Bud

Our favourite beach for waves is to the south of Les Conches, just park up the car (or bike) and climb over the dunes to a real view of paradise

Phil, Clare & Laura were in their element

That's Phil's head centre photo!

All that's left is the climb back over the dunes, and apéritifs here we come!

Water slide & Phil, Clare & Laura in the pool

Great idea from Matt for Si's birthday earlier this year: a session at the new waterslides at Indian Forest (like Go Ape in the UK). What Matt hadn't reckoned for (and I'm sure he won't want me to remind him) was that this was the morning after Bradford City's major victory over arch-rivals Leeds United, and he was slightly the worse for wear.

The intrepid trio: Matt, Nad & Si

I was late arriving, but managed to see Nad...

...and Matt. Si had had enough by then!

On a hotter and sunnier day, Phil, Clare & Laura, joined by Tine, enjoyed fun times in the pool

...and even Cantine got a look-in, the ever-present lifeguard (thanks for the last two photos, Phil)

St Martin-en-Ré

Just look at the weather! We picked up Phil, Clare & Laura from La Rochelle airport and whisked them over the bridge to the Île de Ré, destination St Martin-en-Ré

Here we have the gang on the town walls...

...and checking on the harbour

The youngsters (& Tine) climbed to the top of the tower of the town's church for the fantastic views. Your faithful blogger stayed in the shade on terra firma!

Lunch? Galettes and a bowl of cider

And look who's next door - Tin Tin...

...and Captain Haddock's favourite expletive (Laura & Clare well disguised)!

 

Obviously you can't go to the St Marti-en-Ré without seeing the donkeys in pyjamas

Dull weather dip

After pouring down for most of the day we were all getting stir-crazy. So, what to do when there's a sudden break? Go for a dip of course!

The intrepid few: Tine, Nad, Si & Holly, young Alfie leading the way

Superman Si shows how to do it...

...soon followed by Nad & Hol

Alfie looks on...

...whilst Papy decides to 'go with the flow'!

Invigorating is the word, I believe!

Les Floralies & Catamaran race to l'Île de Ré

Les Floralies is an area of La Tranche, just beyond the new cinema, where they are developing a lovely children's area. It's good to walk in the shade of the trees on a hot day and feed the ducks and goats.

Swap time: Alfie on Holly's back and Louis on Nad's front...

...whilst Matilda feeds the goats!

There's also a beautiful 'Insect Hotel', buzzing with activity.

On a less sunny day we went down to the main beach to watch competitors setting off on their race to the Île de Ré

The ominous black cloud held off from raining thankfully!

The bathing Hills & Baie d'Aunis fun

Further proof of what a water babe young Alfie is, and not particular either: he'll try to drink seawater just as easily as the pool water!

But he's not the only water babe. Here we have Bingley friends Hella & Feth in the campsite pool with lots of their mates re-enacting the aquagym washing machine move.

Yes, that's you Ben doing attacking moves in the foreground - now get commenting!!

And finally, Happy Hour at La Paillote

with Angela...

...and young Charlotte

Fatal attraction, methinks!