The morning was definitely grey, but the rain did not arrive this morning at Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer. Late getting up waiting for the non-existent rain.  Once up, we finished the yogurt and pain au raisins.  The agenda for the day was to photograph the flamingos.  Set off under the grey skies towards the flamingos.  First stop was at the sluice gates to photograph the egrets trying to fish.  Eagle eyed Rosemary spotted a kingfisher across the water.  Managed to get a picture, but for id purposes only, as you can see.

We walked on out to the flamingos where there were several groups of 20 or so.  These though slowly moved away as time passed.  There were many birds in the water, and their calls where very loud.   As well as the flamingos, there were gulls of various sorts, sandpipers, shags, avocets and yet to be identified other birds.

On the other bank of the Etang (over  a mile away) there were hundreds of flamingos, just visible as a pink line to the naked eyes.  Other people came by and we were able to lend them the binoculars to see the birds.

There were some amazing fights amongst the gulls. When one caught a fish, all the others would chase it, hoping to steal the fish.

A couple with a dog and large Nikons also came by to take some photographs, one Canon against two Nikons.   The walk back presented on egret wading towards the sluice gate, running, flying and launching at fish.

We ate lunch of Camembert which was stinking out the fridge.  The Rustique cheese brand seems far more potent in France than the UK, and this sample still had a month to go before its self-destruct date.  Fridge now cleared of smelly food, we walked into town.  It dawned on us how many mobile home Aires there were.  Some just car parks, the neared ones to the coast charged, but gave you a water point and a refuse point.

In town we went to the church, and then paid to go up onto the roof.  The roof was made of stones, so we were able to walk to its summit.  By now the weather was good, the sun was out with little cloud in the sky.  After visiting a few grockle shops we headed back.  Sure enough as we sat down, the clouds came in, got colder.  As soon as the cooker was positioned for the duck, the rain started.  Quick dismantle and sat inside the van waiting for the rain to stop.  There was hope from the west, the sky brightened and within 30 minutes cooking started again.  The Germans next door erected their awning and were not stopped from their feast.

The town loves to decorate its roundabouts. Everyone had nice plants and some a scene, or statue or model building.  Several pictures in the gallery are of these roundabouts.

The meal was eaten in dryness, though getting dark.  The stars are out and tomorrow promises to be a nice day, so we are staying on here to try and get pictures of flamingos with blue sky behind them.