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Cruising Donkeys to Greece

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    Port Crouesty

    18 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    OK so I did wake up a couple of times in the night and have to remind myself that it couldn't be cats. Boat felt empty this morning so decided to go for a drive somewhere as car ours till Monday, we chose Rochefort en terre as write ups good on Internet and in guide book. Took a while to get there as decided to try minor roads and encountered a village fete and also market diversion. But the village was beautiful, peaceful and not too crowded we bought stuff, as you do when miserable. John has bought unique glass will do photo once we are brave enough to unwrap it. After returning the car we hope to go to Isle Houat for a night or two as forecast here is also for settled hot weather for rest of week.Läs mer

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    Islands off Quiberon Peninsula

    21 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Hello everyone, so it's been an interesting few days we are adjusting to the empty boat and quiet nights. I found some cute pictures of the cats that are now 'wallpaper' on various devices. So after Rochefort en terre we headed offshore first to Houat for 2nights, one at Salus Bay on South coast the other at Porz Ler on North coast both were very nice Houat is like Herm sandy at one end and cliffs at other. Photos to follow as on other gadget, nope can’t get then to upload. We walked North about the island and saw several stunning bits of coastline and a Fort where they had left the German guns.
    From there we went to Belle Isle and Ster Wenn said to be France’s most beautiful anchorage, please look it up if you can as photos do not do it justice. We were anchored and with stern ropes tied to rocks, its 50m wide and 500m long says guide book. No facilities but very sheltered and peaceful. I wanted to swim but there were some rather large jellyfish and I don't know yet how friendly they are. Sauzon the nearest town is pretty harbour and good if pricey ice creams.    Läs mer

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    Piriac sur mer

    22 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    OK so while we were in Sauzon we managed to catch a weather forecast that gave strong gusts of wind for Thurs to Fri so sadly we decided it was best to head for a Marina on Thurs. When we arrived back at the boat a French lady on the boat next to us offered us slices of homemade tart au chocolate, I explained about John being coeliac but I would love a piece I got 1/4 of cake I think but it was delicious. Next morning we struggled out of bed about 9 shocking really and headed out, it was a lot rougher at entrance than we expected but got a little better as we headed east with wind and tide going the same way. Having some issues with the plotters, the slave the one outside can't use GPS sometimes so doesn't know where we are real time. The main one is OK and we have emailed Guernsey to fixer for assistance.
    As post name suggests we are now at Piriac another traditional Bretagne town and will be cycling to Guerande tomorrow, so see salt marshes and it's Medieval town. We might meet Dick and Sally from home on Sat as they are heading this way, and as there is a Sat morning market and music in the eve we will stay till Sunday at least. Tea's ready so best be off, but keep well.    Läs mer

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    Visiting La Guerande

    23 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So we did a cycle today to La Guerande a small fortified town on the edge of the salt marshes, the town was like Concarneau only a little bit larger. You are probably a bit bored of photos but here are some more. On the way back we popped into La Turballe and were able to reunite a trailer with its winch handle which pleased the owner. We went there to see if we could do an overnight as we don't want to move too far until we have seen Dick and Sally for a bottle or 2, but don't want to stay in Piriac. There's nothing wrong with it we just want to stay on the move. So there is a produce market tomorrow and arts and crafts Sunday morning then once sill drops we will go probably to Isle Dumet if wind mild enough.Läs mer

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    La Turballe Festi Vent

    24 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Cycled to La Turballe this afternoon after a busy morning shopping at the local market. They were celebrating the wind. Lots of giant kites and mini windmills, as well as synchronised kites, windsurfers, kite surfing and sailing we had a great time and finished it off by buying a little fish wind sock and eating a sorbet delicious. Also attached is a photo taken by a local couple of Take Five just north of Isle de Houet.Läs mer

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    La Turballe

    26 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    So yes we really haven't come very far at all that's because we are hoping to meet up with some Guerns tomorrow morning for a natter over coffee.
    We are getting very lazy but haven't turned into boat people yet we still wash ourselves and our clothes regularlyish. That's one of the reasons we are here, the laundromat, that and the supermarket. John is sleeping about 9hours and not really doing a lot we keep blaming the heat but not sure that's right, I try to run every other day depending on where we are up to but do this early on before the heat arrives.
    Hopefully things won't be to noisy tonight but this is a working sardine port so we will wait and see. From here another short hop along the coast to Pornichet just east of La Baule.    Läs mer

