Merry Christmas 2025

We're celebrating Christmas in La Tranche this year so it will be a quiet one (until Nadine, Simon & the two monsters arrive on Sunday)!

The tree is its usual position, awaiting Father Christmas's delivery.

Tine has been very creative making her own wreath.

Even the bus stop's getting in on the action.

The covered market becomes a children's paradise all through the holidays with lots of activities.

Meanwhile near to us look who's back...

...and after a very windy night (or one too many sherries?)

La Tranche main streets have the usual illuminations...

...but I loved this jolly Santa at one of the clothes shops!

The main square looks very spartan...

...but better after dark.

Tine & your faithful blogger being framed...

...and Queen Martine on her thrown.

Merry Christmas to all my followers!

Staying local

The temperature of the water in the pool might have been higher in full summer but by October there weren't many takers!

Intrepid Helen...

...and Tine, showing off her swimming skills.

Even your faithful blogger made the effort.

Ahhhhhh!

Leaving for town in the evening the light was beautiful...

...as was the waterfront.

It was after dark walking back...

...but the little chapel looked very impressive.

Next day we visited...

...and saw this beat-up old banger nearby!

Another holiday within a holiday

 And off we go again! This time to Corfu with good friends Helen & Mo.

We had an early start but Jet2 looked after us...

...including an excellent view of the Alps!

Here's the view from our hotel room...

...and better views of our main activity of the week.

Two old (?) men...

...contemplating the view of the Albanian mountains.

Later we enjoyed the first of many excellent meals...

...in a restaurant with a view to die for.

Return to the UK

It was nearly six months since our last visit and we were ready for a bit of England.

As usual we did the overnight crossing from St Malo to Portsmouth

St Malo old town in all its glory...

...and the marina just before dusk.

Next morning, sunrise near Portsmouth.

You'll have to excuse the windows!

We drove straight up to our caravan park, 'enjoying' hold-ups after hold-ups on the motorways.

The first evening there was a wonderful pre-dusk sky...

...and next morning mist in the Aire valley.

The above three are views from our caravan.

Up on Baildon Moor we watched the bracken change colour during our stay.

Last visitors at the Hotel Cleggifornia, 2024

We've had a very busy summer and the guests kept coming!

Old Bingley College friend Pauline came for a few days...

...young Sacha very proud to take these photos!

Right to left sitting at the end of the jetty: Pauline, her sister Our Elizabeth, and Pauline's husband David...

...now joined by Our Elizabeth's son Mark and husband Brian.

Just a few days later my brother Pete came with his partner Emma. Here celebrating my birthday...

...and Emma enjoying watching the waves by the jetty.

The season has more or less finished now.

It's time to take all the huts down on the approach to l'embarcadère

We still get beautiful days though...

...and even have time to celebrate Èlodie's 40th birthday.

La Roche Bernard

It's time to head back to La Tranche, but let's call in on La Roche Bernard

The port nestles on the River Vilaine, a favourite for boatsmen and women.

There are some very individual residences here...

...and it's a popular departure point for river boat trips.

Look carefully, can you see the same café in 2008 when we visited with Jim & Les and 'Er from Brittany's Mum Betty.

A final shot of the Famous Five, number 6 taking the photo of course.