Deux Matelots en Bretagne

Monday, 23 September 2013

The first batch of "Rough Still Cider" is underway

Using the natural yeast in the apples, the first gallon was prepared this morning.

Hoping for a decent brew of between 6.8 - 8.1%.

Ready in 2 weeks or so.

First come, first served!

W attended September's RNA function which was held at the Hotel de Bretagne

in Dol de Bretagne.

A decent turnout of 30 enjoyed 4 courses with wine in nice surroundings.

A few days with my Mum and Bob.

Nice meal out on Friday night, followed by the Bournemouth V Blackpool game.

A return for me after 3 years .

I was never going to go to a home game whilst Mitchell was running the club, and now my dreams have come true and he has gone.

Still, we lost 2-1 but that only put a mild dampener on events.

Then on Sunday lunchtime, had a bit of a family reunion at the Cumberland Hotel.

Thanks to Cousins Bev, Tracy, & Debbie, along with Ron, Andy, & John for a most enjoyable couple of hours of food, wine, and catch up!

Had the first night in Pompey and was kindly put up by Nick.

Sadly he is no longer up to the pace of hosting this Old Matelot.

LIGHTWEIGHT!!!!!!

Always good to arrive back in Pompey when heading back to the UK

The Brittany Ferry goes through my old stamping ground, the Dockyard.

Each time I go back it gets more and more depressing with rows of decommissioned ships rusting up against the harbour walls.

4 frigates in this picture alone.

The UK is in a very sorry state defence wise!

Everytime we go to dinner at a french house, the home made "hooch" comes out at the end of the meal.

Well now it's our turn.

We now have 12 litres of:

Plum Vodka

Pink Grapefruit

and Apple and Cinammon.

Ready to drink very soon!

With the Summer still going strong, we thought it would be a good idea to go up to St Cast golf club and eat in their restaurant.

Had seen the menu and it looked quite nice.

We were going for the all you can eat cold buffet at 11,60 euros

Sadly the all you can eat cold buffet was woefully small, so most of settled for burger, which when served, didn't even come in a bun.

A real shame as the views from the clubhouse over Pen Guen are excellent.

The things I could do with that retaurant!!!