Farewell 2009

A Happy New Year to all my faithful readers, from the Biarritz area where we are saying goodbye to 2009 with our good friends Nicole & Daniel.

No doubt there will be many a glass of bubbly drunk in all four corners of the Earth - these were our Christmas Day aperitifs, a treat from Nadine & Philippe. Photos 2 & 3 were also taken on Christmas Day - note the sunshine and Pete's shorts!

Later in the week we discovered a 'new' walk the other side of La Plage de la Mine. The warning about crumbling cliffs amused us, and although trickier underfoot the walk was well worth it, if only for the arch and cave at the headland.

Philippe is becoming more expert with his new camera - look at the last two photos and I'm sure you'll agree

See you all in 2010!

Happy Christmas 2009

We woke up to blue skies this Christmas morning just a few hours after getting to bed having spent a fabulous evening at J&M's where we ate and drank far too much. Father Christmas came a little early much to the delight of the children, the grown-ups equally happy with their champagne. We even provided a British tradition: Christmas crackers. Now try translating unfunny puns after a glass or two!

.

We couldn't resist going for a walk along the beach this morning and believe it or not there's warmth in the sun. If you're wondering what MPNP are looking at in the first beach photo, the clue is in the sea which was threatening to wet everyone!

.

Well, Christmas lunch is on its way (and smelling delicious), champagne served, presents opened, Christmas music playing: we're bathing in a lovely family feeling. Once again Happy Christmas to you all.

Joyeux Noël 2009

A very Happy Christmas to all my faithful readers, many of whom don't comment here but are quick to send emails when there's been too long a gap! Also thank you for the many cards now adorning our walls.
.

As you can see we are being very festive here despite a distinct lack of snow. We chose an excellent tree which is in pride of place in the corner of the living room, Grandad's robin watching over us.
.

In town they have made a real effort again with an extremely tall (if perhaps fairy-light challenged) tree and impressive sparkly balls at the town hall. Once again there's an ice rink for any takers - I think I'll leave that to the youngsters! That's the vin chaud (mulled wine) stall just behind: we've needed that on some of these bitter nights.
.

Once again thanks to Phil for photos 3,4 & 5.

Out and about with the family

A special trip to Nantes airport last weekend to pick up Nadine, Philippe and Pete who arrived 15 minutes early despite major transport problems in the UK and France - we're still waiting for the snow here!

.
We've ventured out under all conditions, the most dramatic being towards the end of the jetty at La Chaume (by Les Sables) where Phil captured one of the magnificent waves on his mobile phone. Normally we walk along that section but not this time!

.
Another day we visited Le Piquet, one of our favourite walks along the River Yon, going through the old mill. Conditions weren't ideal underfoot but we were treated to fantastic views of the swollen river. If you look carefully in the 3rd photo you can see two foot-bridges that we usually take, completely cut off from the banks.

.
We then drove on to Mareuil where our local good wine comes from. The chateau is in the final photo with the 'cave' in the previous one. I'm sure Nicole remembers sampling several wines with me there!

.
Thanks to Philippe for all the photos this time, practising his skills!

Changes in the weather

Still in Brittany Tine performed a cabaret for us whilst we were preparing the meal.

Next day the sun came out and we enjoyed lunch at G's favourite crêperie in Le Gorvello, followed by a lovely walk in the village. Hope you like the stained glass window (it's becoming a bit of a theme I think) and the wonderful light playing on the church floor.

A few days later and G sent the last photo to show that she woke up to snow. Sadly we've had snow all around us but not a flake has floated down in La Tranche - that pesky Gulf Stream!

Rochefort en Terre

Another weekend another visit. We've had several comments about our recent travels but who can blame us when we discover such beautiful spots as Rochefort en Terre?

.

We were spending the weekend with 'Er in Brittany' (obviously no photos allowed) and dared to venture out in the rain. We managed a short walk around the town before a heavy downpour forced us back for a comforting late lunch.

.

There is definitely a similar feel to Rochefort en Terre as for good old Haworth, a coincidence that some of you will enjoy!

.

I love the stained glass window in the rather bizzare, mixed styles church.

The power of the sea

Once again the sea has been attacking our coast but particularly the beach nearest to us. Photos 1 & 2 were taken ten days apart and I think you can see how the sea has eaten into the dunes. Tine is standing where the pathway gets to the beach, now quite a jump down!

The photo of me is a little further along, on the way to Pedro's Bar (sadly not there in winter - happy memories of this summer.....)

The last two photos were taken earlier this week when I went for a calorie-earning bike ride to La Terrière whilst Tine was hard at work in La Roche. You can see how waterlogged the fields are around here, and of course the wonderful wide open beach at La Terrière.

More wet weather

Last Sunday we decided to risk going out, driving up the coast towards Les Sables. We should have known better as before long the heavens opened and once again our plans were thwarted.

However we did manage a brief walk along the cliff tops at Les Puits d'Enfer until we realised we were thoroughly soaked, quickly returning to the car and back home to our log fire.

I hope these photos give some impression of how wild the sea was, the rocks appearing as if they were in a giant washing machine.