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    Lunch a bit late

    27 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    So spent the morning chatting with Dick and Sally, it was great, John and I get a bit bored of talking to each other sometimes so it’s lovely to hear new opinions and get some local updates. Not that much has changed apparently.
    Left 12ish and hugged the coast towards Pornichet really interesting coastline lots of coves and caves. Saw the Blockhaus, big German bunker to you and I, planning to ride back that way if not raining over next few days, but probably won't be paying to go inside. Seen one seen them all! John was a bit shell shocked when we cleared the headland and he had his first ever look at La Baule lots of high rises, very developed. We stopped for lunch at a sand bank as when we started to cross the bay we realised it was low water and there was only 4ft under the keel, didn't want to get stuck so officially dropped anchor, ate and waited for tide to rise. 😉
    Sadly it looks like if I want to do any real swimming I may have to buy a jelly suit as there were loads in the water on the beach this morning😢 anything from 5cm to 30cm across.

    Jess has been keeping me up to date and Cousteau is doing OK but wants to go outside now. She has escaped a couple of times already, as any cat owner knows who has had to keep a cat in it is not easy if the cat wants out.    Läs mer

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    Pornichet

    29 juni 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    The staff in this marina are an odd species there are loads of them until you actually need them and then they become invisible and deaf, but it was sheltered. Anyway Wednesday morning we wandered to the market for lettuce mostly, I hadn't realised how exciting our lives had become, then back to do cleaning. Boat really was due an internal clean and after 5hours it looked much better but boy were we bored I think the polish fumes were making me lightheaded.
    Today we woke up to rain, well I woke over night and closed windows etc. but it was day for major bike ride back to Le Criosic, so we made our packed lunch and then packed the picnic blanket and lunch bag in the bike basket ready for the off. We were feeling very French at this point.
    Off we rode, into a head wind as is almost always the case when riding, along the bay out of Pornichet into La Baule, out of La Baule and into Paliguen, then carrying on along the coast to Batz Sur Mer then Croisic. It was blowing a lot hopefully you will be able to see in the photos how rough it actually is, not like when we sailed along on our way to Pornichet then it was beautifully flat. At Paliguen we asked about availability but full till Tuesday it looked nice a small harbour with cafes and shops on one side, flats the other.
    We didn't go into the Blockhaus which is smaller close up than it looked from offshore. Le Criosic was bigger and prettier than we had expected. We had considered it for the boat but as it dried decided not to try it. The last 3photos are of Le Croisic the final one is looking across narrow entrance to the salt marshes to Pen Bron, still not sure if Pen Bron is a town, prison hospital. Looks weird from both shores but apparently there are ferries across though we didn't see any, or anyone on the other side at all. I took a short 360 video from the lookout at Le Croisic that I will put on Facebook as can't do vids here.
    Forecast for us for next few days isn't great, same as today with westerly winds reaching 33km/hr so we are thinking of heading up river Loire.
    All the best everyone    Läs mer

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    St Nazaire

    2 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Hello, we left Pornichet on Saturday it was still windy but had eased overnight so seas a little less disturbed. We headed along the coast, and managed to stay fairly close in as we moved towards St Nazaire. Per the Almanac we had to enter the east lock, i radioed ahead and they confirmed next opening would be 12:10. So we tied to a random wall had a cuppa and waited. While waiting we realised that we were moored at the seaward end of the submarine pen for the Espadon, the sub that visitors can walk around and that has a viewing gallery above it which explained the random voices we could hear.
    Well they let us into the Bassin de St Nazaire and we tried to figure out where to go, there were a few fishing boats on one side, a couple of yachts in a corner and the Loire princess on one edge, that's the paddle boat that does Loire river cruises, looked very plush. In the end we decided to moor along side the pontoon directly in front of the old submarine pens where it said don't moor without permission of the mayor, this was secure as doors to pontoon locked and we would have to use dingy whereas everywhere else was along side the Bassin edge and anyone could walk aboard. The 2books we have gave different opinions on where we should go and neither option looked viable, but we did do as recommended and headed for the Capitainnerie to tell them where we were, pay our dues and leave phone number in case boat needed to be moved. However Capitainnairie weren't interested we had to talk to intercom they didn't let us into building we tried to explain we wanted to stay for 2 nights and where we were, they decided it was gratuit (free).
    Has been a nice quiet couple of nights OK so no power or elec but peaceful even though only 5mins to beach and 2mins to supermarket and Randun Bleu (or similar) shopping precinct and town centre.
    On Saturday we wondered around town but today we went to junk market, really was rubbish, then around harbour before short 5km jog then after lunch a walk on the Promenade towards St Marc where we ended up on Friday on our walk from Pornichet. Tomorrow we plan to head to Pornic for a couple of nights before anchoring off the islands of Noirmotier or isle d'yeu. Photos on other device so to follow    Läs mer

