Return to la Belle Henriette

The nature reserve of la Belle Henriette is fascinating, no matter what the weather. This selection of photos was taken on several visits in February.

Cormorants watching over the bridge to nowhere

A better day...

...and I promise Tine isn't storming off!

Risk of drowning sign, with official low & high tide photos

The real thing at low tide...

...and what you would see on the beach side of the lagoon.

Probably a remnant of the 2010 flood

Twice a day the lagoon fills and empties

Finally: where the emptying lagoon water meets the sea, your faithful blogger waving frantically.

Double click to see highly informative captions! Merci Google Maps

Wildlife

We're now in February with a mixed bag of weather but interesting wildlife!

There were many flights (yes I did check it) of cormorants flying over 'our' beach, often landing in the boating lake to sample its wares

On la Plage des Generelles, a gaggle (checked again) of Canada geese

Another day, low-flying cormorants

Yet another day, and great waves at la Terrière beach...

...and a washed up dolphin. Apparently there had been quite a few washed up on our shores. I was a good citizen and let the marine authorities know.

Couldn't resist this photo of one of the pathways onto the beach

Not many naturist participants in February! I just love that sign says, 'Nudism is tolerated beyond this point'.

An unwelcome creature this time: the dreaded pine processionary caterpillar, that eats anything in its path

Le Veillon to Bourgenay and a dusk-time walk

We enjoyed lovely days at the end of January, still having to wrap up well, of course.

The beach was almost deserted

Sadly the dunes are much depleted after rough seas over the last few years

Port Bourgenay, where the rich play with boats...

...and others just play on their phones.

We walked back under the trees (a little more sheltered from the wind)

Another day, a beautiful double rainbow over le plan d'eau...

...followed by silhouettes and reflections.

The jetty in different weather conditions

Le Troc becomes the Slice Café

We've been so proud of Cynthia (& Matt) this year, renovating the sandwich/chip shop over the road from the Starfish. The Slice Café finally opened its doors on 1st April and has received excellent comments since.

Matt's friend Steven came over one weekend to help with earlier work

Cynthia in full action...

...with lots of tempting goodies!

More changes

Elsewhere in La Tranche there are more changes to be seen.

Not much happening at Le Rêve...

...but a sneaky look over the fence...

...and proof that the apartments are selling (red=sold, yellow=offer made).

Opposite Le Pavillon, the Mistral Gourmand is moving into La Villa Martha...

...once it's finished!

Hot off the press: 'A Nong', the Thai/Vietnamese restaurant from La Grière, has moved into the Mistral Gourmand's old premises by the PMU. 

L'Avenue de la Plage connects the main square with Le Pavillon

28th January 2017, in deep hibernation

31st March 2017, waking up

12th April 2017, the tourists are back!