Monday May 29th, Saillans

Our overnight Aire - cooling off.

Ruakiwi has been having some sensors issues, not debilitating, but very annoying. Sometimes the driver’s window would go down and not up, and other times it would go up then not go down. Eventually it would work. Also the ignition had similar issues, most times it would start instantly but other times Ian would need to turn it off and on at least 5 times to get it to start with strange warning messages coming up, but eventually it would all return to normal. It seemed to be happening more often so went online and found a Mercedes Service Centre in Valence, 30 minutes’ drive away and decided we needed to get it sorted.

Found it easily and once again needed to use trusty Google Translate to explain the problem. The guy came out and had a look then the bad news, they were fully booked with 3 mechanics down and probably it would be June 9^th before they could get us in. We must have looked pretty sad, and after much discussion with another guy, they swapped something around and said to come back at 2pm. Smiles all over our faces.

Very happy to find Mercedes...and their service bays.

Needed to restock so found a Super Intermarche nearby, a very big supermarket chain that we hadn’t used before, that not only had groceries but hardware, clothing and home appliances.. With time on our hands we spent about an hour and half wandering around and having a good look at everything, a good chance as often we rush in and grab what we need and back on the road again. The deli counters are amazing, and picked up some different things that we felt we just needed to try. Olives really are top on the list and with a big container only €2 it is hard to resist. Checking out the wines and came across a very sprightly 90 year old gentleman who started chatting with us in quite good English – he had spent 20 years in New Caledonia and had visited New Zealand. He proceeded to advise us on some good wines although he thought those priced over €6 was getting a bit expensive, mind you there weren’t many over that price!

Very impressed with the supermarkets, there are no plastic bags and today even more impressed to see paper bags to pack your fruit and vegetables in. Certainly, the way to go NZ.

Stopped out in the country a little, under a tree as the temperatures were rising, and had a leisurely lunch. Back to Mercedes at 2, just as they reopened after their 2 hour lunch break! Sorted out the paper work then we sat in the waiting lounge with our books and waited. It was well after 4 when the mechanic came back in with a smile on his face – all fixed. He had found 3 separate relay switches that needed replacing and we were good to go. What a relief, can relax now as in the back of our mind we kept thinking that there may have come a time when Ruakiwi wouldn’t start at all – not a good thought!

With temperatures up in the early 30’s again we had chosen an area south east on the Drome River as looking to be a nice place and only about an hour’s drive away.  There was an Aire in the town of Crest which we went to first but it was right in the middle of town, and very busy so continued onto Saillans, and a much more peaceful Aire beside the river, although no views as there is a stop bank. It’s a very popular spot, the river is quite glacial looking and the kids are enjoying themselves.

Put the chairs out and enjoyed the fresh air and tonight for the first time there was a light cloud cover, maybe the weather is changing. After a late dinner, we walked into the village and what a charming place, just so old with little narrow alleyways and shuttered three story buildings. It was very quiet and wonderful to look around without the hustle and bustle. This is not a tourist place, just a traditional French Village – love it.

The Drome River - evening and everyone is out in the fresh air.

An evening walk through the village.

The light on the mountains as evening approached - gorgeous.