The long road

Ooof, it's been a long day. We left home at about 1:15am and finally got pitched up at about 3:45. We spent 4hrs on a motorway in the UK, then another 4hrs on French dual carriageways. 

Although, the roads in France are in much better condition (it's what the tolls pay for) and the standard of driving over here is a bit better, too. No lane hoggers; you overtake and then you get straight back into the inside lane. If you don't, French drivers will soon let you know! 

The weather has been amazing all the way and it's really hot. Perfect camping weather!

Our first stop is at Lac d'Orient. In my head I thought this was going to be a quiet lakeside spot, out in the wilds of France, where we could sit by the water and relax. It's actually like a cross between Bute Park and any Welsh seaside town on a hot day. The lake is massive, with water sports on offer, and there's loads of free parking along the southern side, with ice cream stands and a snack bar. It's rammed here today. 

Le Lac d'Orient 

The actual campsite is quite nice. Bigger than we'd normally choose, but it's got a pool, shop, bar - all the essentials! It's similar to where we used to take the boys when we came to France first. 

Our allocated pitch was already occupied when we arrived, but it wasn't a very nice one, anyway, as it was crammed in between two other pitches. After a chat with reception we were given a different pitch, which suits us much better. It's right at the far end of the campsite and you wouldn't know you were on a much bigger site.

Our pitch

The birds are in full voice - I can hear a song thrush and there's a cuckoo calling, nearby. There are lots of butterflies flitting about, too. 

I made a friend straight away 

It's going to be an early night for us, tonight, though. We've been up for 19 hours and been on the road for almost eight of those hours. We're both shattered.

We're hoping to make an early (ish) start tomorrow and cycle into Troyes. However, there are thunderstorms forecast, so let's hope I don't get struck by lightning! 

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