France - December 2007

The first week of this visit was taken up mainly keeping warm and doing small repairs. The weather was very clear and sunny, but with clear skies also at night, the temperatures plunged, and minus temperatures were often around - even at 10 a.m. on the following morning. This lasted until the start of the second week when temperatures rose and morning mists were then common.

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The local villages had their Christmas markets, illuminations, decorations and nativity scenes ... the pictures below are of the local Ambrieres les Vallees market.

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A chance to warm up with vin chaud and chestnuts ....... and to meet friends .... and Father Christmas.

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The fireworks at Mayenne were again an attraction, the castle overlooking the river providing an ideal site.

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On the river at Ambrieres les Vallees .................... and a glimpse of times to come !!!!!

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Bethany's birthday saw the pizza oven in use, and Christmas Day and Boxing Day were also spent feasting with Sara and Tony, who had friends staying for Christmas. The range of meat included turkey, goose, pintard, buffalo and wild boar ..... this followed such items as smoked eel from the Loire, mussels and oysters ...... a truly magnificent spread, washed down with a selection of wines.

The trip, out of necessity made use of the Poole / Cherbourg ferry - since the fastcraft from Portsmouth to Cherbourg only operates from March to November. Unfortunately we were delayed on the way out by industrial action at Cherbourg - and on the way back it was a somewhat lively crossing, with a gusty wind. The inadequate passport control facilities at Poole meant a half hour queue, and this was followed by a three hour drive in heavy rain, local flooding and gusty winds.

Happy New Year !!!!!

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