Coach tour of the island

First visit: Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, touring the volcanoes which created the island. 

Volcanoes everywhere...

...thankfully dormant.

Or are they? Proof there's plenty of heat underground.

Now what can these tubes be for?

What a geezer (geyser)!

This restaurant is on top of an ancient volcano...

...the meat barbecued above natural heat!

I think you might know these two by now!

The road is only open to coaches...

...squeezing along collapsed old lava tunnels.

Magnifique, as they say over here.

Marina Rubicón

In the afternoon we headed for the seafront again but this time turned left.

In the near distance, the marina...

...and a closer look.

There are several wooden boardwalks around the marina...

...with a surprising statue in one. It made us think of those in the sea at Crosby, north of Liverpool.

Here's one of Antony Gormley's creations alongside Tine in 2013

Walking further along the coast we came across a more dramatic coastline.

With or without your faithful blogger...

...you decide! I know which I prefer 😂

Eagle's Tower or Los Colaradas' Castle, depending on where you're researching.

You can't visit but Tine made it up the steps.

The original tower dates back to 1742 when it was used to defend the area from pirate attacks.

Exploring Playa Blanca

There was a lovely promenade going towards the town

On the way euphorbia canariensis, a relative of our 'Shrek' plant!

This part of the island is a good mix of rocks and sand.

The boat repair yard...

...and a look back over the harbour.

Our Lady of Carmen Church

Of course drinks over the beach is always a good choice!

Different days, obviously.

Arrival in Lanzarote

It's a return visit to the Canaries but this time Playa Blanca in Lanzarote.

Arriving in the evening we soon made our way to the bar...

...where Tine was invited to dance by one of the entertainment team (think Butlins Redcoats in pink...

...or white)!

Our little apartment for the week

Next morning this was the view on our way to the dining area...

...not just one but two pools.

As you know I can't resist a good sunset...

...or a silhouette!

Sainte Anne & a couple of extras

Before Nadine & co left I had to check whether or not Alfie had caught up with Mamie

Tine was happy to discover she is still taller.....for now!

Sainte Anne is an area of La Tranche to the south of the main town.

Locals have struggled this year with heavy seas eating away at their coast

Many houses have rock protection...

...but the sea will find a way.

A plea from a local campsite: Walking on this dune is destroying it and is putting our campsite in danger, let's respect it.

Very threating weather over the bay to La Rochelle and l'Île de Ré...

...but this surfer wasn't deterred.

Back home and Monique's gift of an amaryllis just opened in time for the departure of our next adventure.

More next time!

Couscous and a cold dip

Mehdi & Élodie invited us round to theirs for an authentic Morrocan couscous whilst Nadine & co were visiting us.

Here's the man in action...

...and here's the delicious result.

Later the more foolhardy of us decided to go for a dip where Marie's bar is in the summer.

First batch going in...

...and second, Betty not wanting to miss out!

Deed done...

...and it's only a couple of minutes walk back to M&É's.

Time for Alfie & Selim to chill in front of a cartoon.

Au revoir 2024, bonjour 2025

A final few photos from last year, and some very welcome visitors.

Look how busy it is on 'our' beach in December. Note that Tine is well wrapped up!

The cold doesn't deter surfers  by the jetty though

Yes, Nadine, Simon, Alfie & Betty came for New Year, here joined by Matt & Sacha too, all loving the latest Wallace & Gromit film.

Our cheeky threesome by the hidden bed...

...at the jetty...

...and a photocall in front of the Christmas tree.