Visitors from Blighty!

Having a great few days with our friends Caroline and Martin who arrived on Saturday under a beautiful blue sky. We took them down into La Rochelle for a spot of lunch and a wander, then back to La Tranche (eventually - kept taking the wrong road!) just as the sun had set. We took them to the jetty to see the sea then back to show off our house and eat a lovely beef casserole already prepared by Tine.

On Sunday we went for a stroll along the beach (weather cloudy but mild) and our visitors enjoyed collecting shells and identifying sea-food. A few shops open on Sunday morning and we bought some oysters and wine before heading for Nico's bar for a couple of aperitifs (well, it was past midday!)

We lazed around in the early afternoon watching Amélie on our NEW television (yeah!) but left at 5 o'clock to cycle to Le Phare to see the high tide - big coefficients this weekend. Martin stayed at home snoozing on the sofa. Back later to finish the film then we returned to Nico's for our evening meal, sitting near the blazing fire on which the food was grilled.

Today we borrowed an extra bike and all four of us cycled to La Terrière at low tide. We had glorious blue sky and made the most of the near-empty beach. We chatted to an old couple who were 'fishing' for pignons, shellfish which are found just under the sand when the tide changes. Martin & Caroline each tried one and pronounced them good!

Home via Super U just before it closed for lunch, to stock up on bits of food and drink, then we ate outside on 25th November - it has to be said that we had our coffee inside though! The plan is to drive up to Port Bourgenay this afternoon but everyone seems very settled, sleeping, writing and reading (oh, and doing the blog!)