French trip

[Trotter]

Mmm, where to start. I had intended to have a trip down to the south of France.
It’s early Sunday, and I’m awake, thanks to a bloody pigeon outside the bedroom window.

First, I’d need to sort out a few already documented health issues.
Secondly, the terrible fires in and around the French Mediterranean coastal region, are clearly a worry. The last thing l’d want to be is in the way.

So, what to do, where to go.

In short, I want to stay warm, during October. I go to Spain and Portugal, in the early spring. And tbh, it’s a bit further than I want to travel.
One of the best things about this forum, is , I can make my problem, yours. And I know that there’s a wealth of information among you lot.
No need to provide your answers on a postcard. Put them on this page.
Cheers all.
Edit. Looked on Google for a bit of inspiration. It came up with Malta , Canaries an and the Algarve. To far.
I suppose what I want is to, just extend the summer a little. And for me to remain to be that little ray of sunshine I’m known to be.
Ps Australia sounds like it might be alright. Bit of a drive though. And Demi neither flies or floats

 

[GMJ]

Will you stay on campsites or wilding/aires or a mix of them?

 

[Trotter]

Will you stay on campsites or wilding/aires or a mix of them?

Wilding/aries mainly. Campsites? I haven’t really needed to use them yet.

 

[GMJ]

Ah OK. I asked as we stayed on a campsite in Villeneuve Loubet a few years ago which was in a great position for the trains across the south coast; walkable/cyclable into Antibes; and close to supermarkets, resto's etc. We also like Cavalaire sur mer but again, we stay at a campsite.

 

[Trotter]

Thanks GMJ, although I am concerned about the wild fires in and around that area.
Life never was supposed to be easy

 

[jeffmossy]

Derek we are on the east of France level with Luxembourg and it is stunning, lots of beautiful Aires and very warm at present, we are slowly making our way south west monitoring the heat and fires but as yet we have had no issues

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Luxembourg & Switzerland are well worth taking a detour on the way down.

 

[Trotter]

Cheers Jeff.
It’s still a long way off for me. I still don’t know what’s going on with this pacemaker nonsense. Yes it’s urgent, no it ain’t, it can wait, no it can’t. I’m thinking of telling them to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. And take my chances.
The boss, STMBO, keeps telling me to be patient. And I say, yes dear, that’s what I want. To be a patient..

This stupid Brexit nonsense, has made travelling so bl..dy difficult. Ninety days makes no sense whatsoever.
Getting cross now, going for me shower. My mood might not improve, but at least, I’ll be cleaner.
Stay safe and enjoy
Trotts

 

[Trotter]

Luxembourg & Switzerland are well worth taking a detour on the way down.

Luxembourg Switzerland, to many regs.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Not that we were aware of Del, just drive, some nice wild spots too.

 

[TJBi]

As you say, October is still a long way off; plenty of time for wildfires to be extinguished! Data would suggest that October is not a period of high risk for wildfires in France (which figures, as presumably combustible material in high-risk areas has to a great extent already been burnt off).

France Deforestation Rates & Statistics | GFW

In 2020, France had 10.3 Mha of natural forest, extending over 19% of its land area. In {year}, it lost 36.3 kha of natural forest, equivalent to 20.7 Mt of CO₂ emissions.

www.globalforestwatch.org

 

[barryd]

I wouldn't let the wild fires put you off. We have been down in the south of France for weeks now and drove around them via Toulouse last Sunday. As far as I am aware they are under control now. I would say pick your time carefully and keep an eye on the weather. Its been bloody awful this past couple of weeks. An abnormal heatwave. In the end we literally crossed the country and got up into the High Pyrenees where its lovely as long as you are above 6000ft. Typically from Tuesday its now going to be freezing. Its 8 years since we did a proper tour and the other thing I will add is its much much much busier than it used to be. If I was coming away now I would seek out the quieter places at least until it calms down a bit but don't worry about the fires.

 

[Trotter]

Thank you everyone who has answered. As TJ says, October is a way off still. Plenty of time for things to settle.
And Barry, High Pyrenees in October, mmmm. Tried skiing once. Not something I’m in a hurry to do again

Got to be honest. I love France, pity they all speak foreign.

