Walks on the beach and Les Charrières

Empty house means back to walks time. Sadly our usual Indian Summer didn't transpire, but we still had some lovely days.

The beach and the sea are always a major draw (here between Le Rocher and St Vincent sur Jard)...

...especially when everyone's gone back to work/school.

One of our walk guide books took us to Les Charrières, just outside Luçon

This beautiful butterfly was just waiting to be photographed

Can you spot the ragondin (coypu) swimming across the waterway?

A sad tale for corn-on-the-cob lovers, this is how the maize ends up, all ready to be harvested as animal feed

We were very excited to come across this hare who didn't seem to notice us

We braved this rickety bridge at the end of our walk, despite the warning for a maximum of four people at a time!

Late summer odds and ends

We're nearing the end of August now, almost time to shut up shop at Hotel Cleggifornia for another season.

Firstly though, look at this tomato lurking away in the garden...

...better still in one of Tine's salads.

More cousinly fun in the pool: an every day occurrence this summer! 

Sacha showing off as usual

Human totem pole time for the Hills...

...Sacha on quality control.

Sacha & Alfie don't seem to be calming down for bedtime!

Suddenly the house is very quiet...

And still they come!

The visitors kept coming!

Yvonne (old work-mate at Queensbury) and husband James popped in on their way from La Rochelle to Nantes. Hopefully they'll stay longer next time.

Starfish drinks in hand as always with Vanna & Si, our lovely Essex friends

More drinks, this time in the pool with Vanna & Sacha...

...and Nadine!

Matt's mates Sally & Stephen, again at the Starfish...

...and with Matt chez nous.

Daughter Lois enjoying hammock time with Sacha.

Coming back from La Paillote happy hour, a wonderful rainbow over the boating lake

The Barnses come to stay

Nadine & Simon's buddies Holly & Barney came to stay with their two youngsters.

Alfie, Tildy & Louis scrambling on the airbed, Holly & Tine alongside doing health & safety

Another day and Simon & Barney take their turn on duty

Of course Sacha isn't going to be outdone!

It was hard work entertaining four children aged 5 and under but they certainly enjoyed themselves, here exploring in front of chez nous

The town organises a free shuttle service in July & August...

...very useful for our trip to the circus in La Grière. 

It was a good show in an authentic big top

I know many people disapprove of using animals in circuses, but all creatures looked very well cared for

More August fun

Although the weather wasn't perfect this summer we had plenty of hot, sunny days

Just the job for Tine...

...and Nadine, our new grandchild making him/herself known!

I wasn't too happy when neighbours were flying a drone overhead, but I'll forgive them as we now have a different perspective of the house! See who you can spot!

Missed this photo last time: Phil teasing his nephews. Sacha still mentions Philippe when he sees the dried sea urchins!

A couple of cool dudes!

Nadine & Sacha braved the sea...

...Simon & Alfie too.

Finally, bubbles to celebrate the millionth euro taken over the bar at the Starfish!

Phil & Gina come to stay

It was great to have Phil & Gina chez nous (and thanks to them for most of these photos)

A couple of bike selfies to begin!

Obviously heading for the beach...

...where young Phil was attacked by a rock!

Gina loved shrimping at low tide, enjoying her catch

This toad had seen better days

Down at the Starfish Sacha has his own take on no paparazzi whilst eating Papa's crêpe...

...and 'my' Philippe has a bit of quality time with Alfie at the end of the jetty