Winding up our Vacation

We've had a wonderful week wending our way along the Loire, heading for the Brittany coast. We've visited some amazing Chateaux's and various museums including one containing a 2CV Sahara, an Ami M35 (you have to be a Citroen nut to appreciate one of these) an A Type 2CV and even a Steyr Puch Haflinger. One of the highlights though was a visit to a working windmill built in 1740. It was still in operation milling animal feed and flour. This wasn't a tourist attraction, but a real working mill & it was fascinating to talk to the owner about his work and the mechanisms of the mill. He let us clamber all over the place and it was fascinating.

Last night near Dinard we had a delicious farewell dinner & end of raid Soiree. It was a lovely evening and we were joined by other 2CV friends Annie & Dave (ex UK & Australia) who have now moved to Dinard as well as other 2CVGB friends Chris & Debbie, so a good time was had nattering & catching up on each others news.

This morning we awoke rather more bleary eyed than usual and after packing up we had a final communal breakfast. We said our goodbyes to all & started our journey back home.

A big THANK YOU! to George, Mike, Chris & Terry for they're help in operating Alton while we're been away enjoying ourselves, it really is very much appreciated.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton's August Schedule 2011

The Picture above shows us on our holiday in the Loire Valley

Alton's schedule for August will be as follows.

Sat 6th - Mon 8th:- Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return. Operated by George Boyle.

Wed 10th - Sat 13th: Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Ellesmere Port

Sun 14th - Tues 16th: Ellesmere Port to River Weaver

Wed 17th - Fri 19th: River Weaver to Oakgrove (Macc Br 49)

Sat 20th - Mon 22nd: Oakgrove (Macc Br 49) to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return

Sat 27th - Tues 30th (Bank Hol w/e): Oakgrove to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth return.

Please note the above schedule is our plan, but this may change due to traffic or other circumstances outside our control. If you require supplies just give us a call on 07791345004 & we will make sure we don't miss you.
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A Nicely Matured 2CV Fourgounette

OK George you have a point 2CV go rusty, whilst you just mature like fine French wine!
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Loitering Dans Le Loire

We had a brilliant time at the 2CV World Meeting, Salbris, France. There were 2CV's of all types and ages as well as all the derivatives of Dyane's, Mehari's, Ami's, Van's in addition there were all sorts of very rave models such as Bijou, Citroneta, 4 wheel drive Sahara and many more. There was a great atmosphere at the meeting and it was so good to just wander around and chat with people from all around the world who share our passion for the "dueche". Our BWB van created quite a lot of interest and it was interesting to talk to a few Belgian 2CV experts.

The meeting finished on the Sunday and on Monday we set off with about 25 other Citroen's on "Raid Loire et Chateaux", which is a weeks tour of the Loire Valley organised by the local 2CV clubs. We are visiting various Chateaux, Wineries, Vineyards, and museums. So far we've driven some beautiful routes, toured some stunning Chateaux & tasted some lovely local wines. It's no surprise to learn that we've also managed to see a little of the areas waterways including the great aqueduct at Briare, which is maybe the French equivalent of our Pontcysyllte aqueduct and we've seen the traditional fishing boats on the Loire & it's tributaries.

Whilst we continue our holiday Graham & George will be operating Alton for us, they will be travelling from Oakgrove to Marple on Sat 6th Aug, then on the Upper Peak Forest to Bugsworth Basin & Whaley Bridge on Sun 7th, before returning down the Macc on Mon 8th. Please be nice to them as they may be a little rusty! :-)

Well we'd better get back to our wine.

Bon soir mes ami!
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