Go Caen !

The boys got in a soccer game last week. 

Hot as heck and the mask didn't help, 

but apparently, the game had some action and the gentlemen had a good time.

 

48 hours in Chamonix....

Two shots from our hotel balcony, two different mountain ranges.....we were in the valley between. 

A ten minute walk to downtown, close enough to other hotels and chalets to enjoy the other conversations, smell the others' BBQ, see them in their nightgowns (or nothing at all). 

There is something to be said for apartment living or close proximity. 

Teaches you tolerance and  respect (choosing to abide by these two is another question)

and to be humble.

Here are some shots from downtown.....

Fantastic mural.....

A shot of the river from each side of the bridge....

Love this curvy pink wood framing

The same shot

 from way back when, minus the flags, flowers and paraglider.

And last, but certainly not least.....in spite of the COVID pandemic there were people EVERYWHERE. Felt like this old photo taken right downtown. Hence I visited early in the morning and the other two visits we were in and out, just enough time to grab something to eat, takeaway style. 

 

 

Some sights......

Lots of little streams and caves....

A far away shot of some old stone remains...perhaps a church? 

Here's Seb who took the staircase down to the water level of the above mentioned stone remains. 

Hard to tell in this shot, but Seb is looking down into water. 

Perhaps you'd land your boat here? I'll never know.....

Back when a ski chalet was a modest wood structure where you'd go to eat, sleep and keep warm. 

Unlike modern chalets which sell for a million or two.....

And have copper raingutters? Seriously? Copper? Am I missing something? 

I mean they look great and all. And I suppose if you can afford a million euro ski chalet what's another thousand to spend on copper rain gutters. Unless they have a technical advantage to zinc or something...Afterall, I'm no raingutter expert.

Exploring....

Contrary to the recommended equipment for serious hikers, we  managed with a backpack, water, some crappy Converse and my €8 Mr Roger tennis shoes. 

No hiking canes or magic boots for the Briere family. 

We were only gone for a few hours at a time. 

It was so blistering hot, like 95°, a few hours at a time was enough. 

When we were standing here along this stream, you could feel the cold air just rushing by. It was pretty crazy. This cold air wind tunnel.....

Speaking of serious hiking and rock climbing...

this cliff was huge and I only have a tight shot of it. But it was quite wide with tons of people climbing it.

 Seb just read on the news today that  a man fell from 15 meters up at this very spot. His 15 year old son couldn't hold on to the rope to counter the man's weight. 

He is in grave condition....Glad we didn't witness that, poor family!

Hungry ???

Our deep fryer has been getting a work out this summer. 

Zucchini and onion rings anyone? 

Followed up the next day by a healthy salad. 

Tomatos, avocados, basil from my garden and something called boeuf cuit. It was fantastic. This is the first time I tasted "boeuf cuit". A bit like a pâtè only it's only beef. DELICIOUS 

Stephane made a plum tarte after discovering that we have a plum tree full of ripe plums growing in our parking lot in Caen. GOOD STUFF! 

Perhaps this is the first year it has given fruit, because in the three years that we've been here, we've never noticed. If I'm motivated, perhaps I'm make some jam. 

 

Bike ride anyone ?

 Seb and I took our annual bike ride a few weeks back, 

history of getting a bit of air. 

We were only gone 3 or 4 hours, but it was nice to get out. 

Seb's $8 UnderAmour sweat shirt is still going strong.....

Forget about the houses, because although they are quite nice, 

I'll just take the landscaping. 

 

 

But this one, geez.....

overlooking the river, with a weeping willow, plus the house. 

I'll take it!