January, 2015 - PONS, FRANCE

We awoke to a cool crisp day and a van engine that would not start.

Before we left the UK we had work done on the van's carburetor.  The float had developed a leak.  This resulted in the fuel overflowing into the engine, resulting in hopeless flooding. In Pons this repair failed.

The Municipal Campground Manager was very helpful, giving us a map showing the nearest Renault Dealer.  Lucky for us they were only 3 blocks away.  They were wonderful.  Had a mechanic stop work and go down to the van.  Then they towed it to their shop and had it repaired before the end of the day, all for a very reasonable $120 CDN.

We spent the day walking around this very lovely village, that was once sacked by King Richard the Lionhearted of England.

The city hall  flag was at half mast in memory of the victims of the "Charlie" terrorist attack.

View of the mill pond from the town wall.

A sign we were to see a lot of (foreshadowing).

January, 2015 - DIEPPE & VILLARS BOCAGE, FRANCE

Our second day in France included a midday visit to Dieppe, on our way to Pons.  Dieppe is the site of a disastrous WWII raid, by mostly Canadians, to test the heavily defended German "Fortress Europe".  The losses included 1200 dead (907 Canadians) 2340 captured, 119 planes downed and one destroyer sank.  A very sad day for us.

The Beach looking North.

The Beach looking South.

One of the monuments honoring the Canadians.

Port Office and Tourist Info Center.

The outer port.

Port "High Street", mostly closed due to season.

Street art.

Church closed due to structural problems.

We arrive at the Municipal Campground in Pons, a medieval village, just as the sun sets.  No power this time, but still a lovely spot to spend the night and again it was free.

Sunset at Pons

We drove a short distance to Villars Bocage and treated ourselves to an Italian dinner out and hotel room.