Normandy

Wednesday 17th June 2009 We visited St-Pierre Eglise this morning as it was market day and only 5miles away from the site very busy local market, lots of fresh veg and bought some plaice for dinner. This area is very much like Devon/Cornwall - lovely rocky coastline with sandy bays. Once we had our provisions back to site, washing and ironing, a walk and a lovely swim in the sites pool then Bar B Q - the plaice was delicious.



Thursday 18th June 2009 Set off along the coast road stopped at Le Foret Joret lovely rocky bays, quiet villages much evidence still of military emplacements, onto Rethoville and Neville Point (we drove off road along a lovely track between the sand dunes and the marshy lakes, it really is very similar to the area around Slapton in Devon. Lots of birds including a bird of prey devouring his catch on a fence post. Drove onto Neville Point and finally to Gattville lighthouse, the second tallest in France - we did not attempt the 365 steps! Adjacent to it is the Semaphore tower.
Onto Barfleur a lovely fishing town we lunched outside in a very nice café- gorgeous French Omelettes very warm and sunny still though a little cooler due to quite a breeze on the way back to base we spotted the goats on the hill above the caravan site.


Friday 19th June 2009 Today dawned warm and sunny with a strong cooling breeze we headed off to view some of the Normandy Landing Beaches. First stopping at Quineville- Barney enjoyed his run on the huge beach- the start of Utah we went into the museum - dogs were welcome too! Memorial de la liberte Retrouvee - a well laid out and informative history of the Second World War until the liberation in 1944- how the local French suffered. Next onto the Battery de Crispecq this was a German Marine Coastal Battery which was established in 1942- it commanded a large section of the Atlantic - it has been completely restored over the past 10 years and you can walk inside the trenches and enter dug outs and shelters which are filled with German war time artefacts. We continued along the coast running parallel with Utah beach, stopped at the French Free army memorial where there part of the landings are commemorated - General Lectrec lead their forces whilst on the beach at this spot we watched a couple of trotting horses We continued down the beach until we arrived at Sainte Marie Du-Mont this is where the American memorial is, we noted the road names which are named after casualties of the landings - they change every few yards.
Interesting and informative day plenty of sunshine again.


Saturday 20th June 2009 Off to Cap de la Hague today lovely drive initially we stopped at Landemer to admire the view then continued to Goury which is near Auderville - the lifeboat station is hexagonal allowing the lifeboat to be launched in two ways. These are very treacherous waters - there is also a lighthouse and a clear view of Alderney and a distant view of Guernsey
Onto Nez de Jodburg with spectacular coastal views lots of walking warm but not hot today though the breeze has dropped a lovely area with the sea as its backdrop bought some fresh prawns which we enjoyed for dinner- cooked in olive oil garlic and some wine- Heaven!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday 21st June 2009 Today we went into Cherbourg to check out the location of the Vets where we have to go on Tuesday to get Barney sorted before he is allowed back into the UK. Had a wander around the town, everything closed though the port was busy with fishing boats unloading their catches, saw a couple of caught thresher sharks. Coffee on the quay then onto Cite de la Mer which is based on the site of the former Cherbourg Transatlantic Maritime station. Dedicated to the sea, we did not take the tour but enjoyed the walk around the harbour before setting back to site. A good walk on the beach, we paddled, Barney swam, then we swam in the site pool. Weather remains hot with clear blue skies. Messages received by Rod from Beccy and Pete - its fathers day in the UK!!




Monday 22nd June 2009 Today we set off to Bricquebec a nice town with an old castle, big market. We had to watch Barney as some live rabbits and poultry were for sale!! Bought some fresh veg. Carried on to Carteret, ferry goes to Jersey from here and we could see it on the horizon in the heat haze - hi Keith & Janet! Here again a fishing fleet, lovely beaches and leisure craft very quiet presumably it is a lot busier in the school holidays - we have noted that all parking is free and their appears to be plenty of it. Swam again when we got back.
Tuesday 23rd June 2009 Had a French breakfast, c roissants and baguette with peach jam!! As we were into Cherbourg for Barney’s appointment at the vets, one injection, some liquid squirted on his neck and a stamped pet passport, all for the grand sum of 58 euros. Barney couldn’t wait to get out!! Came back to the van for coffee then travelled over to St Vaast La Hogue (twinned with Bridport) a very popular port overlooking the Isle de Tatihou lots of fishing boats and leisure craft, a good walk around, back to the creperie for lunch. Returned to the caravan via Cap Levi (Fermanville) remains hot and clear blue skies- just a little wind This is our last whole day as tomorrow we catch the ferry home leaving Cherbourg at 6.30pm so we are out to the Maison Rouge tonight for dinner.

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