I am in Troyes, having decided to use the autoroute as far as here and save exploration of the smaller roads in noerthern France for day and weekend trips from home.

Staying in a modestly priced Logis de France, good value except the advertised internet is so slow that I am using my phone in tethered mode for preference.

The road was virtually traffic free and reminded me once again how overcrowded and poorly maintained our roads in the UK are. Likewise when I saw the lunch offered at one Aire (huge joints - Subday roast style, extensive salad bar and great tasting coffee, i was reminded how poorly served we are with our Motorway services. All too expensive and lousy quality.

Weather was cloudy and cool to begin with but has warmed up during the afternoon. Mary says she had sun all day, so the title of this blog might have been better phrased as "Escaping the Sun" as far as today goes!

Tomorrow, I am on country roads, heading generally south..