popped over to France for two weeks to close the house down. Visited St Malo

As we were already in Southampton, having returned from our cruise, we decided to hop over to France to close our house down for the winter.

Chose to try out the Portsmouth to St Malo route, with an overnight cabin crossing. Its not the QM2, but its quaint, and it enabled us to have a great time in Portsmouth before boarding at 8pm. Judith also managed to find quite a few bargains in the duty free shops, so much so that l was told that all the Christmas shopping was complete. Will have wait until the big day to see what little gems she found for me.

The boat was full, l couldn't believe how they shoehorned the vehicles into the ship. Would imagine that they have to cram it full if they are going to make it pay.

Had a good nights sleep and were totally refreshed for our shorter journey south to Montmoreau in the Charente.

The day prior to boarding was horrendously wet, and we managed to take the weather over with us to France. All our friends in France were pleased to see it, as from all accounts they hadn’t seen any rain since April.

But fortunately for us, the rain stopped by the evening and we only had good weather for the two weeks.

Within a day we were at a lunch with our walking group in Brie. Started at 12 noon and we eventually left at 5pm. Managed to catch up with lots of the Chalais walkers and other French friends who we hadn't seen for quite awhile

Carol and Ivan joined us for lunch and have now joined the Brie walking group.

Cranes flying overhead, heading south for the winter

Managed to investigate some of the walks around the house. The weather was gorgeous.

One of the walks that lead us to Bors. Unfortunately, we didn't take our map with us and managed to get quite lost.
Nevertheless, you cant go too wrong in that area. You eventually find your wake back to an area you recognise. 

Long circular walk through the countryside around Brossac

One hairy section as we go down the Chalais road before heading back to Brie.

Just as an aside. When we came back from our four weeks cruising we had lost a couple of pounds, mainly due to ten miles a day walking and also maintaining our two days a week fast diet. 

But, after only two weeks in France l put on eight pounds. To many lunches followed by dinners, accompanied by an ever flowing amount of wine.

So back to work when l get back and serious fasting.

We managed to walk most days as the weather was so glorious. Although we did have a slight hiccup. On our first day, l pulled the mower out. It started first time, and within an hour all the lawns were cut, so started on the drive. Unbeknown to me, the posti arrived. Low and behold, a stone zipped up and smashed his back window. He was aggrieved to say the least. Complaining that l was at fault as l should have stopped cutting when he arrived.
Explained that he needed to claim against our home assurance.
What humbug.

Tested a new route back to UK, via St Malo. The port looked great on a rainy day at 7am when we arrived, so we decided to get there a day early to check it out. Only problem was that they were holding an Atlantic race and thousands and thousands of people were there for a fete to celebrate the race. Consequently all the hotels were fully booked, so we ended up staying in a BnB. Clean, friendly, but they hadn't got a clue.
Nevertheless, we had a good time and the sailing back was exciting, especially leaving St Malo.