All dressed up and nowhere to go!

[oldtimer]

As is usual at this time of year, my travelling kit is all ready to go. Camper van serviced and MOT ed, rucksack contents checked, date sensitive items replaced, prescription medications up to date, documentation done, waterproofs waterproofed, boots, socks and undies cleaned. Medical checks and treatment completed.

Normally I'd be booked on the ferry for France ready for a slow, meandering drive down to our place where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean ready for a summer of hillwalking, canoeing, snorkelling and socialising with our French friends over local wine and food.

Instead of which, we're isolated in England. As yet, however, we are better off than our French friends. We had an email from neighbours this morning telling us of restrictions tantamount to house arrest. The videocam that the tourist office has perched on the Chateau shows a ghost town instead of the usual bustling beachfront cafes. No-one is allowed outdoors without written permission!

I suppose the silver lining is that we'll save money and get a chance to grow and eat summer fruit and vegetables from our garden in England. At least I'll be able to weed and water this year instead of getting back to find shrivelled veg and healthy, flourish weeds.

At least we'll be able to confirm to the stereotypical view our French friends have of us. "We French riot, but you English mutter 'musn't grumble' and carry on as usual!"

 

[crosslandkelly]

Sorry to hear that, but it looks as if no one is going anywhere soon.

 

[Toddy]

One of our friends lives in France, and she's been stopped twice so far by the gendarmes. Her horse is in a field an hour from where she lives and it needs fed and watered every day. So far, that has been reason enough to be out, but the fine is something like €125 if it's not a good reason.

M

 

[Code 4]

We are all in the same boat. My advice is if you go anywhere avoid the Isle Of Mann.

 

[bobnewboy]

I got the KTM fired up for the first time this year today . I’m retired so I don’t commute any more, but I’ll be running the lanes and highways round here exploring and learning the counties of W Somerset and E Devon more. I was going to spend some time on a big cleanup and a lot more than the basic service I’ve done already, but the way things are changing I think I’ll get some miles under my belt before that’s locked down as well.

Cheers, Bob

 

[Broch]

I got the KTM fired up for the first time this year today . I’m retired so I don’t commute any more, but I’ll be running the lanes and highways round here exploring and learning the counties of W Somerset and E Devon more. I was going to spend some time on a big cleanup and a lot more than the basic service I’ve done already, but the way things are changing I think I’ll get some miles under my belt before that’s locked down as well.

Cheers, Bob

Brrrrr… it's still too cold, wet and windy - I'm definitely a fair-weather biker and, although the Bonnie's been fired up, I've not been out for a spin yet

 

[bobnewboy]

Brrrrr… it's still too cold, wet and windy - I'm definitely a fair-weather biker and, although the Bonnie's been fired up, I've not been out for a spin yet

Well it’s not raining /so/ much, nor is it /so/ cold, but with the chances of doing anything outside that is enjoyable being squeezed, I think I’ll get on with it

I went fishing at a local lake last week (proper social distancing too!) but it turned out that the weather forecast was well out - way colder and heavy rain all day. So while it was nice to be out, I was very glad to get back to a hot bath and a tot of whiskey!

Cheers, Bob

 

[Nice65]

One of our friends lives in France, and she's been stopped twice so far by the gendarmes. Her horse is in a field an hour from where she lives and it needs fed and watered every day. So far, that has been reason enough to be out, but the fine is something like €125 if it's not a good reason.

M

We have friends in Provence. There is an online form that must be completed and preferably printed out detailing the reason for being out. These are limited to food or pharmacy shopping, dog walking and exercise, plus, presumably, some exceptions like the horse feeding. The document has to be carried as proof in paper or smartphone form and there is a €135 fine for not doing so.

Details here, and info about other countries such as Norway, who make the French look lenient by comparison.

People in France can’t leave home without this permit during the COVID-19 outbreak | World Economic Forum

 

[Nice65]

On topic, today I’ve had the van plugged in to top the batteries, but mainly to Puriclean the water tank and give it a good flush through with the water pump running. Fully fuelled at Pay at Pump fuel station, tyres and fluids checked, diesel air heater working like a dream, fresh pillowcases and duvet, fresh drinking water on board, even got the tv working. Not in a panicky bug out way, just as something positive to do that’ll give us the same social distance and isolation should we go stir at home and crave the road and fields.

 

[GuestD]

Bike was all ready to go for a trip up North next week. Now cancelled. No worries.