Such a lot going on!
May has been a little disappointing after so much promise at the beginning when we welcomed athletes from all over France to run the 6th edition of the Ultra trail in Commana. This was a gruelling running race through the Mont d’Arree that attracts 3000 competitors - with courses from 15km to 84km.
The athletes were all long and lean, but their ages varied greatly with people my age and over taking part alongside much younger people. I find this incredible. They must have been runners all their lives. Running has never been my strong point, but I admire people who can. We had good fun on the campsite that weekend. It was great to see it busy and full.
After that, the weather took a downturn and actually became quite cold. This seemed to stop the flow of campers, although we had people glamping and in the caravans and Love Shack. This generates so much ironing and washing for me.
I went back on a planned visit to the UK. First to see my son in Norwich where he was standing in the council election. I helped him door knock for the last couple of days and went to the count. He had been campaigning relentlessly and knew every home in his would be ward and many of the people knew him too.
Sadly, though, he lost to Reform as seemed to be the way with the local election this year. Then, off to Derbyshire on the train to catch up with family and friends especially Andrew’s mum who was 92 this year and seems years younger. Thanks to her partner Alan, who is no spring chicken himself, they have managed to remain independent in their own home. She is very mentally active and can talk about most things with great knowledge from Derby County football, politics, religion and growing up in the war.
It’s funny because her parents settled in Old Catton in Norwich near where George was standing in the local elections. It’s a small world. George went to university there and didn’t come back to Derbyshire.
We fitted lots into my stay including walking, pubs, watching football, visiting our local cinema to watch Devil wears Prada 2 (just a bit of fun is how I would describe it).
We also tried a horse with view to buy, and I very nearly did buy it….. Sadly, it bloted its copy book second time out and threw me off!!! So, we are still searching and I was a bit battered and bruised but no real damage thankfully. Am I too old for these things that I thought nothing of doing a few years ago?
Then came the journey back to France where Andrew had been very busy during one of the 4 bank holidays that run through May. I was returning with Hatty and the now 4 grandchildren who were spending 3 weeks in France on their holidays. Hatty was making the most of her maternity leave and the fact the twins don’t start school until September - after which any time away will have to conform to school holidays.
We also had my nephew Max come to with his 2-year-old, Ruby. So we had 5 children 4 and under in the house for 5 days. That was exciting!!
We took the opportunity to visit Oceanopolis in Brest and the rocks in Huelgoat.
The weather was still cold then, suddenly, as Max caught the ferry home, bam, it was in the mid 30’s and everyone was moaning about the heat! The lake was amazing to cool down in especially in the evenings when the crowds had left. We could admire the beautiful sunsets.
This of course is easy for campers as the beach is just a 2-minute walk.
Some of the other local attractions that our small grandchildren enjoyed included Menez Meur - a local park with a petting farm, beautiful walks, great play areas, rare breeds and of course 2 wolves. There's also the Troll walk, as we call it. This is a mostly a board walk on a 2 km circuit where you can find out about local fauna and Flora with Trolls or Korrigan’s on all of the information boards, making it attractive for kids as they run ahead in search of the next one.
As I always say happy and content children make a lovely holiday for their adults. The older grandchildren are also soaking up French now and understanding that it’s a different language they can learn.
So now June is upon us already. If you are thinking of camping in the fresh air by a beautiful lake surrounded by nature. With 2 good restaurants within a five- minute walk. Fresh bread delivered daily and in the holidays a snack shack on site, then in July and August please make sure you reserve your pitches, so you won’t be disappointed.
You can reserve on line – www.campingledrennec.com, and by email – campingledrennec@gmail.com
What are we looking forward to in June? Well, the triathalon on the lake, and of course the world cup.
See you soon
