Fun At The Furdo.

TAPSONY.

The thunderstorms continued until well after midnight. The rain hammered on the roof of the van and the lightning lit it up. Quite a show. The rain has stopped by morning so I can take the photo promised yesterday.

We are in the Furdo, thermal spa, by 10:00. It's disconcerting that despite notices to the contrary, the attendant doesn't need proof that we're over 62.

The pools are warm, heated by the sulphur springs. Once you get used to the smell it is a great experience. There is even a gentle water aerobic session led by one the few young people in the building.

After a brunch of cereal and boiled eggs, we load up and move off. Our first destination is at the large town of Pecs. En route, we stop at a large Tesco. Food is relatively cheap, with a varied mix of local & UK recognisable brands.

Rosie finds the address of a local laundrette. It's in the student quarter so we're helped to start the process off by an English speaking woman. We are parked at the back of the shop but are advised that we need to pay. Calculate the washing time and pay accordingly. The washing machine then adds 10 minutes on. So, as a pseudo Yorkshireman, Paul decides to stand by the van prepared to move it if necessary.

Rosie fancies some plums from a fruit & veg stall. At least she does until the guy asks for £4 for 4 plums.

The evening's site is not far away except that it is still closed. Learning from last night, we had a stand by. On to that only to find that it is a derelict piece of land. By now, we're getting concerned, wild camping is not allowed in Hungary. Use Camper Connect to find a third option. Before setting off, we phone ahead to confirm it exists. It will be a 45 mile trip and we arrive at 8pm. Driving along narrow wooded roads, we spot a deer almost roadside. It stands transfixed until the van hits a bump and it shoots into the forest.

The owner is a Dutch woman who is widowed from her marriage to a Hungarian. The site gas been waterlogged so we park in her garden next to the house. Security is provided by 2 large alsatians. No fear of intruders in the night.