Hunting

[fry61]

Can anyone remember " The Hunt for Red October" ??

[richyb66]

Yes, with Man of a Thousand Accents, Sir Sean Connery. 

[Dave Ed]

I remember watching it with a friend who was a submariner who laughed all the way through the film. 

Edited May 25, 2019 by Dave Ed

[nelmo]

Is this a test for Alzheimers?  Yes, I remember it - am I safe?

[fry61]

Been very busy to-day; will drop the other boot later. 

[brumster]

Which boot? Das boot?

[fry61]

A rather tenuous link to our recent trip to the Loire Valley in central France.

Our small crew had neither the finances or equipment necessary for a re-make of the submarine saga, so instead we opted for -------------------

"The Hunt for Red Cabbage"

Many hours ,miles,wine & food were spent in our quest which started with our group meeting in Portsmouth prior to sailing with Brittany Ferries to St. Malo

Our crew was myself & my wife Mo, Stephen Alwasser & Leslie, Adrian & Linda, we journeyed through the pleasant French country-side to our first hotel avoiding as far as possible the major roads as we were in no hurry . An average of 45/50 miles/hour allows for enjoying the views. Our hotel for the first two days & local views The crew, Mo is behind the lens.

 

Day two we explored the vast River Loire , a very wide stretch of water with numerous sand banks, our captain pointing out all the local wild life --- but no "Red Cabbage"

 

The following day was more motoring in beautiful weather & country-side to our next hotel.

To be continued.

Edited May 27, 2019 by fry61
Spelling

[fry61]

Le Pelican at Vernantes was a one night stay so just a little sight seeing in the local area, Stephen & Adrian found an alternative mode of transport before the sun set on another good day in France with friends.

We seem to have run out of room for more photos so will continue tomorrow , if possible.Just one of the beautiful sun-sets we enjoyed.Before another evening of drinks & a few bits to eat.

Edited May 28, 2019 by fry61
Photos added.

[fry61]

Onward up the banks of the Loire we travelled on the following day --- time for lunch said Stephen ( Its always time for another feast he says ) 

Parked up along side the river & went looking for a bistro/cafe/restaurant --- he spied one across the busy cross-road.  Lunch ??? NON we closed 5 minutes ago.

We spread out searching N-E-S-W of the junction & I spotted another eating establishment -- only 100 M away.  We all piled in to this new venue -- they were happy to see 6 hungry English.  The menu was as to be expected this far south -- just in french & no english version available.  Never mind we are on a motoring adventure so meals are part of that.  We all ordered & most decided on the " Cheese Salad" --- seemed a safe bet --- just something to tide us over until dinner ( & more wine )

Our meals arrived --- we all looked in amazement  at the plates --- heaped high with RED CABBAGE & a few hidden pieces of cheese -- no other veg, just RED CABBAGE

Although to be fair Mo said she found  little (TINY) bits of ham. So that was it came to France & found probably the only place that served just RED CABBAGE for lunch. No pictures of this meal, we were too shocked -- but we were hungry enough to eat most of the plate. This is NOT the location of the Cabbage cafe.It was behind us as we left the area,full of cabbage.Our next hotel was somewhere near here, cabbage dulls the brain.

The following day after many drinks & meals which did not contain any cabbage, we visited two chateau, bought wine at one & more wine at the other.Very impressive buildings, this is a dry moat 18 M deep. Such skilled craftmanshipPrecision gardening !! I've run out of space again. More tomorrow, can you wait ??

Edited May 28, 2019 by fry61
cock-up on pictures

[fry61]

Sorry about the multiple images, tried to delete but added more. Old age, 'puter illiterate --- blame falls & numerous bumps to the head.

[fry61]

Where was I ?  At the chateau, yes;  very beautiful ornate buildings. Shows what can be done if you own a large lump of France & grow tons of grapes.

Would not like to be a craftsman there though, as soon as done one side of building the other side needs repair; due to the local soft white sandstone.

The slates on the turrets are tiny (viewed from the ground) from a short distance they appear to be a bitumen covering, so close are the fit & over-laps.BIG HEAD!!!Hard top e-type not in good condition.Every stately home runs a classic car day.Older & better transport.

We left the huge stately piles & purchased some more wine, fortunately Adrian's boot could hold a few dozen bottles.

Another day, another drink or two before dinner.1923 Bentley at our hotel with a dozen modern ones.Lots of Bentleys to left & right of Florin. 

This hotel was just a few short miles from the port of Ouistreham for our journey home, a seven hundred mile round trip with not a single hick-up from Florin.

Great time as usual, I like driving in France & Spain; the roads are so quiet compared to England; & the trip was shared with friends who guided us from point to point.  Except when I over filled Florin with oil --- they were too polite to say but they were grateful when we travelled at the back of our small convoy.

The Words, pictures & music may not be in exactly the right order, but the essence of our latest European Trip is there, many thanks guys & gals it was a pleasure for Mo & I.