The Franklins & Sacha's tree

Back to France after all the festivities and the desire to hibernate kicks in, but not before enjoying a good few New Year drinks with our Essex friends. Got to start 2015 the way we mean to go on...

Tine happy to catch up with Matt: she only saw him a week or so ago!

Happy Starfish times, photo below using Vanna's Christmas present selfie-stick!

A couple of years ago La Tranche launched a great tradition: for each child born a new sapling planted, complete with name of the child. So, let me present to you Sacha the tree, gracefully watched over by a family of goats!

The Spinnaker Tower

Our stay back in the UK came to an end, and as we arrived in Portsmouth a few hours early for the overnight ferry we followed Edith & John's example and visited the Spinnaker Tower. As you can see dusk wasn't far away and our photos don't do the tower full justice. Nevertheless, a good visit was had!

Thankfully a lift takes you up the 170m!

The view is fantastic. This building is nicknamed 'the lipstick' for obvious reasons.

Maybe our ferry arriving. I think we've been in the pub left of centre of the photo.

We both dared to walk on the glass floor.

In the area around there are fascinating sculptures...

...and a giant torpedo.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Anyone who knows Nadine & Simon will know how they love animals. This year we bought them annual passes for the wildlife park near Doncaster, so what better way to celebrate Nadine's birthday than a visit 'en famille'.

We weren't disappointed: all the creatures have plenty of space, with much thought put into their environments, and there are plans for huge extensions. Highly recommended if ever you're in that 'neck of the woods'.

We all love meerkats, don't we?! 

Sadly, no food for this beautiful black swan

A bush pig, apparently!

Wannabe a wallaby?

We loved the lemurs and watched them being fed

Friendly camels

A highlight was this wonderful tiger...

...but don't forget the lioness...

...and the King of the Jungle 

We also saw Victor, the only polar bear currently resident in the UK - there are plans to bring more very soon. Sadly he was somewhat camera-shy whilst we were visiting!

Christmas in Yorkshire (Part 3)

Seven adults and two juniors for lunch on Christmas Day took some doing but we all know a woman who can, and yes, a superb time was had!

Matt, Sacha & Cynthia were certainly in the Christmas spirit...

...here awaiting the opening of presents! 

Phil & Nad made the most of spending some quality time with little Sacha...

...whilst Matt & Alfie showed off their Minions headwear!

Alfie as an elf (or should that be Elfie?)...

...and Phil as a giraffe, chez Stephen & Sally on Boxing Day

And yes, it snowed! Admittedly not on Christmas Day, this photo taken in the camping park on 27th December

One VERY tired Alfie on Christmas night

Christmas in Yorkshire (Part 2)

Of course, the Christmas period is all about visiting and visitors.

This is the Old Glen House, our local pub just 15 minutes' walk from Crook Farm (and 20 minutes back - well, it IS uphill). Needless to say they serve excellent ale!

On Christmas Eve we all went for breakfast in Bingley,  Phil & Clare full of seasonal cheer! 

Rudolph disguised as Matt

Sacha looking very snug with Maman & Mamie...

...and Elfie with Maman & Tonton

We finally got to visit Vics & Ste's fabulous cottage

...and the Hillam 4 came to visit us in the caravan. Alyssia & James loved playing with Alfie.

Back to the ale, we tried a couple of the hostelries which have recently opened.  Firstly the Cap & Collar at Saltaire...

...and the Sparrow in Bradford. More to try next time.

Waking up to this view: you can't complain, can you?

A belated Merry Christmas

That's the trouble with being too organised: my intention was to do a Christmas Day post whilst resident at Château Clegg, Baildon (other posts were pre-written). Well, it didn't happen, so here it is!

The town has gone for a different look this year, but very effective it is  

Meanwhile, our Big Fat Gypsy Christmas went fantastically well with the family reunited!

Father Christmas found his way to the caravan...

...and Tine WAS allowed to open her presents...

...but only after preparing a fantastic Christmas dinner

Some happy chappies here!

Merci Catherine pour le sapin de Noël

Grandad's Christmas daffodils (merci Kate) with snow on the ground

There's more to come, folks!