Saturday 12th 8am

Les miserable! Disaster has struck!  Friday stareted well with fine weather as we headed off towards the wine growing region.  We stopped the the supermarket for a wee stock up.  We left Nick in the van and happily trolled the shelves trying to decipher the writing on various products - always fun.  As Greg tried to control Michelle and I as we shot off in different directions, Nick waiting patiently decided to start the van only to find our little machine was being unco-operative.  Luck was with us - Spotting a mechanic across the road he managed to explain the problem and they came across for a look.  No joy!  The shoppers returned to be met with the news.  Greg and Nick fiddled and poked around - even used the manual but only succeeded in spilling deisel across the car park.  Michelle and I set off in search of help in the form of some sort of information centre but it was mid day and many shops close until 2pm.  Our second piece of luck - we spotted a Ford sign along with what turned out to be a lovely french man who after we explained the situation sheperded us towards his car and drove us back to rescue the boys. He too poked around then drove off returning with a mechanic and a machine to test the battery.  More poking around but to no avail.  In broken french he told the boys to come to the dealership at 2pm and he would ring for a tranporter. After lunch we did this and burley Christoff the transporter man arrived.  Now the truck only had space in the cab for 2 so Michelle and I were told to hide in the camper and we were winched on - a bit of a unnerving experience!  As we lurched from side to sde Michelle and i told ourselves "it's all part of the adventure".  Nick and Greg were concerned the camper would fly off with us inside if a low bridge didn't collect us first.  however, we arrived at the Ford centre in Bordeaux and after some skillful manoevering on Christoffs part arrived at the garage.  100 Euroes lighter Christoff departed.  The next 2 hour various mechanics again poked and prodded, used various computers but to no avail. Friday 5pm in France we needed a new plan. One of the mechanics drove Nick to collect a hire car the guided him all the way back.  We frantically threw gear and food into the car as they needed to shut up shop, set the alarms and return home.  Off we set through rush hour traffic back to our last camp groung to stay in a chalrt there.  Here our luck ran out.  All booked up.  We were directed to local hotels and after 5 attempts eventually found a vacancy.  off to the supermaket to purchase a portable BBQ then to the local park for a cook up kiwi style to use up some of our meat.  What a day.  Everyone stayed in good spirits despite our bad luck.  We have meet nothing but kindness as everyone has tried to help us.