To Gerardmer

Sunday 8th April

Last evening when we went over to the office to use the newly-repaired wifi to post yesterday's blog, the young lady receptionist came and asked us if we would mind reading through her 'Rules & Regulations' notice that she had translated into English.  She knew that we would be able to improve on it!  So we took it back to Valerie and Martin's caravan and we all had a go at rearranging her sentences.  Having our little lap-top and printer with us has its uses - I typed up our final version and took the printed copy to Mme this morning.  She was so delighted!  We shall have to return some time to see it displayed.  But what a good idea to ask an English person to help - we so often roar with laughter at notices in what is supposed to be English.

Today has been very warm and sunny again.  We all packed up this morning, travelled a bit more south-east and then met up at our planned lunch stop at Thaon les Voges beside the Canal de l'Est.  This time we had to huddle in the shadow behind our van to eat.  No, we are not really complaining

about the heat! 
After a short stroll beside the canal to stretch our legs, we carried on through scenery becoming more and more alpine until we reached Gerardmer.  We are staying at Camping les Sapins on the south side of the lake, for 2 nights.  We've wandered along the lake-side path towards the town for a while,

cooked up another gourmet meal and it's been warm enough to stay outside to eat it, even after 7pm.  Can this last???

Monday 9th April

After a dull and chillier start to the day, it gradually warmed up.  We all walked by the lake to the town of Gerardmer this morning and compared to yesterday when everyone was out walking and watching the rowers on the lake, it seemed very 'closed'.  But we found a coffee shop and one of the many linen shops open before stopping at Lidl for a few supplies.  Then it was back home for a late lunch in the sunshine and another lazy rest-of-the-day.  It seems necessary to mention food again as Valerie's freshly cooked quiche with various salads prepared by Jacki and me were pretty amazing!