The pathway diminishes

An email from Jeanne (bonjour, Jeanne!) asked how things were on the pathway between the boating lake and 'our' beach. So making the most of a rare non-rainy day I ventured forth with my trusty camera whilst Tine was busy with her lessons.

A Chenille Processionnaire nest on my way to the beach.
Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Processionary

The first three photos were taken where the sea broke through in 2010

A little further along: more worrying developments

Meanwhile the surfers are still having fun!

La Résidence Belle Plage

Cousin Catherine was looking for somewhere for friends to stay in town and we asked Anna if we could look around La Résidence Belle Plage. What a fantastic place! The apartments we saw were superb with some of the best views in town. Although I didn't ask permission from the owner to use these photos on the blog, here's their website, so think of it as publicity!
www.residencebelleplage.com

The apartment where I took the photos is centre, ground floor

We loved this old photo of the Résidence de l'Océan mid-construction - it's just along the coast

Low cliff walk to Bourgenay

Fed up of being cooped up we headed north nearly as far as Les Sables,  parking up and heading back on foot towards Port Bourgenay along the cliffs. A few other people had the same idea but it was quiet. Sadly earlier blue skies had disappeared -still no rain (or snow) though!

As it was low tide we saw some amazing rock formations

Someone's had fun building this cabin with coppiced wood

We only did a shorter version of the walk. Next time perhaps?

A very spooky gate to one of the many private properties along the way, worth a bob or two, I assure you!

Early morning in January & signs of spring

Well the car had to go in for a service so we walked back along the beach just as the sun was rising. Fabulous!

And look: spring MUST be on its way, with tulips & mimosa

But look at this stock of pine cones from the camp site: perfect to get the fire going!

At last some sunshine!

The weather has been so grey since our return from England and seeing the blue sky this morning we couldn't resist going for a mid-morning walk along the beach. We hadn't realised that there's a big co-efficient for a few days (for those who haven't been paying attention these last five years, that means very high and low tides!) meaning we were treated to some very different views.

The first two shots are where we arrive on the beach at La Grière

The very low tide had uncovered some fantastic sea-bed sculptures...

...and wavy sand formations!

Onto the jetty, the tide now turning...

...and back home to start on our final pumpkin, weighing in at 5 kg!

La Fête des Rois

Back from our fantastic fortnight in the UK (despite us both catching the cold/flu that everyone seemed to have) we met up with our Essex boys & girls down at the Starfish as they were leaving next day. We decided to take a 'galette des rois' the traditional dish that is eaten to celebrate the Epiphany. Perhaps not exactly light nibbles to go with a beer or two, but it went down very well anyway!

Mmmmmm: flaky puff pastry with a frangipane filling

The galette has to be divided into exactly the right number of slices as partakers

And here were four of them: Cockerney Dave, Vanna, Shan & Simon

We're so rich these days that we use notes for napkins!

Tine found 'la fève' or small figurine which made her the Queen choosing Cockerney Dave as her King (note the very expensive crown)!

Meanwhile Matt in his Mickey Mouse disguise still enjoying Bradford City's defeat of Arsenal. Now howzabout Aston Villa tomorrow?

Family get-together

Nadine arranged a wonderful family get-together at the Boathouse in Saltaire. Sadly Ann & Bry couldn't make it but I know my big sis will be reading this!

Your faithful blogger, Silv, Lisa, Mike, Ste, Vics, Si, Nad & Pete

Moi avec pinte, Kate talking to Laura & Rob, Silv, Lisa, Mike + side view of Nad & the others!

Rach, Phil, Sue & Maddie

Si, Phil & Nad

Me & my kid brother...

...and Kate getting in on the act!

Finally, Steve & Rob, looking like they're up to no good!

Bonne Année/Happy New Year to all my readers.