Leaving Antibes with a full van (Sophie, Brad and Andy also along for the journey) we went south west into wine country. Not sure about the laws concerning extra passengers, they would have to duck for cover whenever the authorities were spotted. Research failed to clarify the law... it seams to be a grey area, in the too hard basket apparently? Not keen to find out the hard way, the stowaways played hide and go seek. It was a slow journey up hill most of the way, but the back seat drivers were relatively well mannered and we arrived safely.

Venterol, a tiny village perched on the side of a hill and surrounded by vineyards. It is what you imagine when you think of the french countryside. Like most towns you see the riders from the "Tour De France" go through, the streets are narrow, buildings out of square but all with a rough charm. The clock tower in the center of town rings out every half hour, though the towns people don't appear to particular.

We parked Chardy and eventually found the house.... deciphering what little we could from the wild directions given to us. For such a small village there are plenty of little alleyways to get confused by. The house (acquired by Margo and Ross via house swap) is situated just off the main squire, almost directly below the bell tower. Realising the bell struck twice for 2 o'clock, three times for 3 o'clock and so on, we found ourselves subconsciously counting chimes every half hour. The novelty soon wore off as the updates continue all night.

We made our selves at home. Stocking up at the budget super market in neighboring town Valréas, then embracing the relaxed culture. The following day we set about our task list of getting Chardy ready for the long summer ahead. In town we picked up all the supplies and a few beers as reward for our efforts. With the Rig parked in the main square we began stripping out all the unwanted features. Recycling what we could, using only a leather-man as a saw, some pliers and a drill borrowed from the house, Chardy was transformed. All that remained were a few bits and pieces to be picked up along the way, and a thorough clean inside and out. Margo and Ross arrived late in the evening and joined the young crowd for a glass of red. It is always nice to see a familiar face when traveling. We milled about for the next few days visiting the neighboring town of Nyons and Valréas. We took a swim under the bridge in Nyons one afternoon, not the most picturesque back drop but the water was clear and refreshing.

Mid week we drove Brad into Montelimar and said our goodbye's, from here he would head back to Aus via St Anton.

Towards the end of the week we heard rumors of a beer festival being held in nearby town. Being the connoisseurs we are, we made our way there with high hopes of an entertaining afternoon. After a quick stroll around the town and a very long lunch, it became apparent this would not be the event we had imagined. With row after row of empty seats and very few young people around we the threw in the towel and returned home.

The next day winds of change were blowing strong to the west. We loaded up the freshly renovated Chardy and followed suit. Saying farewell to the girls, Margo and Ross, we were going solo. Off to Hossegor and hopefully our first surf in 6 months!