Northern Vendée

We made the most of a beautiful but still very cold blue-sky day to venture up the coast, even briefly setting foot on the Ile de Noirmoutier. We plan to return there soon but stopping for a couple of days so that we can explore properly.

We came across the Dolmen de Pierre Levée de Soubise at Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Tine well wrapped up to face the elements.

On the island we drove to see the Passage du Gois on which at low tide you can drive across to the mainland. The slippery road warning sign looks a little odd here.

The island is a haven for birds, and with so few people about they have the beach to themselves.

Maybe not as long or high as the bridge to the Ile de Ré but it is almost as impressive (and free).

Tine chose our route back to La Tranche via Commequiers, a very impressive medieval castle, complete with moat. Sadly we couldn't explore within the walls but it seems there's plenty of activity there in the summer (http://www.amisduchateau.com/

More catch-up along the beach

It's nearly a year since the big storm hit our coast and still repurcussions can be seen. The first two photos show the 'triangle' of land between our pathway to the beach and Pedro's bar. If you remember this whole area became a saltwater lake last year. Sadly most of the trees died and they have now been felled. There are signs of new life though.

We don't often take the footpath along the top of the dunes but there was a very high tide blocking our exit at the jetty end of the beach. Still it gave us opportunity to spy on the abundant bird life in the Plan d'Eau and appreciate the reflections of the trees and reeds.

Worryingly the next two photographs show where the sea breached the Plan d'Eau last February - there does seem to be a weakness there.

And the same part of the dune walk taken from the car park by the campsite, the breach can still be clearly seen.

On past the Pavillon work continues strengthening the coastline. Huge amounts of reinforced concrete are being used, then hidden by rocks and sand.

And finally (it's getting more like News at Ten here) a bit of disappointing news: no replacement for the jetty in 2011. The surfers seem happy though.

Walks along the beach

After much rain on our return from the UK we have experienced some much more settled weather and been able to get out and about (even if it has meant wrapping up well to stop the cold wind from getting to us).

The first few photographs were taken at La Pointe de L'Aiguillon (where the River Lay enters the sea) with an amazing sky and reflections.

Onto La Dive, the ancient island between L'Aiguillon and St Michel en l'Herme. Last time we were here was not long after last year's devastating storm when all the fields had become salty wastes once the waters had subsided. It's good to see green poking through again but I'm not sure they'll be able to grow crops again for a while.

Finally to La Terrière on our bikes for a stroll on the beach and a cheeky read in the pleasantly warm sun's rays. That's Tine in reading position - look how busy it is!

Constructions

A belated Happy New Year to all, especially to my new-found followers (yes, that's you, Richard, Aggie and now Miranda: look forward to meeting two of you and seeing the third again before too long)!

We're only just into 2011 and workers seem to busy everywhere so I thought I'd bring you up-to-date with recent developments in La Tranche.

Firstly there's the land at the side of our house which was a total quagmire not so long ago but now has the foundations to house and garage.

Next, the new apartment development by l'Equipage. The foundations are in for the second wing now. I'm not sure what's going to happen to the original building however.

A short walk away is the Océan holiday apartment complex now with a very wide and solid wall in front. Will there still be access from the beach? We'll have to wait and see.

This is the one we've been waiting for - a 'vendu' (sold) sign on Le Rêve. It's been criminal to see this once splendid complex go to ruin. Let's hope there's a very rosy future for it.

Now look at the width of the new footpath on the coast side of the market square. The opposite footpath has been removed so there's still room for traffic but I can't help but think the one-way systems are going to be extended.

And finally an artist's impression of the new covered market hall which is being built between the Tourist Office and the Co-operative, also with access from the side of the PMU. They've started working but there's not much progress to show, hence a stolen scan instead.

Now, that's what you come here for, isn't it?!

Clare & Raye's wedding (2)

The brothers in law showing us how to throw some shapes. George did a fantastic job as the groomsman.

Jim, Edith & John, forty years after we all met!

I don't think Raye stopped dancing all evening. Nadine is looking particularly gorgeous here!

Old buddies together (over a beer of course)!

Phil, Si & Nad watching the movers and groovers.

Les, Phil & Nad all looking very 'happy'!

Les & Helen perfecting the long lost art of chair dancing!

Mum and two daughters on the dancefloor.

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And finally the happy couple re-enact the scene from Dirty Dancing. They really DID have 'the time of their lives'!

Clare & Raye's wedding (1)

Apart from the usual festive fun we were really happy to share Clare & Raye's wedding celebrations between Christmas and New Year. Clare is the daughter of our 'old' friends Jim & Les: practically family!

The ceremony took place at Holdsworth House, an impressive 17th Century Jacobean Manor near Halifax, and here is beautiful Anna doing her sisterly bridesmaid's duties!

Clare on a very proud Jim's arm!

Mr & Mrs Ng - sorry, I couldn't resist!

Clare baked the cake herself but a friend iced it. The happy couple seemed to be laughing and giggling all day!

The traditional first dance. Raye is an accomplished ballroom dancer with hordes of trophies apparently!

My two favourite females getting down on the dancefloor.

Jim catching up with his sister Pauline who looked very well after her serious illness.

Marrying two daughters in one year obviously agrees with Jim & Les!

Now you know why the words 'radiant' and 'bride' go together!