France - August/September2006

The end of August saw a return to France, mainly to continue work on the house. But I also spent more time " at leisure " this trip .... starting with a quick visit down to see Kate and Alec on their farm at Menil, near Chateau Gontier. Alec was moving a boat on the River Mayenne, which was being drained down for dredging and cleaning: Kate was overseeing the lambing.

Chateau Gontier is a picturesque stop off for people travelling South. There is free overnight parking for caravans / camping cars by the side of the river. The town has many restaurants and other attractions.

Lambing was in progress ..... whilst the cat looked on.

Viv and Gerry came over one day ... they are now resident in France and have converted an old mill near Sens de Bretagne. I showed them some of the local attractions.

The moon rising at Ambrières les Vallées.

The local fete weekend was well attended during both day and night ... finishing with a firework display

One weekend I decided to visit the Baie du Mont St Michel, about an hour and a half away. The coast around here is mostly flat, although good views could be had from some of the low cliffs along the coast road.

At the house a start was made on the downstairs ceiling, and on making various doors both inside and outside. This became hard work as first the belt on the power planer broke and then the power saw decided to give up the ghost.

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I made the most of the good weather by spending time in the garden. All the shrubs were cut back and the grass cut on both upper and lower decks. The top borders are now almost weed free, thanks partly to Sue's efforts last year. Next year I hope to get more summer and autumn flowering plants installed.

A highlight of this visit was the pig roast at Sara and Tony's place .......

The pig ... before and after .....

The lounge became a temporary dining hall ...

Whilst the outside kitchen catered for more ... and doubled as a bar.

Once a fortnight a travelling ( English ) fish and chip van calls at a local bar. It usually brings in quite a crowd !

At St Jean de Daye, on the N 174 between St Lô and the N 13, there is a convenient picnic spot, about a hundred metres from the main road through the village. Facilities include drinking water and a W.C. There are two or three eating places there, as well as a small general store, boulangerie, and bars.

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