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    Pornic

    4 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We arrived in Pornic yesterday lunchtime and headed towards A6west the berth that we had been allocated when I we called earlier. Thank goodness a kind French lady helped us, there wasn't much wind so we thought we could reverse in, but wind caught the bow and we started to spin. Usually not too big a problem but boats on this Ponton are expensive see photos. But after a bit of pulling and pushing and putting finger pontoon under strain we were in. After lunch we checked in and then wandered into town beautiful though perhaps a little busier than we are used to but it is now the French holidays. Today we prepared a packed lunch and took kayaks along the coast the way we had come as saw some cute little bays yesterday and a serene looking cafe. White brollies blue deckchairs tiled roof. Nice easy paddle quick dip for me and then ice-cream on the return. This eve we went to night market and I bought a torteau fromage looked good will try tomorrow, it was 30degs at 19:30 hottest part of day. Sstill hoping to do a bit of anchoring so might be few days till next post, keep warm.Läs mer

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    Noirmoutier

    8 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Hi Sorry for the lack of news for a few days. As you can see, if you are using map function we are now in Herbaudiere marina on Isle d'Noirmoutier. After a relaxing morning coffee we left Pornic and headed back west along the coast to anchor and eat. I even managed 2 x 20min swims in a rash vest as a jellyfish precaution. Then as wind more westerly we headed towards pointes des dames on Isle de noirmoutier and found a good anchorage. We stayed for 2nights, night one some cherubs spent the wee hours letting off bangers as part of their party celebrations. On the first full day we walked to the capital for lunch before strolling through town, saw the château and then along the coast, past all the dead boats back to Take Five via ice-cream stop.
    Much quieter night but the workman started at 7am! We took bikes ashore on the dinghy and rode around island looking at all the lovely white houses with blue shutters and doors and terracotta roofs. We stopped at marina and having checked forecast asked for a spot for the night. All OK so back via supermarket to boat for lunch. People on beach thought we were mad with bikes on back of dinghy as John and I rowed out.
    Then we thought nice and easy lift anchor and away we go but.... no it seemed we had snagged a bout line when we had anchored, so in the water I go to see what's happened... not a bouy line we had managed to wrap the anchor chain around the only rock on the sea bed fortunately a rope around anchor directly, took strain off and it lifted. Could have been expensive. Marina was busy but pleasant enough except at night when wind picked up and fishing boats went in and out and everything creaked or groaned. I really need a good night's sleep. Today I baked a cake, yes I really did and it tastes very nice, we did more laundry and shopping ready to go anchoring again. So tomorrow Sunday we are heading to Isle de Yeu for a few days. We have leave near High tide as marina entrance not deep.    Läs mer

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    Ile d'yeu

    12 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Hello again
    So we are a little further south on ile d'yeu, we spent our first night at anchor off plage des vieilles, where we re-oiled the cockpit deck, but it was a bit rough overnight and due to get worse so we headed up north of Island to Port Joinville marina. We have been here for 2 nights and have 1 more planned. On day one we oiled Port side deck and rode around the North of the island. Where we saw point du chatelet, and Le vieux chateau and had our first experience of the little random beach huts on the road not beach. On day 2 we rode around the south to Port de la mule and St Saveurs, and then oiled rest of deck, today we walked to the old Fort and did some shopping. I am hoping to take John running later.
    I have also completed another jigsaw and I did this one without looking at the picture! Sad eh?
    Tomorrow, if they will have us, we hope to go to St Gilles Croix de Vie, have to call them back as we may be too heavy.    Läs mer

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    St Gilles and then back to ile d'yeu

