Final photos from our first-timers +

Steve had to be forced into the 'rosalie' but I reckon he secretly enjoyed it: perhaps not on the roundabout à la Française, though!

Maddie had no such qualms going on Tine's bike: it's better than walking!

Down on the beach for a final time - so many shells to inspect.

The impressive sky over the Ile de Ré.

So, back to normal after our friends' departure, we went by bike to explore some of the tracks by local waterways and finally got a close up view of the town's water tower. I think it was Phil who decided it was a pterodactyl's nest!

And look what nature's done this time! A big sandbank blocking the way for sailors wanting to take their boats out to sea. There is suddenly quite a lot of activity in this area around the old jetty. I'll keep you posted.

Les Sables zoo

Another day, another visit: this time to the zoo at Les Sables d'Olonne, a really excellent afternoon out. Last time we went was with Nad - I think Maddie enjoyed it ALMOST as much!!

Not a real tortoise below!

Comparing the meerkat?

A sleepy jaguar, enjoying the rays of sunshine.

Ahhhhhhhh, I hear you say!

An amazingly swift giant anteater, possibly one of nature's weirdest creatures!

Three females picnicking ....

... and the alpha male on lookout!

I love the pelicans and the capybara, which can weigh up to 80 kg!

Monkeys and lemurs were all over, making a real racket.

A majestic Lion King.

Meet Dalka, born on 11th February 2011.

Looks like this seat has a handful! (The ice cream was good too, said Maddie.)

La Folie de Fanfarine

A good thing about having a youngster stopping with us is that gives us the opportunity to visit places tailor made for children. La Folie de Fanfarine is a nature trail where you can explore the world of bees. Maddie loved the rucksack they lent her, complete with compass, magnifying glass and 'special eye' to see how a bee sees. We followed the trail, solving clues along the way, helping to save Bizzbee.

This deer didn't seem at all afraid!

We had a go at scraping off the honey from the cones (and licking our fingers afterwards, of course).

So this is how a bee sees!

The larger than life models of bees at the end of the trail were really funny. I'll let you work out which is which.

Out and about with SS&M

We had a great walk through the forests at La Terrière, the sun nice and warm through the trees. Of course Steve couldn't resist showing off on the parallel bars (now who remembers skinny Steve?) with Maddie imitating a rucksack.

Tine also got in on the act remembering her childhood activities!

There's a great children's play park in a clearing and Maddie was made very welcome by the other children, particularly one girl on the zip wire.

Next onto La Terrière beach to show our guests the wide, open sands, sadly with only small waves.

Oh no, not another Happy Hour! Yes, that IS a pint...

The day we went to 'our' beach the weather was dull, with very few other people about.

And what about this princess, all ready to eat out?!

Fun times at La Paillote

Of course my old beer buddy and I made the most of Happy Hours at Matt's bar/restaurant, even helping out with drying the glasses for extra pints!

Matt & me, and yes that t-shirt is now 3 years old!

Tine in the kitchen at La Paillote. The new staff are proving to be very efficient and hard-working which means Tine won't need to be there so much this year.

This new member of staff really worked well!

The proof of the pudding (pizza?) is in the eating

Yes, Mousse is back and don't we know it! We never seem to stop laughing when he's around.

And finally a photo including Steve awaiting his final pizza.