From Jard to Jard

Well officially from St Vincent-sur-Jard to Jard-sur-Mer: brighter weather getting us out, walking along the beach and back on the dune footpath. 

There must be something very nourishing in the sea here as there are always lots of feeding birds

Recent high and heavy seas have taken their toll

For once we had a few good waves, the Île de Ré usually protecting us from the full force of the Atlantic

Jard-sur-Mer taken from the harbour wall...

...and Tine showing how tall the sea defences are!

It's good to see some activities are timeless

A view from the dunes on our return travels

New for 2016

I thought I'd bring you up to date with recent changes and projects in La Tranche (and around).

L'Atlantique hotel is having a new roof...

...and the Bonnin bakery a new look.

The fish shop has become a permanent fixture, over the road from the post office...

...and Super U is building a big new outlet for leisure pursuits, gardening, etc, next door to the fire station.

There's an extra exit to the carpark opposite La Paillote. Hopefully this will alleviate congestion in July & August.

Meanwhile chez nous Tine has been busy curtain-making (very cosy they are too)...

...and look who made an appearance in the sunshine last week (and yes, the decking WILL be power-washed before long)!

Meanwhile a couple of projects: a new-look Pavillon in town, to replace what must be the ugliest building around. 

I believe work has already started but will continue into 2017.

Merci, La Tranche magazine on http://www.latranchesurmer.fr/IMG/pdf/LATRANCHEMAG_JANVIER2016_BD.pdf

Out of town just beyond the Luçon to Les Sables road there's a very exciting venture: O'Gliss Park, a huge water park which should open this summer.

Have a look at the slideshow on http://www.rivage-immobilier.fr/un-nouveau-challenge from where I 'borrowed' these screenshots. Merci!

Old fossils on the beach

Once again making the most of a break in the wet and windy weather we walked from Les Conches to Le Rocher through the pine forests and back along the beach.

Ahhh, REAL old fossils, not Mr & Mrs Blogger!

They really were magnifique

Big tides and waves have been getting behind the fencing and eating away at the dunes...

...this footpath a little trickier than usual to use. 

Some of the posts were down...

...but a worker was having fun collecting stray ones.

Beach walks, big tides & heavy skies

For those of you who think the weather's always amazing in La Tranche, here's evidence to the contrary:

Tine's bike blew over in horrendous gales too!

But, we get out when we can. Here's the beach where Pedro's bar used to be...

...eaten into by the big tides.

Same day, same walk: slightly threatening weather coming our way.

Another day we drove to La Terrière as large waves were predicted

It was early evening, hence the darker colours

That's what I call an angry sky!

Ever-changing weather

These photos were taken just a week apart: what a difference a week makes!

One day we cycled to Le Phare for a walk along the beach there

We encountered someone paragliding above the dunes...

...and very interesting 'walls' of what might have been an old shelter, uncovered by the tides.

The following week we took advantage of a break in the weather to check on the very high tide

The wild weather didn't put the surfers off, however!

Back to Trenchtown

As usual January and February are quiet months before signs of warmth in March, and the promise of spring and summer ahead. It becomes tricky to find new subjects to cover here: please accept my apologies for any repetion!

It felt good to be back to our log fire despite it not really being THAT cold...

...and young Sacha, who is now walking. 

He loves coming round to Mamie & Papy's...

...especially rocking on Monsieur Lion.

One weekend we had a 'cousinade' at lunchtime

It looks like I like playing with Monsieur Lion too!

What better than a walk on the jetty to help digest a lovely lunch: Catherine, Jean-Pierre, Tine, Jean & Monique.