I have just watched what I thought was a lorry enthusiast’s outing, as one after anoither a series of refrigefated meat lorries went past. People tooted their horns and le patron and his wife from “Le Bar Normande” here on the Square of the tiny villagw of St. Crois waived enthusiastically at everyone going past.

My mistake.

The local slaughterhouse had just closed, with the loss of 250 jobs. The final AIM group refrigerated lorry, with the slogan “laviandeonaime” (“the meat one loves”) flamboyantly emblazoned on the side, has parked strategicly opposite the Town Hall (La Mairie). There are rumours that money changed hands in high places, but apparently closure has been on the cards for some time. There may be future employment in tomato greenhouses that have been set up by a Dutch buisness.

Also l have an Audio diary entry from Tony, who with his wife have lived here for 14 years. AND one (in French) from the owner of the bar in Cuves, where I camped overnight.

It is now 34C so the dogs and I have encamped in Le Bar Normande in St. Pois. I have been drinking cold drinks to keep cool and am my now on my 4th beer!