Visiting Local Towns near Juno Beach

One of the things that I found most amazing were the number of vintage jeeps, cars, and motorcycles from that time period.

Even the uniforms were authentic.   And the weather didn't seem to deter anyone from dressing up, getting on the motorcycles and heading to town.

Juno Beach Memorial: Poppy

One of the most subtle and stunning memorials was the "river" of "poppies" at the Canadian memorial.  It signified those Canadian soldiers who gave their lives during WWII.

Additionally, there was a screen that scrolled a list of the names of those killed.

Juno Beach: 2

That's a lot of open ground to cover when faced with machine gun fire.

It left all of us somber and respectful.

Juno Beach: A Guided Tour

We decided to engage a local guide, from Quebec, for a tour.   He added a number of pertinent details that we found fascinating and helpful.

And we were able to go into a German "pillbox".  Apparently, soon after the Germans overran France, fortifications were being build along the Normandy coast.   But they were quickly built.  A series of 6 or 8 different types were designed and local commanders could select the type of fortifications they wished.

Most were quickly built.  Most were not fortified enough to withstand heavy shelling.

So, as the thoughts of an Allied invasion became more realistic, the fortifications were beefed up.

It was amazing to stand and peek out of the gun turret. The image above has the turret covered to prevent people from falling inside.  But, below is an image showing the opening for a machine gunner.

Happy Birthday to my Oldest Grandchild.

Happy 10th birthday D.

The first to become a 2-digit midget  Keep your stick on the ice.

Juno Beach: D-Day

Traveling with friends from Canada, it was imperative that we stop and pay our respects to the Canadian soldiers who stormed ashore on Juno Beach, on June 6, 1944.

There was a lovely monument and exhibit where we spent most of the day.

On that day, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division moved ashore.  Over that entire day, over 14,000 Canadians landed.  But, they paid a steep price.   340 Canadians paid with their lives on the beach.  Another 574 were wounded.  At the end of the day, the Canadian forces were further into France than any of the other battle groups.  And, with the exception of Omaha Beach, the Canadians faced the most brutal German guns.

I stood with pride and respect with my Canadian friends.

And I will always stand with them and call them friends.

Le Mont St. Michel: The Giant Hamster Wheel

I had been wondering, as I wandered through St Michel, how in the world they managed to get all that stone up the hill.

The answer was a giant hamster wheel.   The ropes in the photo were perhaps 2" in diameter.  And the wheel was 12-16' in diameter.

Here, slaves, prisoners or monks would walk to bring up supplies and building materials via the ropes.

And, I thought I had a bad job!!

Le Mont. St. Michel: A Corridor

It is difficult to fathom how many thousands of people have walked these halls over a thousand years.

Christmas Eve: 2018

My sincere hope is that all have had a wonderful 2018.   And that tonight, you can go to bed, rest, and be thankful for what you have.

Keep safe and warm.

And enjoy those around you.

Le Mont St. Michel: The Interior

Arched wooden ceilings!

I am amazed at how all the stone was moved to the top.