After leaving the beach, we stopped at a place for lunch.
Again, we were lucky to find something open. It was a nice establishment with
excellent food. I ended up getting a spinach tortellini dish. Not only was the
food great, the presentation was outstanding. I forgot to get a picture of my
main course, but did remember to get one of my dessert. You can see what I mean
by presentation.
We returned to our B&B after our visit to Omaha Beach in
the late afternoon. As there was still time in the day, Mom and I ended up
heading to Pointe Du Hoc. It is just west of Omaha Beach, and is a memorial to
the 2nd Ranger Battalion. The Rangers scaled the 100’ cliff to take
out German artillery pieces (captured from the French) that could fire on
American troops landing at Omaha and Utah beaches. Of the 225 or so that
started the assault, only 90 survived. There are craters lining the area, and
many of the fortifications are still there.
Parking at the Pointe was a little awkward. There were small
parking areas, with room for about 12 cars, adjacent to the driving lane. This
in itself was not an issue, but a squared-off arch spanned the narrow width of
the turn-in, and the arch had a center support, evidently intended to keep
entering/exiting vehicles in their proper place. Like I said the actual span
was narrow, and the main driving lane was also narrow, making it difficult for
a larger car like the one we had to turn in. Mom managed to make it through the
gauntlet, and then of course, there were the small lots with small parking
spaces. Well, I at least talked Mom into backing into the space so it would be
easier to exit. Just another adventure!
After walking the area, Mom and I headed back to the
B&B. I am sure we played some more Farkle. This tended to be our end of day
ritual throughout the trip. It is a fun and fast-paced game, so it is quite
convenient for road trips.
We woke up July 5th to another great breakfast
provided by Nancy. Our agenda was to visit the copper “factory” I mentioned in
my July 22 entry, then Utah Beach, followed by a stop in Sainte-Mere-Eglise. We
started by heading south to Villiedeau-Les-Poeles. Here we received a tour of a
small copper factory. In addition to kitchen utensils, they are commissioned to
do artwork and the like. They have a neat operation. We first watched a video
on the history of the area, how coppersmiths ended up there. We then we treated
to a tour where we watched different sections at work. Have some pictures from
here. I can tell you I now plan on investing in some copperware.
We left the factory and headed back north, past Carentan, to
Utah Beach. There is a big museum located at the “entrance.” We decided to take
the tour. The museum is quite expansive, especially after adding another
section. What is interesting about the new area is that it was spearheaded (and
majority financed) by David Dewhurt, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, and his
brother. Evidently, their father was a pilot who played a pivotal role in the
bombing of Utah Beach. There are vehicles, pictures, videos, and all manner of
interesting bits of info. There was also a gallery of paintings that could be
purchased. I enjoyed the museum, and would like to go back to spend more time
there.
Outside there is nice memorial, or rather memorials. There
are several of them to different units. Have several pictures posted. As with
Omaha Beach, it was a sobering, yet uplifting experience.
Our last stop was the village of Sainte-Mere-Elise. This is
where the paratrooper, John Steele, got hung up on the spire of the church. The
incident is portrayed in “The Longest Day.” Although there are several things
to do here, including a museum, but time was short, so we hung around the
church square. Another place to come back to visit.
Anyway, that’s it for today.
Until next time…
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