    17 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    How's things? We are suffering from the heat reached 41 today and breeze died off completely. I hope everyone is well and enjoying summer. So to recap on our travels on the 13th we went to St Gilles Croix de Vie and stayed 3nights was only going to be 2 but John got man flu. 13th was Thursday, day we arrived, ferries don't slow down just because there are boats using the entrance am glad we are big and heavy. We had a wander around and did some more supermarket shopping and drank coffee as you do in france. Friday we did a little more wandering but John very rough so not much. The wandering was to buy drugs. that said we were sat in centre of town eating ice-cream, good for colds and sore throats apparently, when we were interrupted by Chris and Lesley and their 2sons. About 6years ago they worked over in Herm while John was there but then upped sticks and moved to France. When we met them they were on their way home to Roch sur Yon from a short vacation at St Jean de Mont. We had a chat then John crashed out and i walked to Grand Plage to check out options for the Bastille Day fireworks later on. That reminds me marina gives you croissants in the mornings, cant be bad. Sadly John so rough he went to bed so I watched fireworks on my own😥, they were stunning. On Saturday John stayed in bed, I did a run in morning, and went to market for fruit. Then in afternoon went to shopping mall to waste time, took a bike ride to get there, and bought clothes I didn't really need. Then I baked, yes that's how bored I got, I made rolls, cookies, panna cotta and even hard boiled some eggs. John was feeling better when the cookies came out the oven and decided they were very good.
    On Sunday we returned to ile d'yeu and anchored at Port meule we wasted 2days doing very little as just too hot. We had already cycled around island so had seen the sights I did some swimming John had a dip on Monday. Anchor light bulb has blown so that is now on the to do list.
    Attached is night photo from our mooring in St Gilles, if you know the place we were a little way down river of the bridge and carousel opposite the funfair hence the lights, also photos of harbour as we left and of Port Meule anchorage.    Läs mer

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    Sables d'Olonne and now Port Bourgenay

    21 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    It's now friday 21st july and we are in Port Bourgenay. After 2nights at anchor off Port Meule on Ile d'Yeu (last photo) the wind picked up and we decided to move on, the original plan was straight across to Sable but the waves were rolling us from side to side so we changed direction and headed towards St Gilles again and as we got closer to shore waves eased so we hugged the coast around to Sable and saw our first pod of dolphins not a big pod and dolphins were small but at last we have seen some, they must have been feeding as there were also Terns diving into sea around them.
    Sable d'olonne is very developed, the first row of buildings on the sea front are almost all high rises, on the day we arrived it was still very hot and the beach was mobbed. Luckily the Port Olona marina is actually closer to the La Chaume side of the estuary and this is much quieter and for us nicer. On second day we did washing and shopping and had a good mooch around attached is photo of shell art, there were two streets which had decorated the walls with shell pictures. Also photos of old buildings on the La Chaume side. We also checked timings for trip to Marans the next day. We would have to be up around 7 to have time to fill up with fuel and then get to the canal lock for high-water when it opened.
    But best laid plans and all that, we did fuel up took about an hour but that was OK but once we got out onto the open sea it was very lumpy with random large waves, Johnny says sea was 5-6 even though not a lot of wind and after an hour of tipping and tilting we were checking our options as another 5hours of the same was not good and found Port Bourgenay only 9 miles along coast and headed in.
    It's entry in the Almanac is its a good stopover but nothing there, OK so only cafés restaurants and marina stuff at port but a shop 500m up road and tourist office and facilities were clean and for us main bonus is it isn't very busy. More on next post as only 6 photos per post    Läs mer

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    Port Bourgenay

    21 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So we arrived on Thursday at about 10.30 the ace was slowly waking up we paid our dues and visited tourist info then rode to nearest big town being Talmont St Hilaire for a look around, locals were all in medieval costumes and there were medieval games to play, mini archery, balls in a clog, rolling balls through hoops, jousting for kids on Shetland ponies, and a medieval market a bit kitsch but fun, and wonderful old semi ruined chateau of Richard the Lion Heart apparently, no photos as didn't take smart phone sorry. Today as sea still unpleasant and tomorrow winds of force 5-6forecast we will be staying here a while longer. Have been for a walk this morning, West and heading East this after noonLäs mer

