Guernsey UK

Guernsey UK

Our last Port Of Call , sadly, St Peters Port is such a pretty place, just laden with flowers at present boxes ,baskets, troughs, tubs ,the whole place is a picture and they are flourishing. We passed through this morning on our way to Herm Island, a small Island about 20 mins away on a sizeable ferry, all well managed by our lovely guide Viv . Herm is now really a holiday place ,had a large farm but no longer, but just a few cows left. It all dates back to Neolithic times ,with burial chambers found in many places. There are nice beaches, and an old church ST Tuguals, which was begun by Monks ,many century’s ago. On our lengthy walk along dusty tracks, we saw all these things, and heard of the history .Later the Granite was quarried extensively ,and exported to many places ,and features in Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh Castle ,to name a few. There are Puffins in one rugged part ,but only 15 breeding pairs now, so they are carefully protected. When I say holiday Island, it is very rustic, some camping sites,2 Hotels ,with no TV or reception for devices, mostly. Some holiday cottages ,in the old Farm buildings, so nothing fancy, but a haven for day trippers with the beaches. Oyster farming is successful here too.
A lot of walking , on various paths ,which ended with a walk down from the Farm and Chapel, through a forest glade, with ropes to hang on to on the many steps, ending in a pretty picnic area, with shade and information on the many birds. Being so hot a Pheasant was our only sighting, apart from Finches .
A lovely cow let me stroke her head ,at the gate, gentle creatures ,one little Guernsey calf, pretty wee thing. It has been discovered, that the Guernsey cows have a special protein in their milk, that has wonderous properties, wonder if our “Jersey” ones have the same,? the industry needs a lift for sure.
We then had lunch at a school Fair ,where the Fathers were making good hamburgers, the Hotel was so very busy, but we did have a drink, Sam sampling the local ale, [Terrible] but he felt Norm would want him to give it a try… We sat with a nice young couple from Bulgaria ,who were so interested in us, and vice versa, they were working in London in Finance ,so that was a pleasant interlude.
To come back ,because there is a huge rise and fall of the tide, of 10 meters…! It was quite remarkable to see how far it receded, we had to access the Ferry at a different point, the Rosiere Steps ,an ancient place. A bit precarious for many, great care was involved. One laden Ferry arrived and tried to disembark its passengers ,no.. not able to get right in, so another Ferry ,smaller came and they could ,so took all the people across from one to the other, then they climbed up, so quite a mission, and added a bit of excitement to our day .We were all loaded on to the smaller one ,which took many people .A nice cruise to see the Islands at close range, so much exposed with the tide.
Back in St Peter’s Port, a huge climb up from the Ferry. We had time to explore the town, last time here I did an Island tour, and Sam a bicycle tour, so we had seen some , but so lovely with the flowers simply everywhere. A nice juice at a Café , and a walk around. The history of this place is amazing, and so pleased we recently saw the movie The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society, which detailed their occupation during the war, the children sent away, from little ones, for 5 years they didn’t see their parents , and on the Island they simply starved ,especially the men. They felt abandoned by Britain ,but there were so many factors involved. The American people on our tour today had no knowledge at all of this place, or the history, I hope they will seek the details. So much to learn.
On such a perfect day ,this was a lovely way to end our shore excursions, we have walked great distances, over this past week, especially ,could not have wished for better weather, our Captain acknowledging it is the best UK weather he has experienced.
We have had our Philippines Crew Show, and what a delight ,and great talent, we could not think of one of our crew members, that has not been a pleasure to know, and we will miss them greatly.
We are packed, and organised for our morning departure from Prinsendam ,6 weeks of so many new and wonderful places, and others we have enjoyed just as much, the second time around ,it is a wonderful world ,and how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy it ,in such a lovely way. You will be tired of reading by now, but we will so enjoy all of this, again ,when it is made into a book at the end ,which is a simple process.. It is hard to recall everything ,as you move on to new adventures daily, and my Diary is the best way to retain it all .When we cant go anymore ,we will be able to read about it, and it will be like going all over again.!
Mum is now 102..how amazing is that, we had a little chat yesterday ,a great day of visits from many friends and Family I’m sure..Leggi altro