Saturday 11th April

Still cool and overcast, but no rain. We’re undaunted, and head north to Biarritz, for a little visit. The Atlantic provides some of the best surfing in Europe, but not for us, thank you.





South again, this time to Hendaye, the extreme southwest of France. A short ferry ride, and we’re across again into Spain, to the 13th century fortified town of Fontarabie.



For lunch!





Why is it, we always seem to be eating? Because the food is just sooo good.

Friday 10 April

Rain! Wind and rain all day today . . .so ideal for a car tour of the region. First, a visit to Socoa. Just south of the town the folded schist rock cliffs stand against the Atlantic, worn down like old teeth, into a pattern of flaky chocolate.





Down into the town, and along the harbour wall, where the sand stretches the length of the bay, guarded by the 17th century fort that I’m sure did equal duty against the Spanish as well as the English.





Then up, into the hills and les villages du Pays Basque interieur, spirits undampened by the weather.



Sare, trans-frontier Bourg, and one of the many totally charming villages visited.





So close to the border with Spain that we inadvertently crossed, and found Jesus for sale! Serge, one for the Newsletter.



Finally, back to our Chateau, dry out, and freshen up in our turret bathroom.

France - Easter 2009

Thursday 9 April 2009

Arrived at Bordeaux airport the evening before, the only airport we’ve ever seen with a mini-vineyard growing outside the terminal building. This must surely be wine country . . .

Picked up the rental car – made in Spain, and all instructions in Spanish. Europe – eh! Overnight at the salubrious Stars Hotel (all two of them) for a surprisingly comfortable night sleep.



Away early this morning on our Basque adventure. The main highway takes us south through Les Landes and a stop for a morning coffee in the quiet town of Leon.



On through Bayonne, then the Atlantic coast-road, towards St Jean-de-Luz and our destination for the day, the Chateau d’Urtubie.



Couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. Comfortable, soaked in history, great host and excellent location for a couple of days touring the area. Our second floor room is in the 14th Century part of the castle, and our bathroom in the turret!

2 March 09 . . . and our last full day on Elbow Cay

On the road, 2mph and MelaLady to the rescue . . .



and a last stroll around Hope Town





A final stroll on the beach



a final snorkel (darn, these things are snug)



A few more rays of sun, and heat



. . . . until next time!

1 March 09

A day out for us all in the boat with Warren and AB . . .



. . and a stop for lunch at Cracker P’s on Lubbers Quarters Cay, never too far from anywhere, and a spectacular view from the bar. Who wants to go anywhere, anyway?







Then off to check out the Abaco Inn at White Sound, the south end of Elbow Cay



Where the surf is reputed to be the best in the Bahamas





Then back to Warren and AB treetop home, for a last sunset with them before they head home . . .







going . . .



going . . .



gone!

28 Feb 09

Spectacular sunrises . . .



. . . and for some of us, vacation comes to an end. Mike, Ro and Em will be back up north tomorrow, back to winter. We’ll miss them, but catch up on news when we return later in the week.



Meanwhile, down at Hope town harbour, it’s annual Firefighters day, a big local fundraiser for the local volunteer fire service, with food, drinks. Auctions for all, and hermit crab races to bet on!



What’s this? A boat fire! Fortunately the local force is at hand . . .





everything under control, and the US Coast Guard as backup, just in case.





An appreciative Hope Town audience looks on, and off island visitors sink a cold one or two at the Harbour Edge tavern watching the drama in comfort.





For those interested in more gentle pursuits, local birds abound for their pleasure . . .