Pickleball and beach huts

Yesterday evening we made dinner for Mike and Gail, and had a brilliant evening that ended with us playing with dominoes and magnets, and laughing so much we were crying! The only bad thing was the chewy beef in the Stroganoff but I’m sure Mike and Gail’s dog, Tedi, enjoyed the bits we left. Today, Mike and Gail introduced us to pickleball. It was a lot of fun and something we’d like to continue playing when we’re home, if we can.

We left the aire in St-Germer after breakfast and drove to Lachapelle-aux-Pots, where Mike and Gail had arranged to join the locals to play pickleball. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-sized court and players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a modified tennis net.

My hand-eye coordination isn’t great and I’m usually rubbish at ball games. Therefore, I’m surprised I managed to serve and return the ball as often as I did, and that I enjoyed it as much as I did. I just about picked up the main rules but, while I was playing, I focussed all my concentration on hitting the ball so I didn’t manage to learn how to score.

After learning the ropes playing doubles with Mike and Gail, we played with French partners and, although I felt a bit intimidated playing with people who I didn’t know, it was a great experience. Most of the French players didn’t speak much English so it was difficult to explain that we were completely new to pickleball, and to communicate with our partners during a game; for example, about who should play the shot. Nevertheless, everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

After showering, we had lunch in Mike and Gail’s van then said our goodbyes because we’re heading home a few days before them. We drove to the north coast to Veule-Les-Roses, half an hour from Dieppe where we’re catching the ferry tomorrow. However, the aire in Veule was in a sloping field that looked a bit muddy and it’s forecast to rain all night. We didn’t want to risk Bertie getting stuck so we moved to Aubin-sur-Mer.

The aire here in Aubin is gravelled and not too exposed so we should be ok in the wind and rain that’s now started and is expected to last all night. The resort has a lovely beach and pretty beach huts but, at this time of year, there are no bars and restaurants. We didn’t even find a shop… not that we needed one. We’re now cosy in Bertie, cooking our Thai beef, before watching the Rugby World Cup final on the laptop. We’re so close to the UK John’s found he can access ITV coverage.

It’s hard to believe our 9 weeks in France have come to an end. We’ve had an amazing time, with many wonderful experiences and adventures. That said, I’m looking forward to getting home, sitting in our lounge by the wood burner, sleeping in my bed, and catching up with friends and family. 😊