Out and About

Couple of quick posts to bring things up-to-date(ish), first of all (this shows how long it's been) Cassi dressed up for a Halloween party we went to at some friends who live just outside the village. Just in case your not sure, yeah, she's a bat. Not a bad attempt as she only got the invite a couple of days before.

A few days later, we decided to head over to the Med and spend some time strolling along the beach at Leaucate Plage - a bit chillier than the previous time we were here in 2004 when it was Cassi who was only five months old. Grabbed a bite to eat nearby where Cass not only tried moules for the first time, she pretty much finished off my bowl. The rest of the afternoon and evening we spent in Perpignan.

Here's some snaps...


Too scary! Too scary! Who let the bat out?


Not quite the same as it is in the summer.


Someone got cheeky once too often...


Someone makes a run for safety...


There seem to be quite a few of these 'traditional' merry-go-rounds in these parts. On this one in Perpignan Cassi had to be rescued from too much speed. If only I had judged the speed correctly before I lept to her rescue...

Ou est le sanglier?

Ok, here's a brief run down of some of the local critters we've seen/been invaded by over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the supposedly common as muck wild boar - le sanglier - have been keeping themselves to themselves (especially on Sundays at this time of year - hunting season).

Never fear, when we do eventually snap one it will be here first...


Very unexpected this one - I'd forgotten that I had read they are to be seen on the Canal (du Midi), and they were, in Trèbes. Say "Hello" to Coypu.


Hummingbird Tiger Moth - looks like a Hummingbird, is actually a moth - mesmirising.


One ugly looking mutha... this is third one of these we've seen in the house, and we have no idea what it is - any suggestions?


This was a very exciting find - spotted this lump sticking out from under a leaf, and turn it over and we found a Praying Mantis - never got those in the Cotswolds!


Cutest of the lot so far. One Sunny Sunday morning, there it was, on the window sill. Come in, make yourself at home...


Really, this thing is massive compared to what we'd seen in the UK. Stick a Ryanair logo on its arse and this beauty would have clearance to fly in and out of Carcassonne airport it was that big.


Double take time - not a fly, but a bee, and a pretty one at that.