Gran Canaria: Bus trip to Mogán

We prefer not to hire cars on holiday as it's good to be able to look all around us when visiting. There was a bus depot near the hotel: success! Mogán was our destination.

On arrival we walked down to the seafront to find a group having a snorkling lesson

Looking the other way we could see the resort has been 'developed' somewhat...

...with plenty of people making the most of the excellent weather.

There are a few euros invested in these vessels...

...and an arty shot taken by Tine.

Crossing over this footbridge we entered a more residential zone...

...with waterways...

...and lots of narrow streets.

The bougainvillea everywhere were stunning

Yes, I would recommend spending some time in Mogán

Gran Canaria: walk over the dunes

The hotel was minutes away from this view - have you noticed the descent to get to the beach?!

Playa del Inglés

Who can resist a photo of a palm tree? I’m sure there’ll be more to come.

Meanwhile you’re stuck with your faithful blogger, strategically positioned with the beginning of the Dunas de Maspalomas in the background (and near the end of the proper footpath)

The way through is well marked with posts…

…always with the fabulous mountain backdrop.

No, it’s not a mirage: that’s Maspalomas, our destination

We crossed this ravine dug out to collect any rainfall, a very special and rare commodity 

At last we arrive at the Faro de Maspalomas…

…and a very impressive fountain.

There were sand sculptures with admiring crowds…

…Homer looking very happy to be the centre of attention.

We were tired and hot. There was only one thing for it, a very reasonably priced taxi back to the hotel.

Gran Canaria: the Playa Bonita hotel

We needed a break from the never-ending winter, somewhere with guaranteed sun to warm our bones.

Our friendly travel agent in Luçon suggested Gran Canaria, and here’s the hotel he recommended for us

Tine settling in…

…and your faithful blogger playing Romeo…

…to Madame’s Juliet.

Luckily it very rarely rains on the island, hence the open roof. The stairs must be dangerous when it does rain though!

A couple of swimming pool shots…

…with its amazing low mountains backdrop.

The view from our room, by day…

…and by night. I think I prefer the after-dark view.

I’m always intrigued how the moon looks so different on our travels

New road

Look, we’ve paid our local taxes!

8th February, trenches are being dug

Next day there's a new drainage system

10th February, let's get rid of the old surface...

...in great disrepair since the water-board had their fun!

Entering the Impasse...

...and look, there's chez nous!

A month later and the big machinery comes to visit...

...even captured on video

Wow, Sacha's got plenty of skateboarding space now...

...it seems a shame to clutter the road up with cars!

Getting about again

Sadly we had a family funeral at the beginning of February but it gave us the excuse to travel to Caen and even enjoy a post-pizza stroll to see the 'Le Chat' statues currently touring the country.

Le Chat is a very popular cartoon character over here. Learn more on (https://lechat.com/en/le-cat-walks/exhibition/the-catalogue/)

Thanks to Rémy for the photos

Matt, Cynthia & Sacha had a week in the UK

Can you work out who's who in this explosion of colour chez Nadine?

Cynthia & Philippe are more recognisable here!

We had a walk around Moricq, just down the road from La Tranche

The tower, originally constructed in 1435, looked over the nearby coast for invaders - the coast is now a few kilometres away.

For your pleasure and information, a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXn2C-Q3NsM). We haven't been to the 'Les Nuits de la Tour' performance yet, the last two years cancelled by you-know-what!

The coast is not too far away but the drained marshes and waterways are all around

To finish, yet another cousinade on the beach at Le Rocher