Edith & John come to stay

They promised for a long time but old friends Edith & John finally made it to La Tranche for a second time. There was a shower as they arrived at the airport but the rest of the week was beautiful again.

It's not often the sea is as clear as this around here

The obligatory end-of-the-jetty shot!

Next day, the market is in full swing...

...but there's always time for a refreshment...

...or two!

Later we have sushis at Floppy's outdoor restaurant (there's Flop in the background)...

...washed down with a welcome glass of rosé.

Even the oldsters wanted to try the pool!

La Route des Ragondins

Philippe & Laura took themselves off one afternoon ragondin/coypu hunting and they were very successful!

Laura looking very 50s/60s magazine cover!

Et voilà, un ragondin...

...and one that appears to walk on water (or a thick layer of algae)

Next day up with the lark for their return flight...

...Phil decides to get some sunrise shots...

...and fantastic mist-rising shots.

An empty stork's nest

Why did the Coypu cross the road?!

Methinks Mr Heron is looking for his breakfast 

Well, he might be a pest but we're all very intrigued by our not-so-welcome neighbours!

All photos taken by Phil. I've a lot to learn! Merci, Philston...

Return to Venise Verte

It's good when visitors make us feel like we're on holiday too. Such was the case with Phil, Clare & Laura when we spent the day in Venise Verte, once again enjoying beautiful weather but this time with plenty of shade.

First stop: our favourite crêperie in Damvix, Phil & Clare making those hard decisions

Meanwhile Laura...

...and Tine tuck in. My triangle awaits!

Second stop: Arçais for a tour of some of the canals there

And back to where we started

Third stop: Maillezais with its beautiful frogs and waterlilies

 Thanks to Phil for some of these photos!

Bud

Our favourite beach for waves is to the south of Les Conches, just park up the car (or bike) and climb over the dunes to a real view of paradise

Phil, Clare & Laura were in their element

That's Phil's head centre photo!

All that's left is the climb back over the dunes, and apéritifs here we come!

Water slide & Phil, Clare & Laura in the pool

Great idea from Matt for Si's birthday earlier this year: a session at the new waterslides at Indian Forest (like Go Ape in the UK). What Matt hadn't reckoned for (and I'm sure he won't want me to remind him) was that this was the morning after Bradford City's major victory over arch-rivals Leeds United, and he was slightly the worse for wear.

The intrepid trio: Matt, Nad & Si

I was late arriving, but managed to see Nad...

...and Matt. Si had had enough by then!

On a hotter and sunnier day, Phil, Clare & Laura, joined by Tine, enjoyed fun times in the pool

...and even Cantine got a look-in, the ever-present lifeguard (thanks for the last two photos, Phil)

St Martin-en-Ré

Just look at the weather! We picked up Phil, Clare & Laura from La Rochelle airport and whisked them over the bridge to the Île de Ré, destination St Martin-en-Ré

Here we have the gang on the town walls...

...and checking on the harbour

The youngsters (& Tine) climbed to the top of the tower of the town's church for the fantastic views. Your faithful blogger stayed in the shade on terra firma!

Lunch? Galettes and a bowl of cider

And look who's next door - Tin Tin...

...and Captain Haddock's favourite expletive (Laura & Clare well disguised)!

 

Obviously you can't go to the St Marti-en-Ré without seeing the donkeys in pyjamas