Keith and I sat outside the house this morning and listened to birdsong with our coffee and tea. We also saw two wild deer in the field opposite. It was a lovely start to the day; this tiny hamlet is so peaceful and beautiful.
We were ready to go by 9.30am, and after taking our recycling again, we headed for the autoroute. Mist hung over the fields, and the leaves on the trees were changing colour. Overhead, the sky was blue, and it was a perfect Autumn day. I had a dress on as I'd seen the temperature would be about 18 °C.
Sophie had made coffee for us, and we were going to stop at our favourite aire, the Baie de la Somme, but we got there very quickly! Instead, we stopped at another favourite, one which just had loos and picnic tables, but fabulous views over the fields and the huge white wind turbines.
Keith stayed in the car while Sophie and I walked over to a stone table and seats and enjoyed our coffee in the sun. There were only a handful of other people using the aire so it was quiet and peaceful. It was lovely to sit and chat and sip hot coffee. Bliss!
Back in the car, we headed for Wimereux for lunch. We had originally said we'd give Montreuil-sur-Mer another chance, but then we remembered it was market day, so we changed our minds! Once in the town, we parked easily on the street again and strolled down to the front. The tide was way out, and there were loads of people enjoying the sand with a flotilla of yachts serenely sailing past. Right out at sea, we could see container ships, but not the coast of the UK today; it was a little misty.
We decided to have a drink first and chose a lovely restaurant right on the front. Sophie and I had a hot chocolate, while Keith enjoyed his first beer of the day.
After our drinks, Sophie and I ventured out onto the sands and walked over to a rockpool, gazing at the little fish darting about.
Lots of people were out on the sands, and a group of young people ran screaming into the sea dressed in trunks and swimsuits. At least they had fewer clothes on than I did!
We collected a couple of shells and walked back, determined to get a table at Les Oyats. We were a little worried as the restaurant we'd chosen for drinks was already fully booked! Luckily, we were able to bag a table in the sunshine and Sophie didn't need to look at the menu... she was delighted to be able to have her Welsh complet!
 |
| Mission accomplished! |
I chose the turkey escalope in a mushroom sauce, while Keith opted for the fish and chips! Sophie and I chose a pichet of Rosé, and Keith enjoyed a beer called 2 Caps (named after Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez). It was sheer bliss to sit in the sun, people-watch and soak up the atmosphere and French aromas! I was amazed to see a woman feed her toddler mussels! They start them young in France! Sophie and I found room for puds - we both enjoyed ice-creams as it was the last day of our little break!
We paid the bill (99 euros) and strolled slowly back to the car. We had decided to pop to Cité Europe to buy some wine before heading to the terminal, and we parked easily and walked to the large Carrefour. We picked out Cotes du Rhone reds, a Vouvray sparkling wine, a couple of bottles of beer, chocolates, and two bags of sweets for work.
The car was now fully loaded so we set off for the terminal, managing to get onto an earlier train. I put my seat back and napped for the duration of the crossing, and we had a great journey home. The variable speed limits were on as we approached the Dartford Tunnel and, like a good girl, I obeyed them all!
We arrived home just after 6pm, and Mooney welcomed us. After unpacking the car, it was time to relax and Keith turned on the Ryder Cup. He was in heaven!
No comments:
Post a Comment