Bye Bye Bluey, Hello Family

Our first job this morning was to do our final load of washing. Then it was off to Bluey's storage in Rousseloy and spent our day getting Bluey ready for his hibernation...draining all the water, cleaning and disconnecting the batteries. We packed the maximum we could taking, taking home books and maps we won't use again. Then it was early to bed before our morning pick up to the airport. The 24hour trip went without a hitch and we arrived home safely, very happy to see our family and especially looking forward to the arrival of our grandson.

Beauvais

Travelled:126km

Stay:Beauvais-Aire, free parking and service point. Close to centre. N49.4242 E2.08016 

The last couple of days we have been running around getting things sorted for Bluey in preparation for the next trip. After our experience with the Ford in Beauvais at the start of our trip this year, we wanted to find another place to do our annual service. We decided on the one in Cauffry just a few kilometers from where we store Bluey. They also work in with a guy that does the road worthy check (controle technique) that now needs to be done every 2 years. In France it is the equivalent to the MOT in England. So a bonus for us. 

We also went to see a Truma repair agent, as our boiler is playing up a bit on ignition. His advice was a new regulator and filter for €300. We said we will think about it! We have time to put some research into this one as it is still working. Even after a quick look we can get the parts cheaper and Mark can do the install. 

Then the next couple of things to tackle was the windscreen replacement and the 2 new tyres for the back. Having booked these well and truly in advance you would think it would run smoothly....not in France. We arrived at our appointed time at Mondial Par-Brise and they informed us that the windscreen had not been delivered yet and it would arrive anywhere between 9-12. Then they needed at least 2 1/2 hours. We had an appointment for the tyres at 2pm, so things could get a bit tight. Luckily Norauto were able to squeeze us in and got the new tyres on by 10:30. 

We were happy to find out when we returned to the windscreen mob that it had been delivered and we could come back around 2:30pm. During this time we re-explored Beauvais which has a very impressive Basilica, town square and a free museum. Then it was back to the Aire to continue our preparations for our return home. We are so looking forward to seeing our children and family and friends....and sleeping in our bed! Travelling is great but there is nothing like home!

St.Quentin

Travelled : 157km
Stay:Thourotte - free parking, no services on canal. N49.4750 E2.88373
Visited : St.Quentin

After possibly the quietest night so far, we woke up to what would be our hottest day in our travels this year. We drove to St.Quentin and parked next to the canal and went for an explore. 

Like most towns in this area, 70% was destroyed in WWI, and during its reconstruction many buildings were rebuilt in the modern Art Deco style of the 20 ' s.

 Late Gothic style can still be found especially in the main square where the Town Hall is. 

We also had a peak inside the Basilica which was built on the grave of the martyr Quentin. It still had its orginal tiled maze which pilgrims are to follow. 

Mark has found the perfect pusher! He said it had great suspension.

After following a walking tour to see a few of the most remarkable buildings we made a stop in Ham and had some lunch. After a quick look around and a much needed haircut we made our way to our chosen spot for tonight in Thourotte and tried to stay as cool as possible.

WWI, Lace and the Somme

Travelled : 80km
Stay:Ribemont- free parking on Sambre l'Oise Canal, no services N49.8072 E3.45374
Visited: Ors,  Caudry,  Ligny Cambresis, Source of the Somme

We had an enjoyable evening last night chatting to a couple from the UK and also felt very lucky to be entertained by their musical talent with some lovely playing and singing. 

In the morning we set off only 6km away to the little village of Ors,  where the famous poet Wilfred Owen was killed on 4th November 1918, a week before WWI ended. 

We visited the cemetery in which he is buried and walked to the site where the fighting took place as they tried to breach the canal. It was risky and many lost their lives.

We also had a look at the Foresters House where he had spent his last night writing his final letter to his mother. In 2011 the humble house was transformed into a work of art. 

We stopped just out of Le Cateau to use the free service point. 

It was just near here that the British fought their first battle in France on 26th August 1914.  We then went to visit the Lace Museum in Caudry.  The lace from here is very renowned and many high fashion labels use it in their designs. After watching a 15 min film, we were given a demonstration of a 130 year old machine. It takes 2 months to just thread the strings, before any fabric can be made at 30 metres a day. Obviously now there are even more modern machines and  with the use computers etc they are more efficient. It was a brief visit as the museum was closing at 12 but at only €3 each it didn't matter too much. 

After a walk through town and some lunch we were off heading to the Ligny Cambresis Cemetery to pay our respects to the first Australian to die in WWI.  William Chisholm was 22 when he was mortally wounded on the 26th August 1914 whilst fighting with a British regiment. 

 

On our way towards our spot on the canal for tonight, we stopped to have a look at the Source of the Somme near the little village of Fonsommes. 

The beautiful clear water seeps from underground into a small pool before starting it's 245km journey to Le Harve, discharging into the English Channel. 

The afternoon is hot and so we take it easy in the shade before taking a walk along the canal to the next lock only 1.6km away.

Landrecies

We spent the day in Landrecies- exploring the town and reading about its history in particular during WWI.  It was occupied by the Germans and then won back by the British.  It was a hard life for the inhabitants during this period but many risked their lives. There were several panels around to explain and we later walked to the Commonwealth British Cemetery just out of town in honour of those who lost their lives for us. 

There were many impressive buildings in town.

The Marie.

View from the bridge back to Bluey.

Never fear if the boulangerie is closed you can buy bread from the auto machine.

We spent part of the day sorting out our stuff in Bluey for our impending departure.

Sorting out our stuff!

Our neighbours with their impressive self made Motorhome.

Relaxing!