La Flotte, Ile de Re

Yesterday evening, we were tired. But we once again walked out. As the sun started to set, turning the sky a candyfloss pink, we couldn't resist walking along more of the nearby, beautiful dramatic coastline.

This morning Angela was excited, keen for us to be up and away early to cross suspension bridge at Saint Nazaire and start our journey. It was Ile de Re day. Along with Lochbuie on the island of Mull in Scotland, this is her other go to place when she wants some escapism. As Marge is no racing car we knew the journey would take a few hours so as we settled into a steady trundle the sights and views of the french towns and countryside kept us entertained. We stopped for an enjoyable lunch, but didn't linger to long.

As we approached La Rochelle we could see the storks in fields and sat on their nests high up on the electricity pylons. A sight we've now seen many times, and one that always gives us joy.

But for Angela the best sighting of the day was the bridge that stretches from near to La Rochelle to the island of Ile de Re. Look Marge, get a wiggle on. We'd hoped to be able to stay at Camping Bel Air in La Flotte, but at reception we were told they were full.

So we tucked Marge into a small space up at the nearby Aire, then we walked back to the campsite to enquire if we could pay to use the showers, and as to whether there would be a pitch available on the campsite for tomorrow night. It materialised that we could in fact stay tonight and tomorrow. As in England this weekend is a bank holiday in France, so the site will be busy.

So here we are. Marge nestled under the pine trees in the quieter part of the campsite which suits us fine. The weather as always when we visit the island is warm and sunny. A picture blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see.

Take away pizzas eaten down by the marina was the perfect end to the day. So two nights of relaxation, and a chance to wash clothes and walk along the fabulous coastline here. And we intend to enjoy every moment of it.

La Flotte, Ile de Re, Charente-Maritime. (Day 11)

The French are great recyclers. They leave boxes of items outside their homes for people to take, and the same at recycling points. John loves this type of thing, and Angela quite often has to restrain him from taking any of the items. She's not sure though if a part used packet of large Tena pants up at the campsite's recycling area is something that would interest him. Despite still being hot, the weather is a lot fresher, so we walked along the coast to the Abbey des Chateliers.

Built in the twelfth century the beautiful ruins dominate the coastal landscape they sit in. Today is our last day on the island, and we wanted to take a couple of walks out, for old times sake. The garden at the abbaye is a haven for bees and butterflies. Back at home we hardly ever see butterflies, but here in France we've been spoilt, seeing species we've only ever heard about. 

(Brimstone Yellow)

Today feels a little sad. Steve and Lynn, the English couple who moved to France twenty years ago left the campsite this morning. We enjoyed their company, they were good fun, and this evening it feels strange not to be able to wander across to their van and have a chat and a laugh. It's true what they say. It's not always the places you visit that you remember, but the people you meet along the way. Tomorrow we'll continue our journey. We feel incredibly lucky to be able to travel, almost without restriction, where and when we wish. We realise others would love to be in our position. Our message is, if you can, go for it! As you know, Angela loves a quotation. And today she wants to end the blog with this one.

 'New Beginnings'

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we imagined. The path we planned may shift beneath our feet, and the dreams we once held close might slip through our fingers. Sometimes, life has other plans, ones we never saw coming, ones we never would have chosen. But that doesn’t mean the journey is over.

Don’t waste the time you’re given waiting for perfect conditions or wishing things had gone differently. Use this moment, this breath, this heartbeat, to begin again. There is still beauty to be found in the unexpected. You can still laugh through tears, find hope in the ashes, and dance in the rain.

Even when the skies are gray and the map is unclear, your story isn’t finished. You can always dream new dreams, build new beginnings, and write a future that honors both where you’ve been and where you’re going.

 by Spirit of a Hippie 

La Flotte, Ile de Re, Charente Maritime. (Day 10)

'Do something everyday that scares you', is one of Angela's great sayings. Well today was one of those days. We have cycled all over the island in the past, but never visited the Phare des Baleines, (Whale Lighthouse).

The lighthouse is one of the tallest in France at 60 metres.

Climbing the 257 steps inside it didn't really bother Angela until we started the ascent and she glanced down through the stairwell in the inner chamber of the lighthouse. Oh my God. And just when it couldn't get worse, we had to climb up a narrow metal section to reach the gallery that encircled the watch room. The view from the top was however fantastic.

In one direction a vast white sand beach, the seawater a stunning turquoise, the other flat open countryside, salt pans and wildlife. But Angela was uneasy, she was more than a little panicked about the descent. She suffers from acrophobia, in other words not so keen on heights. It causes fear of instability especially when descending a steep flight of stairs.

But with John's assistance we walked side by side down together, Angela holding on to John's hand for dear life. John reminded Angela she wanted to visit the lighthouse. Angela is determined to beat some of her fears, and in the last few months she's flown twice, taken a cable car and now conquered walking down 257 steps trying not to look down. Her new saying is, 'feel the fear, but do it anyway', if you don't you may miss out on some wonderful things. Today has once again been very hot, but thankfully when we stopped at the small town of Ars-en-Re a welcome breeze greeted us. The town is pretty, low houses with white washed facades line narrow cobbled streets.

The church of Saint-Etienne with its striking black and white bell tower can be seen for miles. Many years ago it was used as a marker for sailors. This evening the weather has changed. It feels cooler and fresher. Down at the harbour in La Flotte we were surprised how overnight the visitors had changed. Less oldies, and more young trendy types and families. The main holiday season is about to begin here in France. Tomorrow will be our last day on the Ile de Re, so we will probably take a long walk out now the weather is cooler. We will be sad to leave the island, but can see from the increasing visitor numbers that the time is right.