Damp Dordogne dawdle

So the weather has at last taken a turn for the worst. An awful lot of rain in the night and it has pretty much continued through the day. A bit of a shame, but we were due some bad weather. In addition there have been some technical plumbing issues too which we are trying to get a grasp of. Not quite solved yet but it is work in progress.

So today's venture was a mooted affair due to the above. A stroll across to the near village of Limeuil. Another beautiful little town with its history located in the harbour side affairs of the converging Dordogne and Vezere. Steep streets with looming houses on all sides, quaint paths and steps in all directions, and as has become the norm so far, super views in all directions. 

Now my ambitions to have a paddle in a canoe on the Dordogne were hit a little by the dampness. I did however find an appropriate outlet that was open despite the weather. So I rang the proprietor, whose message said he'd be there in 5 mins if rung. 10 mins later an old battered Renault van arrived. Jasper and I were promptly kitted out and prepared for a raging torrent of an adventure.

We were joined by a family of 5 who we had a nice chat with. In the end it turned out they were from Taunton!!! And so the van ride began. A bumpy, dubiously unseat belted affair with scant regard for health and safety. An absolute pleasure! Life needs little risks! After that adventure, we were dropped off at a beach 9km up from where we started. Our host, promptly deposited our boat on the beach and rattled through his spiel. I was expecting rules, regulations, advice, emergency plans, contact info etc. Instead, his parting words were simple "there you go," and with that, he was off. Jasper was very keen and jumped in and off we set. Despite the increasing drizzle, we had a lovely pootle down the river, paddling, drifting, observing wildlife, rocking the boat and general mucking about. A lovely afternoon for the Clements boys. Jasper seemed to have a certain affinity with the paddle. Naturally paddling and twisting the paddle correctly. We got quite synchronised and as a team made good progress.

Lots of fun. On the road again tomorrow. We have to try and work our way south now. It is our intention to be in Pampalona by the 3rd of September for la Vuelta (the Spanish Tour de France).

Ed