Saturday 13th June 2009 Ukranian Antics

I have decided that the Swiss are a very lucky race.  They have mountains and snow, then they have lovely warm summers and spectacular scenery.  Plus they look after themselves and love the outdoor life. We cycle to Chateau de Chillon and onwards.  Took pics of a statue in memory of Charlie Chaplin and then another on the waterfront at Montreux of Freddie Mercury, then onto Villeneuve.  Watched a film crew positioning a little red Fiat 500 right in the middle of the boulevard, stopping walkers and cyclists so that they could get their ‘shot’. Spotted a potentially nice campsite at Maladaire, it was very small and right on the waters’ edge.  We cycled down to it and were impressed, however when we had a look at it late afternoon it was packed out with sun worshippers and families with hardly any space left.  Maybe an ideal mid-week site.  Saw  a group of old Talbot cars parked outside a hotel on the outskirts of Vevey all from the thirties, and all British, that were competing in a rally that was first run in 1934 (I think).  Had a chat with one of the owner/drivers.

A Ukranian registered car, a very smart new Volvo estate arrived at the campsite with 3 occupants and are directed by the campsite owner where to put up their tent and where to park their car on completion.  As they are right in our field of vision we watch with interest as they first plug into the electricity supply and power up 2 laptops.  No sign of any camping equipment.  Then loaf around surfing the internet eating packet food and drinking coke well after dark.  Still no sign of a tent.  Turns out they slept in the car.

Overnight at – La Pichette Nr Vevey N46° 28.186’ E006° 48.548’