 

[marchie]

Thank you everyone who has answered. As TJ says, October is a way off still. Plenty of time for things to settle.
And Barry, High Pyrenees in October, mmmm. Tried skiing once. Not something I’m in a hurry to do again

Got to be honest. I love France, pity they all speak foreign.

About 1985, I was stopped by 2 very attractive French females in Peterborough City Centre, and asked if I knew where Weejsmeeth was. After two requests for them to repeat the request, it finally dawned on me that they were looking for WH Smith ...

Steve

 

[rugbyken]

we were there last year del when the fires were about mainly august into september by october you should be fine they are usually shown clearly on news and internet only been near them once a few years ago and they are rather obvious

 

[Pauljenny]

Just looked at the website www. fogos.pt.
The fires are definitely reduced from last week. North of a rough line between Porto and Caseres in Spain.
Smaller bush fires means more resources available to fight the existing ones.
As Ken says, shouldn't be a problem after the first rains arrive in the next 4 weeks.

 

[Trotter]

My departure this September, all depends on a certain gentleman at Northampton General, getting his digit extracted.
Any concerns I may have regarding travelling this autumn, shouldn’t be a worry for next years August/September autumn break.
He either would have done the job, and I’d have around 10 years battery life left, or I possibly wouldn’t be around anymore..
Any similarity of someone getting annoyed and me? Probably not coincidental.

 

[Cujimi]

My departure this September, all depends on a certain gentleman at Northampton General, getting his digit extracted.
Any concerns I may have regarding travelling this autumn, shouldn’t be a worry for next years August/September autumn break.
He either would have done the job, and I’d have around 10 years battery life left, or I possibly wouldn’t be around anymore..
Any similarity of someone getting annoyed and me? Probably not coincidental.

I was interested in your post as I’ve just had a pacemaker fitted but now waiting on a heart ablation which could be in 6 to 9 months. I want to get away but without knowing when that procedure is I can’t make any plans. I take it from your post your existing pacemaker is running out of battery and you need a replacement. Can I ask you how long they last and did you have any problems with travel insurance when you had it fitted. I know I may be different because I’m waiting for another procedure. I also love France and wish I could get away now.

 

[Trotter]

I was interested in your post as I’ve just had a pacemaker fitted but now waiting on a heart ablation which could be in 6 to 9 months. I want to get away but without knowing when that procedure is I can’t make any plans. I take it from your post your existing pacemaker is running out of battery and you need a replacement. Can I ask you how long they last and did you have any problems with travel insurance when you had it fitted. I know I may be different because I’m waiting for another procedure. I also love France and wish I could get away now.

As we’ve not met I should really say Hi.
Hi,
Pacemakers ? Brilliant bit of kit. My second is on its way out, after nine years of (mis) use.

Travel Insurance? Companies had the strangest idea. For some odd reason they thought I wanted to buy the insurance company, not just get a premium. And as also I have several other ticker problems, travel insurance is either expensive or unobtainable. I therefore depend on the GHIC . I have used that a couple of times, needing to visit a GP. What that would be like if I needed extensive hospital treatment, I’ve no idea. I prefer not to think about it,lol.


The delay re replacement, as far as I can tell, is because I was on a list for an upgrade, to a double lead model. Apparently I no longer qualify. Clearly no worthy of the expense. So a bog standard one is going in. He will fit it one day.

How long do they last? I reckon, used around the 60bpm, you could expect 10 years. Both of mine have lasted 9-10 years.
Yes they are that good. If you can convince the surgeon to take the job on, in the first place.

As for travelling? I never consider it a problem. Going out of Europe? ( Out of the GHIC area) I would reconsider maybe.
I will probably be called irresponsible, but it’s my life, my decision.
Have van. Will travel.

Enjoy your travels. Quit worrying. After all. With that comedy team, Trump and Putin, we all could be dead next week.

Another thing maybe worth considering? If you didn’t have a pacemaker fitted, you may not around to consider travelling
Always look on the bright side of life.

 

[nabsim]

Hmmm, October? Anywhere South of Fort William should do. Possibly anywhere below Thurso