Today was meant to be a cloudy day with a bit of sun.  Give me more of these days, it turned out very well.  We decided we would take Van the Van our for a ride to Lake Der.  This is an artificial lake which takes the winter flood water from the river Marne and stores it until the Summer when IT is slowly released back into the river.  The River Marne is a tributary to the river Seine, and joins the Seine where it enters Paris at Ivry-sur- Seine.  This lake and other control mechanisms were built to control flooding of I assume Paris which occurred several times in the 20th century.

Lake Der is now a habitat for birds and there’s also a place for water sports.  We were trying to locate places where we could stop and view birds.  It seemed difficult, all car parks were limited to 2 meters high vehicles, whereas we are a little higher.  The alternative were the Aires, but they were all gate controlled and thus needed to be paid for.  We drove around and were about to give up when we saw a road that allowed us on to the top of the dyke.  At least we could now see the mud flats and the hundreds of birds feeding.  We drove slowly along.  Grabbed a few pictures, but the feeding grounds were too far away for a decent picture.  The lake is at a low point at this time of year because the water is being let out for the winter floods. 

At the end of the road we were back at the parking.  Stopped and decided to check the Aires for the prices.  Was free during the day.  Hurrah, so parked and walked to a nearby hide.  We spent a while watching the birds. 

Now we tried to find a restaurant for lunch.  Nearby, closed, must be Monday.  Another place located, but Google took us down the N road, and there was no way off.  Gave up and went to Leclerc and bought some bread and pain au raisins.

Nice picnic late lunch at campsite, and then a walk down to the Etang.  We walked around it, seeing the work which was in progress.  The place was rather devoid of birds.  There was excitement when we heard a snort and splosh as we walked up to some reeds.  There were tracks in the grass and down the bank.  Some mammal which we never saw, I expect it may be a coypu.  

Back at campsite consumed another bottle of Vouvray and then ate supper, emergency rations of lentils and tuna.  Able to sit out later as warmer in the evening with the protective lay of cloud.  Fun watching one mobilehome moving around trying to connect to the satellite TV.

Tomorrow we are off back home.