D-Day celebrations

We assembled at the caravan park at 10.00am as we were going to drive in convoy with the British to a spot north of Arromanches. Quite a few of the roads had been closed due to Obama's visit so our convoy was through the back roads to a beach near St Comes. The "Military Police" on their motorcycles stopped traffic and allowed us to successfully maintain our convoy. Fortunately they were at each intersection so that we could not take the incorrect road. The roads through this area are narrow and windy with many crossroads so it makes it hard to follow the vehicle in front of you.

We parked in the carpark next to the beach until it was time to drive on the beach to Arromanches. There were lots of people wandering amongst the vehicles taking pictures and asking lots of questions.

The vehicles were organised in the appropriate order for the drive and at the request of Lang the Aussies and New Zealanders were at the end as we had to leave earlier than them. We drove along the beach to Arromanches where there was a crowd gathered to welcome us. There appeared to be a bit of friendly competition as to who could drive through the mud hole without getting bogged (I later found out to be a sewerage drain - so no wonder it was on the nose). Those that didn't make it had to be towed and those that did were pretty happy.

The British contingent broke a record with having 140+ motorcycles (British) on Arromanches Beach. This should appear in the Guinness Book of Records.

We left the beach around 3.45pm as we had to drive to Noyers Bocage for a wreath laying cemetery at the memorial dedicated to the Typhoon Pilots killed during Normandy landings. The Mayor of the town was present and welcomed us to his town.

After the ceremony we then drove in convoy to Chateau D'Amaye Sur-Seulles where we were welcomed by Anna and Frank and along with many friends of theirs sat down to a lovely meal provided by them. There was lots to eat and drink and they made us feel very welcome. They had set up tables in their grounds but unfortunately it rained late in the afternoon and they had to arrange seating inside. Some stayed the night camped in and under their vehicles and the rest of us drove home. Without the aid of the GPS we would still be driving through the rabbit warrens.