At Marie's Cabane

The former Pedro's now run by Marie is a popular spot on a sunny afternoon. Sea, sand and drinks, who could ask for more?

It's lovely weather on 20th August - no wonder there are plenty of people about

Nadine & Simon soaking up the rays...

...whilst Alfie & Immy enjoy their ice creams...

...and Betty expirements with the sand and a foot!

Betty has a bit of Tonton time with Phil...

...but Maman Martine doesn't want to be left out.

It's time to cool off in the sea, Alfie with a surfboard...

...and Betty showing Maman Nadine the way to the Île de Ré!

Three cousins+

They might be tiring but we love the way the three cousins get on, despite occasional disputes between Alfie & Sach (only a year apart). These photos certainly show more harmonious moments!

Totally loved-up on the outside settee...

..in Mamie's den...

...or having a musical moment.

Nothing can beat having a bath together...

...or sharing a bit of television.

It all gets a bit too much sometimes...

...but Betty's up for Happy Hour at La Paillote!

Meanwhile Alfie enjoys cooling off and de-sanding at the new fountains

(Apologies for the inclusion of the photographer's shadow!)

Mainly Betty

Nadine, Alfie & Betty arrived at the beginning of August and it was 'all hands on deck' from then on until Simon arrived mid-month.

Obviously our little pool was the main attraction...

...with Betty loving being in the water...

...and Alfie & Nadine perfecting their circus skills.

Another day, another pool: this time chez Jean & Monique

Betty's face says it all...

...what can be more fun than throwing yourself in the ball pool...

...or learning to ride a tricycle...

...or playing at the local park?

Meanwhile Alfie practises his wall-climbing skills...

...whilst Betty has her first trip on Maman's big bike (not a huge success, sadly)! 

Tonton Matt's getting Betty trained behind the bar...

...but it's far more fun to walk on it.

Just to show the weather isn't always perfect...

...perhaps an explosion of colour will compensate!

Alfie's turn for swimming lessons with Mary-Lou at the campsite...

...and good progress was made.

To finish, one of my favourite shots walking down to the Starfish at dusk

Catch-up with Sacha

We help where we can in the summer when Sacha's on holiday from school. He's an adventurous so-and-so and we have to keep our beady eyes on him. However he's a credit to his Maman & Papa (Cynthia & Matt).

Failed here: didn't keep my eyes on him...

...and look what happened!

Individual swimming lessons at the campsite with Mary-Lou

He made excellent progress, and even listened to instructions  (most of the time)! 

Potato-men are always good fun...

...but so is helping Mamie make batter for pancakes.

Rocking the Peaky Blinder look in Papy's flat cap...

...or 'hiding' in a couple of cardboard boxes, there's never a dull moment.

Mamie made a den using bamboo canes around an apple tree

Sacha loved it...

...and took a picture of your faithful blogger too.

 Finally, it has become a tradition to let our final artichoke flower

These two photos were taken just one week apart.

Walks into town and saying goodbye

We discovered different routes to walk into town.

It's hard not to see the windy road which ever way you go!

Barbary figs (aka prickly pear) are everywhere, their spines very painful but with beautiful flowers 

The railway station has played a huge role in Portbou's history and development

In town this house on the sea front is being renovated...

...and you could always have something to eat at Casa David.

The beach is pebbly but still very popular even mid-week...

...the Mediterranean a pleasant 23ºC for bathers.

I enjoyed a beer but left the chiperones (battered baby squid) to my compadres!

It's time to leave and the car is packed...

...with one final view of the town (spot the white house middle left)...

...and minutes later crossing the old frontier into France.

Merci Nicole & Daniel. Next time it's your turn to come to La Tranche.