Driving through France

We were up early, we packed up and departed at 5am. It was a long day of endless driving but we are now back home - arrived back to torrential rain on the motorway and dark skies :(

It was an easy journey, we stopped to eat the breakfast I made and then stopped to eat our lunch. It was too cold to eat outside in the picnic areas so we ate in the car. All I wanted was a decent cappuccino but France is not great at catering for dietary requirements, well unless you are in a decent restaurant. Unlike in the UK where I can get a cappuccino with non dairy milk at any major service centre up and down the country. There used to be Starbucks in some of the motorway services and while I don't like their coffee at least they offer a milk alternative, but all of these along our route have now closed and they only have the pre-programed hospital style Starbucks vending machines which does not give you an alternative milk option. 

We drove through this town of Soultz-les-Baines which looked rather charming - I took this photo through the windscreen so it's not the best image but it gives a flavour of the architectural style there. Our route home takes us past many of the World War battle fields areas, Verdun, the Maginot Line, and every time we drive there we always say one day we must stop and do some tours. One day! We also pass some wonderful wine areas and champagne areas, another one to add to that ever growing list of places to visit.

Gavin is tired after driving, his elbow is still very sore but we hope it is just bruised. It feels strange to be starting another new year with Christmas and festivities all behind us. It will be an early night tonight.