Tempête Ana

Storms are named in France too, but different names to the ones used in the UK. Storm Ana (yes correct spelling) made itself known on 11th December. It sounded very wild overnight but not as bad as the devastating storm of 2010, a night we'll never forget.

Next morning the sky still looked very threatening

Damage at the new project where le Rêve used to be,

trees down by the main carpark,

a catamaran stranded by the boating lake,

the neighbours' gate...

...and a few tiles on our extension roof.

Next day back to beautiful blue skies...

...but damage still to be seen.

Foam or not, we usually get good seascapes!

Three days later: this timber's going to be put to good use!

Big tides & our latest craze

As many of you know the tides at La Tranche are always pretty spectacular but no more than when there is a 'big coefficient' (difference in consecutive high and low tides).

Yet another crowded beach at the beginning of December, the sea way out in the bay

Our wonderful 'embarcadère' (jetty) where the boats leave for l'Ile de Ré and La Rochelle in the summer

The sea laps the top of these steps at high tide

Two old fogies getting in on the picture (but not under a several metres of water)...

...and a wonderful baby starfish.

To keep us out of mischief in these winter months we've attempted to find a few Geocaches. It's still rather hit and miss but proof here that we have been successful some of the time!

And here's why: they can be well-hidden!

La Plage de la Mine

Safe and sound back in Vendée we made the most of a beautiful day towards the end of November, heading for a favourite beach of ours, la Plage de la Mine.

First we had to call in on l'Abbaye de Lieu Dieu, looking so tidy these days. 

We still haven't visited inside. One of these days, perhaps.

Onto the beach...

...as crowded as ever in November!

The crumbling low cliffs...

...as ever victim to heavy seas.

Madame kindly giving the wonderful scenery a sense of proportion...

...and finding some washed-up coral to add to her collection.

Last day: trip to Isla

Last day and yet another (cheap) ferry over the Grand Harbour, but this time to the 3rd city of Isla

Old wharf buildings

Not a very good photo but a very moving statue of fishermen's families awaiting the return of their loved ones

Lots of steps up and down the narrow passageways

One for Philippe...

...one for Edith & John...

...and one for Matt (Senglea Athletic FC)!

Back to Valletta and a skeletal welcome!

Sorry if our Maltese adventures have been a bit long-winded. As you have seen we certainly made the most of our stay!

Blue Grotto & Dingli cliffs

We walked down from the ancient temples to the Blue Grotto, but sadly there were no boat trips out of full season. As you can see the weather wasn't really on our side either!

Amazing views over rugged landscapes...

...including cliff-top dwellings.

Here's the Blue Grotto...

...and a closer look!

Waiting for the bus back to Valletta look what was heading for us from inland...

...and out to sea!

Next day we caught the bus again, this time to walk alongside the cliffs at Dingli.

Looking over the terraced farming

Il Balun radar station

A chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene

OK, it was disappointing weather again but we managed to stay dry!