Backpackering 7 - Day 4

Sunday, a day of rest, but not before we find the river La Loire,

and visit the Place Plumereau.

Yet another interesting building.

We were tempted, it being lunch time, but no.

An early evening stroll took us to Prebends gardens, opened in 1874 and inspired by the English style, including a pavilion.

A place to relax.

or make new friends.

Backpackering 7 - Day 3

 

Rennes station looks any thing like but we did board a train in it. Walk straight on to the platform, no ticket checks.

On the way to Tours, took a lunch break at Angers and visit its castle.

Inside was this cute house built in 1460.

But the most extraordinary find was this collection of medieval tapestry.

Just one example of the detail in them.

Then on to the wall to see the formal gardens below. 

Backpackering 7 - Day 2

 Entering St-Malo harbour in the early hours,

            

we took a walk to the old town

passing the largest collection of ice cream flavours ever.

But we walked on by along the town wall,

to find our crepes for breakfast. Delicious.

Passing this rather special galleon,

we found our 1st class seats on a high-speed train to Rennes.  

Walking across the river, passing  the Palace of  Saint-George

we took a stroll up to Parc Thabor for lunch.

These guys were certainly enjoying the sparkling waters.

Backpackering 7 - Day 1

On the rails again, to Portsmouth again,

to board a new Brittany Ferry to St-Malo,

getting underway at 21.15. Lovely cabin we had.

Spring Cleaning Silverware.

 One piece at a time.

Mike Sparrows beautiful silverware. 

A once a year pleasure. 

TFW Electrification

  

The Rhumney line nearing completion.

Hot 1st of May

 

Sure was.

Slugs

 

One night of destruction. 

So, slug traps needed made from small plant containers and yogurt pots filled with a mixture of bread flour, sugar and yeast in water. One night 6 trapped. Sorted.

Job Done

 The completed Plot. 

Brush Painting

 

Gek's latest, ink on rice paper, 10 x 18 cm. 

St. Fagans

 

To see the last of the magnolia's flowers.

Gek contemplating the litter.

Backpackering 6 - Day 11

 

The sea when we arrived in Torquay two days ago

 

The morning we left for the train station. Calm.

 

Backpackering 6 - Day 10

 

Babbacombe Miniature Village.

The site is set in a valley leading down to coast and is more akin now, after 60 years development, to a miniature city.

From a modern GWR train

to climate activists for the grown up visitors to connect with,

like,

our current housing crisis.

But not all so serious, thankfully. 😂

The inside exhibition has 12th scale models you can get close too. 

Backpackering 6 - Day 9

 The walk up to Truro's station,

to board a very swish GWR train to Torquay via Newton Abbot.

A short walk for,

lunch - nasi goreng for me and flatbread with chicken on a skewer for Gek. 

Backpackering 6 - Day 8

A visit to Truro's Victoria Gardens,

to enjoy,

the peace and quiet on our rest day.

Backpackering 6 - Day 7

 

Falmouth harbour with Royal Navy ships. 

A view from the headland.

Old port defences.

With Jacob and Toby, the reason for our visit.