We are back on wheels!

Well, as expected, the warranty company refused to pay for the repair, even though we have the top level cover. But the kind people at the garage (Taller Nou, Calonge, Costa Brava for anyone with car troubles out here) persevered to identify and correct the problem; they weren't able to get the part we needed (diesel filter) in time or repair the existing one but they have done a bit of jiggery-pokery to get us OK for driving back when we can get it properly fixed. When they realised we were paying for taxis to get up and down to them at 15 Euros a time, they even dropped us off and collected us - bless them! And their bill was a fraction of what we would have paid in the UK. We are going to ask Trevor and Joan what would be a good thank-you to drop off to them tomorrow (would be beer in the UK!) as they were really fantastic. 

Eventually got our new BBQ working last night with the help of what Steve called "incendiary" lighter fluid bought at our campsite shop. Steve lit the glowsticks I bought him for his birthday and hung them from the tree on our terrace so it was very pretty along with the candles on our table.

Last lazy day today as tomorrow we will be doing jobs in preparation for leaving eg taking down the awning. We want to leave as early as we can on Sunday morning as we have 2 long days of driving to make sure we get to Orleans on Monday in time for our vet appointment and booking on to the site we have reserved (so we can leave the caravan while we go to the vets). Then, on the Tuesday, we will get as near to the Eurotunnel terminal as we can for our crossing first thing Wednesday morning.

I am going to do a few things differently for the trip back, like making up some sarnies in the morning to leave in the fridge for when we stop for the night. Last time, we were too tired by the time we had fed and walked the dogs to look after ourselves so it would be good to have something ready in the fridge! I'm hoping on Monday night - because we can leave the caravan at the site - that we will get a lovely French meal. The food here has been nice but I'm afraid it takes a lot to beat a French steak with bearnaise sauce for me!

We've heard the UK has been enjoying some great weather this week so we're hoping it lasts until we get back so we're not shivering...