Visiting begins again

Cousins Jean-Pierre & Catherine are always asking us to visit them at their home on Belle Île, Brittany's largest island. Making the most of being able to travel again, off we went for a short stay.

Tine & I fully compliant with travel regulations, on the shuttle bus down to the ferry port at Quiberon

It was a dull day, both in Quiberon...

...and Le Palais, one of four towns on the island.

Having lunched at Quiberon, we were straight out for a cliff-top walk with JP...

...with vast caves...

...steep drops...

...and turquoise blue seas.

The end of our walk at La Pointe des Poulains where Sarah Bernhardt had a home at the end of the 19th century, then back to the house courtesy of Catherine Taxis! 

Socialising begins again

It's not that we haven't seen people but it was lovely to go 'out out' recently.

Good friends Hugues and Cathy joined us at La Gargote aux Épices, La Tranche's latest restaurant

Meghan & Fiouz have done a great job to create a wonderful atmosphere...

...with excellent local wines.

Our hosts, masked...

...and smiling.

One weekend we were invited to English friends Sue & Nick's along with Isabel & Guy

Outdoor apéritifs were appreciated but the evenings drop cool and we were happy to venture indoors later

I'm not sure if this will work: video proof of some very aged dancing!

Starfish & starfish

It'll all become clear, I promise!

First of all, a peek at some of Matt's changes at the Starfish & Coffee

New furniture, new floor (doesn't show on these photos) and new paintings

Same regulars though! Note the orange no go area for social distancing.

Plus of course, a new logo!

Another day we walked on the beach at Corps de la Garde, just to the north of LaTranche

Not only did we spot crabs...

...but also lots and lots of starfish.

My intrepid assistant all too ready to show her bravery

Crabs, starfish, but let's not forget the often-present jellyfish...

...or Tine's arty shot back at the other Starfish, new logo in a glass of Colombel!

Picnic & scarecrows

Social distancing still being the norm (albeit 1m in France) Tine's little English conversation group organised a picnic in the forest towards La Terrière.

For those in the know there's Yves & Maryse, Guy & Isabel + granddaughter Zoë, and Françoise & husband

A lovely time was had...

...with a glass or two, naturellement!

Another day walking through local allotments I couldn't resist taking a few photos of scarecrows

I'm not sure how effective they are...

...but Dave 3.0 is definitely working very hard chez nous!

Meeting 'Er from Brittany at Pornic

Finally we were allowed to travel 100 km from our home and we took the opportunity to meet 'Er from Brittany in a lovely seaside resort called Pornic.

The new limit was 100 km from home as the crow flies, and as you can see we just made it! Pornic was a touch less far for 'Er.

We enjoyed fabulous weather exploring the harbour-front of the town...

...with its very impressive château.

I bet it's fun going up and down the stairs in this house but the view is over the harbour

Looking back on the town

The weather was so hot we had to treat ourselves to the local delicacy...

...home-made strawberry ice cream with locally grown fruit. Delicious (and just the job)!

We definitely want to visit Pornic again.

Creatures

On his return to school Sacha had to take in some pictures of garden creatures. I couldn't resist helping but of course extended the 'garden' somewhat.

Look who I found hiding by the pool one day: Mr Toad!

The snails seem to like the fig tree...

...but they can devour much of our hard work in minutes.

Much less trouble are the lizards. We haven't seen the fluorescent green one yet this year.

Ladybirds are definitely Papy Dave's friends, munching their way through the blackflies who are very fond of our artichokes

A bit of artistic license here, extending the garden to the beach

Just look at these monster jellyfish seen a few weeks ago...

including a compass jellyfish, beautiful but with a nasty sting.