Sunday 29 June 2014

Long days and short nights at Chenevaux

Once again its the time of year when we are quite often in bed before it is really dark!

Pond Tortoises

Last week we had a trip out to the Brenne National Park.  The perimeter is only a couple of km away but we had never been to the visitor centres before so decided to have a look.  The Brenne is an area covering 30km x 20km.  It incorporates 1000 lakes, reserves, meadows, heath and woodland criss-crossed by lanes and footpaths.  Bird species that have been recorded number over 300 and there is a huge variety of butterflies, dragonflies and plant species, and also the pond tortoises which even have their own road signs!

One of the 1,000 lakes in the Brenne National Park

Maison de la Nature et de la Reserve
The pond tortoises lay their eggs in the long grass surrounding this building so the grass is not cut mechanically but by sheep grazing the area.

The Maison de la Nature is where you go for specialist information on the local natural history.  We saw some very expensive pieces of camera equipment being used!  The other centre, which is only  a couple of km away is called Maison du Park and here there is a general information centre, cafe, shop and temporary exhibitions.  The exhibition that we saw was very amusing - all items made by local school children using waste materials.  A great morning out, next time we will plan on staying longer.



Earlier in the month we had our annual golf day - the 8th one!
Mark presenting Mayke with her prize for winning nearest the pin ( with Bob )
Tony and David in the play-off

Tony receiving his prize for winning ( with Bob )


Then time for some food in the barbeque palace!
So that was that - until last week when we hosted the "Fete de Voisins " or neighbourhood get-together, so another feast, this time for 30, in the barbeque palace again - its certainly seem some use this summer!

All ready .....

Go!