The Auvergne Airlift. 

Day 1. Monday 8th May 2017

It had been suggested by Tim in September last year that we spend this week in the Auvergne, more especially the Volcanic area of Volvic, yes that’s right where the water is bottled. There are numerous extinct volcanoes in this area and as such is gently walking country. We hope to visit The Puy du Dome, the largest at 1465 m. and a few others. Suzie and Tim would meet us on the Thursday at La Hotel du Poste in Pontgibaud.

  http://www.hoteldelaposte-pontgibaud.com/hotel-pontgibaud-en,1,9779.html

As Tim would be in France staying with Suzie we Stopportons would escort the Nixons out to Limoges via Bristol airport. Jill drove her Yeti at breakneck speed up the motorway, everything passed in a blur. The only highlight was when we passed my old boss Paul. Remember I am a week into retirement, it looked most undignified with me hanging out the window screaming and gesticulating but it seemed to fit the moment.

By 1130hrs having cleared security, a straight walk through, no queues, we were sat in the bar marvelling at the cost of the sarnies. It’s enough to make a man go on a diet. Now I have a theory about the staff at these cafes/eateries. You may well have noticed that they are invariably of European extraction. Usually East European. I think they are employed to add a certain continental flair and thus push up the prices by another pound or so.

Angie and Tom's house in Le Buis.

We took off at 1413hrs. No sooner were the wheels up than Jackie was looking around for the drinks trolley. After what I am told was a perfect flight, I kipped, we landed at 1527hrs. Passing through customs we were soon into the arrivals hall and there were Angie and Tom to meet and greet.  Within thirty minutes we were sat on their terrace enjoying drinks.

Angie had a four course meal prepared for dinner. This was followed by Armagnac and coffees. We adjourned to the lounge and managed more conversation until 2320hrs when Mike capitulated and decided to  turn in.