And in other news...

Back from holiday and it's back to work, well only for me. The holiday wagon rolls on for Tanya, Ly, Emily and Niomi. And in other news Emily’s had her ears pierced (agreed to in France) and Niomi’s been to Tam Shepherds Trick Shop (belated birthday present). Both daughters pleased as punch with their new acquisitions. For the record Niomi bought: a fake rat and spider, squirty flower, squirty ring, fake egg and pineapple glasses; so we’ve all been regularly spooked, squirted and fooled by her. She’s been giggling with glee at the mischief of it all.

And they are all just back for a few days of being spoiled at Nana and Baba’s – Ly’s first trip to Banchory. The usual dose of Crathes and the River Dee, plus a look round Banchory and the allotment. Looks like they had a great time. And Ly's developed a love of Mexican Train.

Next up for us all is a trip to Pittenweem next week. Woohoo - never mind Mexico, get on board the holiday train!

Sporting new ear studs

Sporting new pineapple glasses

The holiday crew at Crathes

Bonding 💗

Mexican Train in full flow

The crew on the Dee

Videoclip: You can count on me!

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Benodet, la bonne idée…

The good idea indeed. And so it was with our summer holiday to Benodet on the Breton Riviera.

With a pit stop near Preston to see friends Edward and Ewa, we completed the mammoth trip to Plymouth for our overnight ferry to Roscoff. Choppy seas and we arrived a little tired to complete the final leg to Benodet. 

But it was really worth it – Benodet is a picturesque town at the mouth of the Odet River as it enters the Bay of Biscay. Everywhere in the town agapanthus and hydrangea were in bloom amongst the quiet streets, cycle lanes and boardwalks. The houses are all well kempt, some old and some new, many reflecting Breton architecture. The beaches were spotless with rockpooling available to your hearts content. Our campsite nestled at the head of the bay to the east of the town and a little further east lay a giant sand bar with a tidal lagoon and river – this also meant for warmer swimming if we chose. Nearby lay many beautiful small and larger towns like Concarneau or Quimper, or very much working fishing towns like Guilvenec.

So some days we kept it local on the beach or in the pool at the campsite (all heated and with plenty of slides to keep the kids entertained). And other days we visited nearby towns or did activities including treetop adventure, a maize maze, fishing auction, markets, boat trip to the Glénan Islands (highlight for my 50th)….And then there were the baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, cheese, fish and wine. We lived like royalty from our chalet.

But a fortnight was not enough in this beautiful part of the world so back on the list the Breton Riviera must go...We'll miss you Benodet. You really rocked our summer holiday. Merci biens et a bientot!

Videclip: Benodet, July 2023

Or you can watch the clip here