Leaving Sanary sur Mer this morning under a cloudless sky the intention was to take the journey in leisurely fashion and cross the Cevennes National Park to glimpse part of the Tarn Gorge. but Florac was one of just three stops before noon. We would have made better progress, but it was not to be. At least we avoided the coast road south of Marseilles and holiday traffic. The A8, A7 and N113 via Arles was chosen, Nimes and Ales was a fun drive in company with a Triumph TR6 for part of the way. However, confusion delayed us at Ales where we decided to top up the tank at a Super-March. . The escape route was not simple and the GPS and us became temporarily unaware of our exact location. What looked like a short-cut detour might have served us well, but two or three miles down leafy lanes, being overtaken by several noisy rally cars, we were stopped in our tracks at a narrow bridge by a rally official who refused to let us cross. We had happened upon the start of a hill climb section, where a dozen or so rally competitors were stood about waiting their turn to be given the green light. Re-tracing our route back to Ales we started out again, but this time followed the correct road beside the river valley to La Grande Combe and the N106. One long chain of sweeping bends well suited to the nimble Morgan.
Our overnight stop at Gannat was reached at approximately 5pm via the A75 . The run north was made a little more enjoyable by keeping company with a red classic 1986 Porsche 911, gently driven by an English couple we met at the service station earlier. They were heading for Calais to face a further two hour drive.
Sophia and Max though are already home in Devon after a flight of just 1h 20m.
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At Gannat La-coraline B&B
Our Gannat hosts are so, so obliging, nothing is too much trouble and we felt a warm welcome in their lovely home. Over breakfast we talked to two couples, one French the other Australian and much to Helen's surprise Brexit was an issue given an airing. We now have an open invitation to visit new friends in Sidney and a waterfront home, and access to a yacht, though it's unlikely we shall be able to take up the offer. Graham is heading to the UK with original paperwork regards his pension that he dare not release from his personal possession. his wife is due to fly back to Sidney while he sorts it all out. They have been touring Spain in uncomfortably hot weather for several weeks. Michelle and Claude the other couple are French and he has treated himself recently to a Triumph 1200cc motorbike of the "naked" style, devoid of any of the modern type of fairing. Michelle however is not one to ride pillion with him.
Greasing up the Morgan, photo calls etc. delayed departure till 10.30 am. and 475 miles later we stretch out in Roscoff before a wander into town for supper of Moules with frites, fish and chips. The Morgan is placed under cover and sheltered from clouds that threatens to dampen the last leg of our adventure - Helen will be glad to sleep in her own bed again. My sights are set on populating the newly made beehive waiting for me in my garage and if previous Morgan adventures are an indicator, the treasured machine will be rested for a while.
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