Birthday girl +

Yes, it's already a year since Tine's big birthday and celebrations were a bit quieter this time.

Drink and lunch with Matt at l'Embarc...

...and a couple of days later a meal at Kuna Matata...

...with its views of the church and the town square.

Another good view was when walking back from the Starfish one night, the moon in all its splendour and the lights of La Rochelle and the Île de Ré. Can you spot the red light under the moon, slightly left? That's mid-way on the bridge to the island.

Our daily view isn't so bad though

The only remaining windmill in town, sadly on private land and sail-less!

And finally, bonjour Monsieur Crapaud, a regular visitor after dark!

New friends & Sacha

It's now the beginning of June and at last we're getting some better weather.

New friends Mehdi & 2-year old Selim showing us all how to smile...

...whilst Élodie & Tine chatter in the shallow waves.

A week later and it's the annual windsurf race to l'Île de Ré and back. Sadly there was very little wind...

...so we had to console ourselves with a drink at l'Embarc beach bar. Élodie here showing off her D Franklin sunglasses - photo taken to show our mate Big Dave Franklin!

Chez nous Élodie & Selim enjoying our pool...

...Tata Martine getting in on the action, your faithful blogger watching on.

I think this towelling robe has been used my Alfie, Sacha & Betty. Now it's Selim's turn.

Tine & Selim down on the beach.

We've seen a little more of Sacha recently. This photo was taken to send to Alfie to show he'd pinched his shorts!

To finish, a couple of action clips.

Long live summer!

A few bits & pieces

We've had quite a few big jellyfish on our beaches this year.

You can choose which you prefer: right way up or upside down! Tine's foot is the same in both 😂

Another visitor closer to home, Mr Cricket who didn't make it in through the conservatory window.

La Belle Saison beach bar isn't too far away from chez nous...

...with great views looking back on La Tranche.

Tine had an appointment in Les Sables and I wandered around...

...spotting the tourist information office with 'trompe l'oeil' paintings on its walls and windows.

Back to La Tranche

We had a trouble-free journey through England & France and were happy to be back home after a longer break than usual.

But look what we came back to: a bamboo jungle!

We were more than happy to see Sacha, here in their pool

Summer must be coming, the fountains are playing at l'Aunis

Summer also means that the Hotel Cleggifornia is officially open

Norma & Niall joining us (also with a 'save the date' for their wedding next year).

Niall was very at home at the Starfish...

...and Norma at l'Équipage.

We took them to see some of the many standing stones in the area...

...even with a shot of 'Er from Brittany in the background.

Tine & Niall proving how strong they are building a dolmen...

...plus an inside view.

Back to just the two of us, enjoying the pool (quickly up-and-running on our return)...

...and a sneaky drink at Marie's beach bar.

Return to Yorkshire...

...but both badly affected by a gastro bug which stopped us enjoying our last week, confined to the caravan!

Meanwhile at Tracks, the music school in Sheffield where Philippe works, they had a VERY special visitor. Yes Ed Sheeran with the mentors...

...and some of the students.

On our way down to Portsmouth we met Philippe and his Oh Papa members for an outdoor drink, later joined by a slightly squiffy Nadine for a lovely meal.

Next day we had our final drink on English soil at our favourite (and oldest) pub in Portsmouth

We saw our ferry arriving!

Safely on board...

...and look at that sky. Au revoir Angleterre!

Back to Sorrento & an aborted trip to Vesuvius

And just to prove where we were:

Wandering the streets we came across this beautiful fountain...

...and stepped inside an old church, now a beautiful art gallery.

Lemon trees are everywhere...

...and don't the souvenir shops know it!

Tine having a quiet moment...

...before sitting down to a spot of lunch...

...followed by real Italian ice cream, of course!

Later the four of us enjoyed a lovely meal

Our last day and Tine & I decided to visit the top of Vesuvius. The tourist office hadn't explained that we had to book tickets beforehand son we only managed the coach-ride so far.

However we still enjoyed the view over the Bay of Naples, this area once covered with debris from the volcano...

...and some weird and wonderful sculptures made from lava.

Yet another meal, this time our last. Back to the UK next day!