was delighted to see us, it is hoped just because we are us, but also as a bike buddy for husband, Chris, since she doesn't like him to be out on his own. He's in his early 70's, but it's a safety thing.
Thursday is market day in Le Lavandou and whilst not our favourite in the area it is within walking distance (about 20 minutes) and has the usual fresh fruit, veg, fish and cheese, there are also clothes, shoes, cheap watches, mattresses (!) and the latest craze of the moment, hand held spinners which seem to be around the €5 selling price. Can't see the point of them myself, but each to his own, I suppose. Much rather have a pot of fresh basil and an artisan-baked loaf of bread which is what we bought on our first visit this year.
On Friday (5th), Chris and Gordana
Interesting lighting feature
At Chateau Le Bastidon where we bought wine. introduced us to two of their favourite institutions near La Londe les Maures. First stop was Chateau Le Bastidon, a vineyard where we sampled several of their offerings before deciding on a mixed half dozen to see us through the next week or so, though we are likely to pop back for more before we move on. I was particularly taken with their rose 'Melusine' which is a little more substantial than some.
Next stop was restaurant, L'Hemingway, located on a beautiful sandy beach. On this occasion it was to be a coffee stop but looked well worth trying for lunch one of the days. Outside was a vintage rickshaw-type bike which David just couldn't resist trying for size, but as a display, it was not going anywhere.
The weather so far has been quite mixed - overcast one day, sunny and/or breezy another - but we are hopeful that the prolonged sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures we so enjoyed last year will turn up soon. Indeed, on Monday last (8th), a public holiday in France to commemorate VE Day, normal service was resumed for the arrival Seabourne Odyssey which anchored offshore in the bay, with passengers tendered ashore.
Tuesday (9th) David
ventured out by bike on his own since he was on a mission to locate a particular vineyard. Back in 2007, we stayed on a campsite at Grimaud, near St. Tropez, and having enjoyed a bottle of white with an equally enjoyable meal at Gassin noted the details and a day or two later visited La Siouvette with the intention of buying some direct. The lady who greeted us when realising we were English, went for help and returned with pony-tailed Colin who turned out to be Scottish and coincidentally had worked in the power industry, like David. Anyhow, where we are is just about as close but in the opposite direction and last year we found out that he no longer worked at La Siouvette but had set up on his own nearby, so David cycled to Le Baou d'Enfer and found Colin working on the vines. It transpires that he has a stall selling his produce at the local market in Le Lavandou so we sought him out to sample and buy a few.
The site is still far from full but we are expecting some more regulars to arrive tomorrow. Bert and Ria's caravan is on their usual
pitch, but we understand that this time they are flying from Holland into Toulon where they will collect a hire car.
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