Backpackering 8 - Day 3

Poitiers in Aquitaine, France,  once 'ruled' by the English King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. This Church de Notra-Dame was built in the second half of the 11th century. 

The old town built on a hill, originally surrounded by river waters, is practically car less. Most of the residents seem to live in a surrounding urban area created since 1900.

Many original medieval hose remain with others coping the style.

Down to the River Clain 

returning up to the old town passing the Eglise Saint-Jean-dr-Montoerneuf,

before meeting surprise no.1 

then surprise no 2. Erected in 1903 to commemorate one General Breton who shouted 'Vive la liberte' before his execution on 1822.

Ok, time out to join the cafe culture.

Backpackering 8 - Day 2

Paris Metro selfie,  well sort of, on our way to Montparnasse station to catch a train to Poitiers. 

Backpackering 8 - Day 1

 

On our way to Bilbao by train, first from Cardiff to Paddington, London. Walking from Paddington to St Pancras station, due to the tube strike,  we rested in Regent's Park for pizza lunch.

A Walk Out

 

Down  to Penarth Martina via the zig zag way.

The Plot

 

For the record.

The Last Gutter

Vern at work chucking the soil back into the Dingle. 

Gek's Turner House Submission

The top, centre 'Mind and Heart' to the theme Unity.

Five Months On

 

Our winter warmer.

Alexandra Topiary

Refreshed yesterday 

including  the bird.

Lovely. 

Walking home through the wild wood.

Early Morning Amble

To photograph the effects of several dry months.

Returning home via the shade of the railway track path.

Cliff Top Path Walk

Found steep path down the cliff,

To catch a low tide out. Not even a ripple on the water. 

A Day out with Charlie and Robert

After a stroll around Cosmeston Park

 to take a swing, we set off for Dyffryn Gardens

to play croquet,

and visit the glasshouse 

before taking a stroll around the beautiful  gardens. 

The lily pond,

for a photo opportunity before taking off again, 

this time to visit Caerphilly Castle.

 Phew, what a day that was!!

Cardiff Barrage with Charlie and Robert

 

But first, a stroll up to the cliff top to Cionis Bistro for lunch.

The first to meet on the barrage was the crocodile,

for a fun run,

then to become a bookmark for Raold Dahl,

to at last, fly my kite.

Time to rest 😴 before the return.

Rod Cleaning

 

Wipe, wipe, wipe. 

All the way to the top.

Barked

Another one done, Another one bites the bark. 

Indoor Planting

Including a tomato plant taller than Gek. 

Bay Visit

 

Going by Hamadryad Park to the Wetlands,

to see the beauties.

Well, it is mid summer and the schools are out. 

No, not tempted. 

Sully to Penarth Stroll

 

De-busing from No 88 at Sully's Old Post Office,

we ambled down to Wales's coastal path to admiring the view of the Somerset coast.

Sully Island can be reached on foot at low tide. Spot the beach walker?

Walking on towards Lavernock Point, we somehow lost the path and ended up in Cosmeston Park. Never mind, be back to try again another day.

Gek's Latest Oils

A Dolly. 

Esplanade  sunrise. 

Turner's Falls of Terni, Italy.