Walk to the jetty with Sacha

I know many of my posts show glorious weather, and this is no exception, but rest assured we do get miserable days too. Those blue skies almost force you to take photos!

A perfect azure sky set off by the almost Bradford City colours of the catamarans

The sea was like a millpond that day...

...much to this paddle-boarder's delight.

Here we are: the end of the jetty, but no slot machines, just the Île de Ré on the horizon...

...and Sacha in his pushchair.

When we can, we look after Sacha a couple of times a week. He's growing up too fast as all children do, but it would be lovely to bottle him just as he is now!

What are they doing to le Pavillon?

A while ago ago I posted artist's impressions of the new 'pavillon' in La Tranche. Well I'm here to show you that work has well and truly started. As they say, things can only get better!

14th April, under an angry sky

Next two: 19th April

And the final four photos were taken on 4th May

I'm afraid there won't be an update for a little while, but I'll keep you posted when I can!

Only one ragondin!

Yes I know, it's one of our favourite walks/cycle rides but normally we are more successful than this: just one ragondin (coypu) spotted all the way along.

And there it is, swimming towards the right bank. Look how the road is eroding into the waterway!

We were luckier with other creatures...

...even if Mr Stork was trying to scare us off!

A swan's head appeared over the banking...

...but we later saw a loved-up couple.

The blossom has been wonderful this year, in the garden and out in the wild

That's how flat Vendée is, cows to the right...

...and horses to the left.

Morning walk along the beach at La Grière

I don't do my morning walk as often as I should but when it's a day like this it makes me wonder why not? Absolutely beautiful and hardly a soul about.

Not too far from Sainte Anne: that's La Tranche in the distance

As it was low tide, you can just make out the 'bouchots' where mussels are cultivated, and the old 'écluse à poissons', an ancient system of trapping fish when the tide goes out

I came across a fisherman in another 'écluse', drawing in his net and hoping for a good catch

Getting nearer to the jetty now...

...where there was more activity (or people discussing activity)!

Boys playing out

Our two grandsons love being outside and the big area of decking is a great play area, but not as popular as the stones recently used to tidy up the side of the house.

Different days, but Alfie & Sacha doing the same thing!

Not exactly playing together, but playing with the same garage

'Let me in!'

Mr Muscles Alfie

Sacha loves the croc-mobile

Our new bistrot table & chairs...

...Sacha trying it out...

...and Mamie finally having her turn!

Alfie & Sacha feed the animals

Nadine, Simon & Alfie flew over to La Rochelle on Easter Sunday, meaning I was back on Papataxi duties the day after our arrival from the UK.

Both Alfie and Sacha love animals, so we know a visit to the park at Les Floralies will be a success.

Alfie a little unsure of himself at first...

...but both donkeys seemed to appreciate our garden refuse.

(The goats too!)

Alfie went to inspect Sacha's tree...

...and Sacha too.

We had to keep our eye on Sacha's fingers through the fencing

Just round the corner, an 'insect hotel' complete with wild flowers all around