Camping by the canal

If it had been a clear day we would have stayed longer in Auvergne, we want to go to the top of Puy de Dome on the train and visit Volvic – however it was just as cold and wet as when we went to bed so we decided to leave and come back another year.

As we drove north we rapidly dropped over 1000m, the sky cleared and the sun came out – it was like being in another world.  The dark enclosed aire combined with the bad weather had really affected our moods, it was a definite lightening of our spirits as we saw the sun again!!

Drove onto the peage again to avoid start-stop traffic, we headed for a small town called St.Amand-Montrond.  The aire was alongside the canal about 5 min from the centre of the town.  People were fishing but only catching tiddlers. It was lunch time and much to Chris’ continued annoyance everywhere was shut for lunch! You’d think he’d have got used to it by now!!  That said, the Casino was open so filled up with bread and fruit – oh, and another pair of flipflops for Chris!

Ate lunch in a small square with fountains and then walked to the 16^th century fortress ruin in the town.  It was boiling in complete contrast to this morning at the Auvergne.  Unfortunately most of the fortress was fenced off but it was a pleasant walk with nice views across the town.

Back at Flo the kids enjoyed playing next to the canal – loom bands although very irritating because of the mess they make are an excellent way to occupy children for hours!!  

Pleasant French families were either side of us. It was nice spending the evening next to the canal, we even saw an otter swim past which is pretty cool I think!!