a new piece begins

In the Pyrenees we crossed the Spain-France border and traveled on secondary roads through unfamiliar areas, towns, and villages towards the French Jura. For example, we saw sections of the Dordogne and Loire, or visited the cities of 'Bourg-en-Bresse', 'Bergerac', and 'Louhans'. The huge forests are also impressive, deep and wild - and the many streams - houses for sale everywhere - the rural exodus in France leaves empty farmhouses and hunting lodges. In the small town of Louhans, we visited the exciting Monday market - with beautiful feathered animals - and learned that cows, goats, sheep, and horses are also for sale on the first Monday of each month. This market is worth a trip! Finally, we are stationed at the small Camping Municipal in Louhans. We will enjoy the next three days in the tent and take the time to clean the boxes and tents. Because 'after a trip is before a trip'. Beautifully cleaned food boxes make you want to go again soon - maybe for a few days to a beautiful mountain camping in Switzerland.

Soon we will drive to Zurich in one stretch and look forward to seeing all our friends again. How will we sleep in our apartment again? We can't even imagine it yet!

It was an exciting and interesting journey, we learned a lot, met friendly people everywhere, gained rich experiences, and our souls are bursting with pictures and stories.

What worked well:

- The tents from 'Therm-a-rest' and 'EXPED' were great

- We slept very well on the 'Megawatt 10' sleeping mats from 'EXPED' for 4 months.

- The spirit stove worked without any problems

- Our Ford Ranger vehicle ran without breakdowns and without any problems in deep sand and on demanding trails (winch, large shovel, sand ladders, high check remained in their places)

- The well-stocked toolset from Louis was sometimes used by other travelers as well

- The navigation with Garmin GPS and 'Mapout' helped us find the right way everywhere

- Jasmin's hammock (what a pleasure to swing and dream in the light wind)

Too much:

- Clothes as always

- Kitchen supplies

We thank everyone who read the blog from the bottom of our hearts. You were not only a connection to home, but also what 'being at home' means to us: living friendship and connection with all of you.

Warm regards, Jasmin & Louis