Job's done - West to East

Monday 5th June 

Moved on today, eastwards to the Mediterranean. It was a nice drive, firstly up over the mountains, through a couple of gorges, and finally on to a reasonably major highway which was wide and gently winding along to Perpignan. As per usual we let Dora lead the way and sometimes she surprises us with her choice of roads. One road was very narrow as it went round the mountains, down into a valley, up the mountains, through gorges, but thankfully no other traffic.

One last look at the snow.

Some interesting rocky outcrops.

Through the mountain.

A series of tunnels carved through the mountains.

We arrived in Perpignan by lunchtime. This place seems to be quite a large city with an extensive bus service. We are staying to the north of town near the university and the hospital. Drove in towards the city looking for lunch and the parking seems to be a nightmare, so plan on a couple of bus trips. Eventually found a parking spot and had Indian for lunch.

Our apartment is lovely - on the 7th floor and has secure parking. Our balcony looks out towards the airport so we can watch the planes and helicopters taking off and landing.

Sunset - our apartment faces west.

We've thoroughly enjoyed our trip along the Pyrenees - so many different and beautiful views. I'm glad we weren't here much later in the year, as the snow really makes it for us. 

Tuesday 6th June 

Weather has finally improved and we are into the summer clothes. Went for a drive today to Canet beach which is about 10k further east from town. A beautiful wide sandy beach with gently lapping waves. We didn't take our bathers but went in for a paddle. The water is so warm. The parking 'policeman' was right onto us making sure we paid our parking fee. He was surprised when we said we were only going to be there 30 minutes. Not too many people on the beach and in the water - it was about 27deg.

Canet beach. 

Odette also got her toes wet.

From there we followed the coastal roads northwards. Lots of holiday apartments and camping grounds - not unlike what we see at home (surfers paradise, Lorne, etc). Glad we are not here at peak time.

Found a place for lunch serving moules et frites - Rob has been hanging out for those - and I had a lovely meal of prawns. We had a long chat with a Belgian couple on the table next door. Very quiet in this little village.

Time for wine tasting - but we got fooled by one sign pointing to Caves - cave is the word for winery here in France - and we thought we were headed for multiple wineries. Not so! Caves was a village. Found ourselves to be quite a distance from any main road and travelling some very narrow twisty roads trying to get back to civilisation. In the end we gave up the idea of wine tasting for today and headed back to base via the supermarket for dinner.

Thunderstorms mid afternoon as we've come to expect along the Pyrenees - also yesterday.