After about 25 miles the Colonel suggested a coffee stop at a small town (name escapes me.)
"I'm off for a 'Jimmy'; now be careful of this decking I don't want anyone losing anything down those cracks.", said a concerned Colonel.
I set about switching the clear lenses in my 'Racing Jacket' shades for my 'sunnies' and was demonstrating the process to Mal D, when within 20 seconds of the warning, both lenses were down the crack in the decking!
"Oh, dear. what 'as 'appened 'ere?, said a the concerned waitress. 'ow can I 'elp you?"
"It's this plonker 'ere, I mean here - he's dropped his lenses down the crack." said Mal D.
The waitress went away and came back with two knives. She then inserted them down the crack and tried to retrieve the lenses. It was a valiant, but futile attempt. At which point Ivan 'stepped up to the plate'.
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| Ivan Saved Pete's Glasses! |
"Here, let me have a go"
With great precision and steady hands, on only his second attempt, he manged to lift both lenses clear to applause from me and the waitress. Bearing in mind the crack was only 10mm wide, the lenses are concave and there was no light in the void it was quite a feat!.
We pressed on.
Just short of the town of Saint-Mere-Eglise, Mal D informed us that this is where the American paratrooper had landed on the church in June 1944, got his canopy caught in the spire and was promptly shot by the Germans. Sure enough we turned into the village square to see a model of the paratrooper hanging from the spire.
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| Hanging Around In Normandy! |
Some people suggested we should visit the museum, but Steve said it would be better to just look through the window to save money.
We lunched at a small town (name escapes me), after Steve, Mal C and I went into a local supermarket and bought some baguettes, doughnuts (my idea) and drinks.
During a trip like this you do learn a lot more about people. Tom's natural navigational talents were coming to the fore - along with his almost fluent French!. Mal C's nurturing side was much on display as he selflessly carried extra provisions to 'keep us going' with nuts, jelly beans and dates. I was also impressed with Mal D's knowledge of wartime history and Steve's scientific knowledge (not surprising, but impressive anyway.). The Colonels fair and efficient handling of the 'whip' and safety consciousness were also much in evidence. Ivan impressed me with his calm temperament, his ability to lead from the front and his ability to 'put it away' in terms of food and drink - how does he stay so slim?!!.
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| Gun Emplacement At Point Du Hoc! |
On the final leg of the route to Bayeaux we were delighted to discover a dairy farm that made it's own ice cream, and still open at 6pm!.
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| The Colonel Gets His Just Desserts! |
Shortly after this we made our way to the Budget Ibis and settled in. Ivan had some concern that there wouldn't be enough booze available for later and so he set off with Mal D in search of some refreshments for later.
That evening we dined at the attached Steak House and discovered Normandy cider! - great stuff - slighly cloudy and not too sweet. After leaving the restaurant we settled into the reception area of the hotel and Ivan went to his room to get his 'goodies' - bottles of cider and Pomme (strong cider, leaning towards Calvados.)
Steve educated us on his theories about the Oort cloud and comets, Mal D educated us on war type issues, Tom did his best to improve our French, but mostly we just talked b*llocks and then eventually went to bed.............
Pete Buss
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