London's City Airport just started this new air service to the Normandy Coast of France. We flew into Deauville, a small seaside coastal town. It was beautiful! We loved the beach area, the markets, the grand Hotels and the whole area...
The beach was grand ... and the weather was lovely for a stroll on the beach
We stayed at a quaint hotel, Le Patio in Deauville, walking distance to the beach ...
We walked and explored the whole area and had read that you stay in Deauville, but eat across the bridge in Trouville a fishing port. So we walked and saw the beach sights ...
My beach bums :)
O.K. - quick story ... so while we were in the UK, the Nikon D40x dropped. It was an accident, but it was not working properly. So, we figured out that it still took very good zoom photos, that the focus was shot on the distance photos, but if we held it just a special way, it worked. So we have some good 'up-close' shots, and from here on out, the distance shots could be a bit blurry and they are definitely a bit crooked ... so just squint and tilt your head a little! :) 
Kimberly was the only one who braved the chilly water ... she's my hero for taking the plunge in France! (She's the one in the water :)
Our second day on the Normandy coast we rented a small 'van' - it really wasn't even as big as a station wagon but that's another story ... and we traveled down the coast to the D'day landing beaches. Don did a wonderful job driving, the roads were actually very easy to navigate, everything was really well marked, and we had quite the adventure. With our meats, cheeses, fruit, baguettes, and water in hand, we set-out ...
Our first stop was Pointe du Hoc 4 miles west of Omaha Beach which sits 100 feet on top of the cliffs overlooking the sea. It was the point of attack for the American 2nd Ranger Battalion during Operation Overlord during WWII. --- And that is why we were here. Corinne's dream to see the D'day Beaches of Normandy and stand where the soldiers fought and lost their lives.
We traveled next to the American Cemetery ... 
in Colleville -sur-Mer located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach ... 
We were sobered and silenced by the sight of over 9.300 white crosses representing those buried and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice ...
... we walked on hallowed ground ...
... sobered and grateful for their sacrifice ...
... "Think not only upon their passing remember the glory of their spirit" ...
A quite ride home through adorable quaint French villages was a perfect ending to our day
.... until Paris tomorrow ...
1 comment:
Awesome shots - you're right, it is sobering. I've never been to France, so I enjoyed being there with you. Love, cuz Maura
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