French Alps journey down

Day 1

We got to Phil’s slightly after planned as Morgan took us around the houses looking, yet packing the van in good time we managed to get off promptly. Getting out of Wales was nice and simple, but it was getting off the M4 and hitting the M3 and M25 where the English traffic really showed its true colours. Obviously the Jubilympics has got the Brits into such a frenzy that their driving has gotten worse.

Packing the van

Eventually made it to the Eurotunnel, and were surprised to find that our ‘FlexiPlus’ ticket got us past all of the plebs!! Apparently on the Eurotunnel, queuing is solely reserved for the poor! Fear not, we had the windows rolled up, so their smell did not affect us.  After arriving at the tunnel at about 20:00 we were in France by 20:40 (English time) cheering us up immensely from the trauma of the British road network on a bank holiday. Then it was a quick twenty minutes until we got to the campsite where we set up for the evening and a couple bottles of wine were seen away.  Standard start to a holiday!­­

The campsite

Day 2

Driving down to the Gité, Rif took the first stint and obviously loved the other French drivers so much he tried to get up close and personal with the driver in front by entering his vehicle from behind whilst still driving the van. Luckily Morgan was having none of it!  Gripping the seat in front, commanded in an almighty roar, ‘ Rif! Brake! Brake, brake!’ which Rif managed to do in the nick of time.  Boats still on the roof, despite the high reaction force from the rapid deceleration we carried on.  Our hearts somewhat thumping, we bet it wouldn’t be the last time they raced to that rate again over the coming week.

The first pit stop to get fuel I was straight into the ‘boutique’ and got myself a ‘Candy-Up’ which I think is safe to say France’s second best beverage, with ‘Lait Chocolate’ as its number one. As it has been a year since my last ‘Candy-Up’ it was a tremendous reunion.

Beautiful Candy Up!

Nearing Briancon we hit the final little snag of the trip, utter reliance on the Sat Nav and after the critical junction was passed the ‘die was well and truly cast.’ With little objection to following the almighty voice we decided to leave instinct behind. I already assume you can guess the outcome, we had to turn around and backtrack. On review, Rif said that he had already suggested to just follow Grenoble signs, but Phil rightly pointed out, ‘there’s no point on being on the Apprentice and being quiet’!! …

So Cardiff University are soon to be off to the promise land we know as the mountains, torrents, streams and tributaries that surround the Alpinous town of Briançon, we look forward to our next adventure and wish them luck in the delights she has to offer.  We are sure the following entries will moisten the lips of each reader, both male and female, seasoned pro and alpine virgins, alike!

Next post will hopefully be soon, and may contain some actual kayaking!

Cheers