Luigi has taken a day off work. We visit a bird park on the coast at Arcachon, near Bordeaux, Le Teich, a major nature reserve on the Bassin d’Arcachon. One of the largest and best reserves to be open to the public in France. Approximately 80 species breed on the reserve, with 260+ recorded there. What a fabulous place, a six kilometre walk through wetland managed for the birds. Many very interesting birds, Chris took very many photographs. Best birds? A distant hunting osprey, subtly toned night herons, one on a shady bank, the other on a tree over the water, very near the hide. Elegant great white egrets soaking up the sun, huge white storks with black wing feathers, shy black winged stilts, wading behind a bank instead of staying to be photographed. Wonderful views of kingfishers made better by Gail's excitement at seeing them (lifers for her), dozing black tailed godwits with their heads under their wings, a tantalisingly brief glimpse of a spoonbill, and the snipe that appeared, eerily, unnoticed at the time, lurking beneath a tuft of grass in a photo of a redshank. There were many hides which were well placed for both seeing the birds, like the colony of cormorants sleeping on posts in the water, and for a rest in cool shade. Best bird moment? The little egret swallowing a fish so large that we though the bird would surely choke, and then, unbelievably, flying off, with a fish shaped kink in its neck.
Luigi drove us into Bordeaux for a brief glimpse of the impressive city. Some magnificent architecture, and truly marvellous trams, shiny, fast and air conditioned. We promenaded along the river bank among in-line skaters, joggers, cyclists and walkers and stopped a meal in an Irish Pub on the riverside, with a poster of the Cliffs of Moher on the wall. We ordered Caesar salad, Greek Salad, fish and chips, and Luigi had the James Joyce special. All good, but not as good as Gail's home cooking.
We have had a lovely time staying with Gail and Luigi, who have looked after us so well. Their home is beautiful, the gites inviting, and the gardens a tribute to Gail's green fingers.
This menu is for Tessa, but note the lampreys, Dad.
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