Having left Commequiers, France, we entered the B roads again to take the long way around to Mirabel-aux- Baronies. It took four days through the middle of nowhere of France to get to the other side. Some parts boring, some parts beautiful and some parts scary driving (particularly through the mountains by Clermont Ferrand and the Ardeche). One day we had great sunny weather to find us in a snowstorm the next morning waking up. I don't know if this was Noa Imi's first time seeing snow, as she's from California, but it was my first time driving a 1978 VW bus through snowy mountains! Cause for some sweaty armpits :-) Then only to drive the last few hours through the mistral (Northern winds) which had hit this South East part of France. More sweaty armpits. I was exhausted by the time we arrived and had to take shower and a catnap in a wonderful luxuruous shower and bed!

Anyway, spending some time in Mirabel, the wind has dropped and the higher temperatures have started. Awesome, this is what we were looking and hoping for. Blue skies, nice friendly people (except, in my humble opinion, the French drive like madmen, actually, more like suicide bombers. They drive 100 when I drive 50, seriously!).  But I just love the fact when you're walking around people say Bonjour. Or make comments about Jake or start running of in French and I look at them dazed at what they're saying and just nod, smile and move on quickly. We've been going on long morning (meditation) walks around the area which is beautiful, overlooking many vineyards of the Cotes du Rhone and of course the olive groves. Personally, Piegon is a favorite town. Little town, less then 300 people, high up looking over the vines and olive fields of Mirabel. It looks like an artist conclave - would love to live here, not that I'm an artist of any kind... ;-) Michele's favorite is still the Mont Ventoux. I think because it's always white on top. But I think more mountains look like that but I guess it's a personal thing ;-).

Also spent my mothers birthday here (RIP 2004) March 14th. Which was a first for me not spending it with my family. Of course we had some wine to celebrate! But it was different day to say the least.

We've had the bus checked out for the upcoming onward travels south (I think) and towards Spain. She should be doing great; changed the oil, timing and cleaned her up so that she can keep on trucking in 40 degrees celcius! She's looking smart anyway. All greased up and ready to go! 

What's next? Of course my ultimate favorite: South of France, the Riviera, Cannes. And then the southern route slowly towards Spain. Via Cassis, Michele's favorite and maybe the Gorges du Verdon, if the bus can make it up to France's answer to the Grand Canyon ;-)). And, since my dad (and Michele) has always wanted to go, we'll go instead: south of Arles, the Camarque region to see the wild horses and flamingo's (hopefully!). I promised I would take pictures so I'm hoping I'll be able to post some....