bill and cathy travels: June 2014

We left Guemene on June 7th the day after the 70year commemoration of the D-day landings.

Across the street from us at Phillipe le Poher's furniture store he had this American flag flying. He remembers standing in this doorway as an 8 year old terrified of the War machinery passing him. General Patton and his troops were passing here on the way to Brest. An American soldier gave Phillipe this flag. He said there used to be a well across the road and the troops were using it to wash. It was the first time he had ever seen a black man he told us.

Goodbye pretty Roscoff and Brittany.

Looks promising. This is the approach to Plymouth.

Hello DAGGSVILLE UK! Wouldn't you think they could have dressed up this jetty for overseas visitors - a few flowers perhaps? It hasn't changed since we were here two years ago and this is only the beginning. You have to descend 100 steps or so to reach the dock, there is a ramp in Roscoff. Unfit walk-on passengers can take their chances. Having reached ground level there is a covered walkway but only covered for half the distance - luckily it wasn't raining when we arrived. It was also badly in need of a facelift.

I took no photos as there is a customs check, Britain not being in the Schengen group of countries that have done away with these. I have no argument with that but it does tend to make me more careful.

It's a pity you are confronted with this on arrival because the centre of Plymouth is very attractive and of course, GB is as beautiful as ever. Plymouth was badly damaged during the war and the centre is modern.

Cousin Cathy with Cathy.

Aunty Joan, now 96 years, took us out to lunch. She fell a week before we arrived and broke her left arm but was determined to entertain us. Last year it was Cathy on crutches after a fall.

We went to the RIVER COTTAGE CANTEEN & DELI belonging to Hugh Fearnley - Whittingstall of TV fame.

Just like looking at my mother!

The food was excellent. Mine was whole mackerel. The vegetables had rhubarb added which set the whole thing off well.

Going through the family albums later. L to R clockwise, mum with Sue, Mum and Dad with Sue and Pluto the dog. Grandpa Roberts, mums father, between two unknowns. My family. Joan and ex husband George McKay, Mother.

Dad, extreme bottom right, with fellow officers. John Gin my Cornish godfather is in the middle of the second row from the back.

Frederick William Cecil Roberts, my grandfather, who is largely responsible for us living at Kenthurst.

Aunty Joan, left, and mum with friend. She apparantly ended up marrying a German.

TO CORNWALL

Plymouth Station - keeping up the DAGGSVILLE image!!

The MUDCRABS are on the march. The name given to the trainee lifesavers. Cathy, Gail (Cathy's niece) and another mum doing the heavy work!

Down to Trevaunance Cove

Gathering of the MUDCRABS for pre-surfing instructions at the club house.

Follow up pep-talk on the beach.

... and into it. This is Archie almost mastering surfboard riding.

Scene from the back garden of Gail and Pauls house looking over their roof. An extension to the upper storey is planned for here. The chimney and building on the hill are remnants of a water pumping station, a number of which still stand in this area. They were needed to pump water from the underground tin mines far below.

Looking up the valley from near the beach.

Looking down onto beach.

Nessie in her element.

Gail buying meat for the burgers sold at the MUDCRABS nights to raise funds. This is the local FARMERS OUTLET where all products are traceable to source.