Betty at the piano & journey home

Our last weekend in Yorkshire and we were invited to eat a lovely meal at Phil & Gina's on the Friday night. Who should call in early evening? Yes, Nadine & Betty.

Phil & Gina have made their home really snug, especially the living room

Betty seems to be taking after the musicians in the family...

...and loving it!

The now traditional last pint in Portsmouth in the Dolphin Pub

Unheard of: we were third vehicle to leave the ferry in St Malo

Back home, fire lit & relax...

...but it's Christmas all over again a few hours later, celebrating with Matt, Cynthia & Sacha.

Day out in York

We had hoped to drive up to Hexham to see Les whilst in the UK but she had a better idea: why didn't we meet in York, not too bad a train journey for any of us. Nadine, Alfie & Betty had stopped over at the caravan the previous night, so it was an adventure for us all.

York Minster in all its glory...

...with young Alfie not exactly photo-bombing!

This giant teddybear wasn't quite as soft as it might be

Tine & Les on the famous Shambles, inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter?

A couple of the old gateways to the city

We enjoyed a walk on the city walls, despite the cold...

...some preferring to run. 

Do you spot any Ancient Britons, Alfie?

No, but if I run ahead I can relax on one of the benches!

The cold temperatures meant we didn't stay too long and we were all soon wending our various ways back home. 

Yorkshire Christmas & New Year

Christmas morning at Nadine & Simon's

Alfie über-excited...

...Betty more intrigued!

Sorry Gina: you were there too

Nad's beautifully decorated Christmas cake 

We brought Alfie back to the caravan for a couple of nights

Getting rid of some energy in the playpark 

Shortly after midnight, fireworks all along the valley. Sadly I can't get a video to upload.

Alfie watching the sun rise on a new year

Later we were joined by the rest of the Hills, and Phil & Gina

Typical Yorkshire fields with their dividing walls on our way to...

...Brontë Falls above Haworth.

Still no photo of Gina. I promise she was there!

Back to Yorkshire (again)!

Yes, we can't keep away, but we wanted to share Nadine & Simon's first Christmas in their new home (last year they were in Hastings).

First of all a full English breakfast with Steve in Bingley. You don't need to eat until the evening after this!

We were lucky to catch Before Breakfast (tenuous link there)  performing at their Christmas concert in Sheffield

Here Gina and the girls are performing with G's Neighbourhood Voices choir. What a stunning evening!

Sunrise at the caravan...

...before walking down through the trees to Saltaire.

Saltaire United Reformed Church paid for by Sir Titus Salt in the mid-19th century 

Part of his village (the old hospital on the right) with our campsite hidden in the mist on the moors

The chimney to Salts Mill, a popular destination now with its Hockney exhibitions, book shop, gifts and cafés

More beach walks

Not a very original post but there's not much goes on around here at this time of year...

...except for my daily walk. 10,000 steps don't happen without a bit of effort! 

Shorter December days = good silhouettes on the jetty.

Kite-surfers are still out and about.

But eventually the day gives way to night...

Another day and a much angrier sky...

...with waves to match.

It's dull again on la Plage des Génerelles but the sanderlings haven't noticed 

A couple of days later and it's back to blue

Bigger waves have eaten into the beach near le Pavillon

The beach by le Parc du Rocher...

...and the low tide has uncovered an 'écluse à poissons' (a fish trap)...

...a horseshoe-shaped construction made from rocks, the originals dating from medieval times. 

Several have been reconstructed but I'm not sure how much they're used these days 

Yet another mixed bag

We've had quite a mild late autumn/early winter, perfect for these creatures...

...yes, the processionary caterpillars...

...which might be fascinating, but are very destructive and harmful to wildlife.

Early dusk doesn't spoil apéritifs at the Starfish...

...walking past the floodlit church...

...and walking back in full moonlight!

The square by le Pavillon is looking better...

...with new plantations and le Villa bar/restaurant now open...

...and looking great just after sunset.

Meanwhile work has started on l'Avenue de la Plage...

...La Tranche's busiest road in full summer...

...not a soul to be seen in November!