The Ark has a new tender and a new passenger!

A tight fit in the 106

   Yes, folks it`s true. If you see Mrs Noah and me on our travels, it will no longer be in our old Peugeot 106, but in this rather snazzy Ciroen Berlingo Bivouac. The Peugeot is still running well, in fact, we used it the weekend before last to visit the Pyrenees a round trip of nearly 900 kilometres and it took us there and back without a hiccup. Still, it has covered nearly 400,000 kilometres in all and was really due for replacement. Additionally, the capacious rear compartment is much more suitable for our family of dogs, who were very cramped in the 106, not that they didn`t gladly jump in if a ride and a change of scene was in prospect. We feel a bit sad at retiring the Peugeot, it has been a faithful steed for many years, but our garagiste has been on the lookout for a van-type car for a while and came up with this one at a price we could afford. It has had a very thorough `révision` and a new Controle Technique and should be good for a long life too, God willing....

  I mentioned also a new member of the Ark`s complement. Well, while we were in Orthez in June, staying at a friend`s house, her cat had a litter of kittens, one of which was a very pretty grey tabby. As the country method of feline birth control involves a bucket and some water, Kim took pity on this little scrap and obtained a reprieve, provided that the kitten joined the Ark`s crew. We have therefore been back to fetch her, and of course to spend a further weekend with our good friends Arlette and Laurent at Orthez.  The kitten is affectionate and amusing and has soon adapted to her new home and the other Ark occupants. Lets hope she too has a long and happy life!