April – 2022

Marian and Pete were with me from 31st March till the 4th April. It was a lovely visit. I took them to the market at Royan where we bought fresh fish for lunch. They were very impressed with the variety of fresh produce on display, especially the fish. After the market we took a walk to the harbour via the main shopping street where they enjoyed brousing an antique shop and sat in the sun, albeit with a cold wind, for a coffee before retutning home.

We went to Montang to visit the enormous Brocant housed in the old Mill.

Followed by lunch on a terrace overlooking the harbour.

We had a day in the attractive city of Pons where we strolled through the old town admiring the DonJon, views and architecture.

Walked through the wooded area along the river with the Mill Pond and a silvan tranquility

Bought quiche for lunch at the market and took coffee at a pavement cafe.

We had walks with the dog and played rummycub in the evening. A quiet, gentle and lovely visit.

15th. Did my first long cycle ride of the season today. Took the mountain bike and headed off through the fields on farm tracks as far as the St Georges round-a-bout. Turned down the coast road and followed the cycle path to the other side of the Royan beach. It is school holidays and as the weather was fine there were a lot of folks out and about and on the beach.

16th. There was a “Shay Light Display” show, organised by the Town Hall and free to watch at The Port of Meschers this evening. I went with Monique, Martine and Gizelle. The Port area was lively with all the open air restaurants full to capacity. It was a lovely full moon evening with the moon reflected in the waters of the Port and the estuary beyond.

There was a good crowd but I thought I had secured a good viewing position with a gap between the two heads in front of me until the Lady Mayor, having left the stage, came and placed herself right in front of me. GRRRRR. So not a great vantage point from which to photograph the display!