Grey sky day near Longeville & other stories

Another odds and ends post!

Sacha's always ready to help Papy water the garden...

...but is happiest when jumping in the pool!

Meanwhile your faithful blogger is always happy to be at the Starfish, especially when lovely Vanna is there!

Almost thought I was in Amsterdam the day I saw all these bikes on the way into town! 

We had one of those days when we said, 'What shall we do?' Answer: a short trip in the Longeville area where we were rewarded with great photo opportunities.

It's a shame I can't show you before and after. These are baby maïse plants, sadly the future corn on the cob husks destined for fodder rather than human consumption.

We used to be able to walk around this windmill but it's now somebody's home. Wish we could see inside!

I can't finish without showing my replenished Shreddies cupboard (aka Shreddstock), thanks to our campsite friends Jacky & Alan.

Sorry about continuity problems, normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. It's a tough life with a house bursting at the seams!!

Mainly beach walk

There is something common to all these photos taken on the last two days of May.

Tine showing off a crop of home-grown, wonderfully peppery radishes

Not many people on the beach near La Grière...

...even fewer on 'our' beach!

Sylvain (aka 'queue de rats' from when he had rasta locks) has a new venture, trips out on this amazing inflatable boat. We haven't experienced it yet but I bet it's fantastic fun. 

Our jetty is so photogenic...

...even with Madame in the frame...

...or looking towards the town.

A drink at Marie's beach bar always goes well, especially with the Essex gang...

...and a quick look at the very popular new skatepark on the way home.

Did you spot the common thread: BLUE skies, of course!

Happy times with old friends

All good things come to an end, as they say, but fun was had right up to the finish.

Many happy times in the Starfish with our genial host, son Matt

An early evening trip to the beach at Les Conches near Longeville...

...long shadows giving a clue to the time of day towards the end of May.

Back home to a beautiful dusk...

...old buddies vs a very powerful sun!

We ate inside in the evenings when the temperature dropped...

...not forgetting the cheese course: an essential for Francophile Brits!

 Once again thanks to Sue for many of these photos.

Day out on the Île de Ré (2)

After lunch we strolled round Saint Martin, the sun nicely hot for May.

First stop, the Église Saint Martin...

...with its narrow stairs up the tower...

...and fabulous views over the town.

Back on terra firma and a lovely wander through the streets

Well well well

The gang in front of one of the gates to the walled town

On our way back we had time to call in at La Flotte...

...for a very welcome beverage!

I must thank Sue for using some of her photos in recent posts. I can't remember whose are whose now!