Catch of the Day.

 I love fish.  It’s absolutely one of my most favourite foods and certainly my protein of choice.  So, when we were on holiday, it was simply heaven to be able to eat some of the wide variety of fish available in local markets and from harbour side catches.  In the UK, it seems as if too few people want to buy, cook and eat fish and as a consequence, fish availability is limited at best. But in France and Spain, fish is clearly a prized food with all the cooking options seriously discussed and considered before purchases are finally made

Simple Pleasures

Despite the Guggenheim, along with the monastery at Angers being on our list of places to visit during our holiday, we did neither, preferring to maximise the outdoor living opportunities afforded us by the superb sunny weather.  Sitting at a street cafe in the delightful Basque city of Vitoria enjoying a home made icecream or sipping a glass of something chilled at a waterfront bar in the historic town of Castro Urdiales, we reflected on the positive effect that good weather, bright light and sunshine has on individuals. And that when the weather is good, simple pleasures are beyond riches

Driving "on the continent"

Our drive to Vitoria was comparatively stress free as a consequence of  the capable driving of Mr Glis (and my navigational skills, she added, modestly!). That said, with only one or two exceptions, the general courtesy shown by the French and Spanish road users was of a very high standard, with little lane hogging or cutting in. We were surprised, as it has been several years since we last took the car to Mainland Europe and we thought that there would have been an inevitable decline in driving behaviours, just as has happened in the UK.  Maybe we were lucky?

Atlantic Waves

We spent a lot of time swimming in the Atlantic, Mr Glis and I!

We both really enjoy sea swimming and despite the extreme contrasts between the air (34 degrees), water temperature (23 degrees) along with sand hot enough to burn the soles of the feet, it was a refreshing yet relaxing way to spend a few hours each day.  Normally, the Medoc coast is renowned for its surfing, the usual  low pressure out in the Atlantic creating “wind which means waves”, but the recent protracted spell of high pressure meant gentler waves than normal which were  perfect for swimmers

 

Swimming at Soulac

Our drive to Soulac sur Mer was enlivened by the afternoon  ferry crossing from Royan.  Mr K loves boats of all sorts and he’s always happy on a ferry.  We pitched our tent on the campsite before heading out for our first look at the Atlantic Ocean.  The beach was stunning with superb views North and South along the coast.  And although it was late afternoon when we arrived, it was still warm enough to swim. Because the tide was just retreating, the sands were people free, creating a feeling of space and tranquillity only ever experienced on deserted beaches

Low key Le Mans....

Others visit Le Mans for entirely different reasons but for us, it was merely an ideal place to stop on our way through France to Spain.  After an uneventful journey from Dieppe, the fun began. We thought we’d find no end of campsites or pensions in the surrounding region but unbelievably, we seemed to be out of luck.  Just as we’d resigned ourselves to an uber expensive hotel, we spotted a camp site sign.  Once we’d pitched the tent and eaten, we enjoyed a short walk to a nearby river with a geocache hide and found our first French cache.

Pont Romain

On our way

We were on our way. As the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry, MV Cote D'Albatre left on time, we watched  the English coast recede into the distance, the white cliffs iridescent in the shimmering sunlight.  After Mr Glis had made his inevitable prowl around the boat, we headed to the Bar Corneille  in search of coffee and croissants to get us in the holiday mood.  Suitably replete, we returned to the outdoor decks to enjoy the voyage across a channel as calm as a mill pond.  Mr Glis, king of the iphone Apps followed our progress assiduously.  Well he would, wouldn’t he?