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    Marans

    26 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Hello again, well due to some very windy weather we ended up staying at Bourgenay for 5nights which was long enough! It was a lovely place nice and quiet except for the wind but we had been everywhere within cycling distance and I was starting to go a little stir crazy. We had on day 1 as I said ridden to Talmont St Hilaire, day 2 we walked west to the beach and around the spit to the nature reserve and then along the edge of the salt marsh till we found civilisation and then back to beach and home, day 3 I did a short run through the woods behind the coastal path then after the tea spill on the duvet and subsequent washing we later rode to Jard sur Mer around the back of the salt marsh. Day 4 we must have looked around the junk market in the morning and revisited the supermarket so I could do some more baking, tried the cookies again but mixture much thicker so more like rock cakes this time round. day 5 I did a longer run east along coast but not as far as anywhere specific just out and back we had a lovely lunch at one of the cafes on the harbour front and later walked in land through a 'Pierre et vacances' village right on the edge of the golf course and with its own large lake. I think things would have been a lot worse but we ended up meeting another British couple on day 3 whose boat we had seen previously in herbaudiere on Noirmoiter and we spent that evening on their boat chatting and following evening we returned the hospitality and they visited Take Five. They over winter in L'Orient so we must have seen their boat then as well. But they were headed North on the return leg of their trip and we were going ever southward, but you never know we may meet again next year and hope to keep in touch as they are planning a longer trip soon.
    We are now in Marans which is inland from the Bay de l'Aiguillon along a canal, the sail here, yes that's right we used sails not exclusively but we're trying, went OK, it was rough to start with but improved the further west we went.
    We didn't arrive until 8:30pm as the lock didn't open till, well it was supposed to be 7:20 but it was late and then it's a further 3miles to the town. We have been put right on the end of the pontoon just outside the pedestrian bridge, right away from everyone and everything but we don't think it's personal. Had a quick wander around the town this morning, quick because it was raining and also town is not very big, but a good base for cycling and kayaking the inland freshwater marshes. More photos if the sun comes out. It did so a few more pictures added    Läs mer

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    La Rochelle opposite Vieux Port

    27 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We made it, it took 5hours, but because we had to get to the lock an hour before it opened we were up at 6:00! Obviously the French boat that was locking out with us could arrive just before it opened at 8:10. It was a lot wetter and windier than expected and in our faces for most of trip, we passed under the bridge to Isle de Re and when we arrived we went first into the big marina Port Minimes, until the Bassin de Chalutiers opened on the spring tide. We spent the afternoon sourcing a new impellor for the generator, success! And checking out where we dry out on Sunday for some running repairs, ( down playing the fact that the bow thruster sprung a leak and is now totalled so needs to be removed) a good afternoons work so off for an aperitif.Läs mer

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    La Rochelle then Ile de Re

    31 juli 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We moved on the Thursday eve to the Vieux Port, bassin de chalutiers, we had to wait for lock to open. We were next to the aquarium and Mercure hotel so much more in the thick of things but not right in the middle so quiet at night but town close by. Friday morning we went to the maritime museum for a little culture there were three boats to walk around, a tug, a deep sea fishing vessel and an old metrological boat which also had displays about some of the voyages of other boats like in a museum, even John was interested, while we waited for Geoff and Paul to ride down. They met us after lunch and we had a beer and a chat and a wander around. We all had a meal out in the eve. On Saturday John fixed the generator and the lads hauled him up the mast but it wasn't a bulb problem so still no anchor light. We mooched around town in the afternoon and had delicious meal at Andres, in the eve very very nice said bye to visitors. We did see in the harbour 2 other Moonen's photos attached, they are both shorter than Take Five.
    On Sunday we moved back into Minimes marina and headed for slip. Had to bully the French boat that was already there into moving forward for us by coming up behind it close, 25tonnes of steel is apparently quiet encouraging. We thought the tide would not drop far enough for us to do the work but it did and the bow thruster is gone.
    Saw the odd looking boat in the marina, reference photos anyone seen anything like that before is it a ferry of some sort?
    This morning Monday we headed to ile de Re, we are now in the inner harbour at St Martin de Re. This is something that John said he wanted to do when we were here a few year ago with the truck. Its busy as you can see from photos but very sheltered. Hoping to anchor for a couple of nights either near here or off Oleron Peninsula then probably Royan before we head towards Spanish coast.    Läs mer

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    Ile d'Oleron

    4 augusti 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    OK so from St Martin de re we headed south east to La Flotte, still on Ile de Re, where we anchored up for the night. We had hoped to row ashore but was a bit blowy for that. We did have a bit of drama though as we decided to attached a bouy to the anchor as a 'trip' but hadn't allowed for the strength of tide which saw the bouy disappear. So at low tide we rowed to it and attached another rope but 5mins later when we looked the bouy was rapidly disappearing on the wind, my knot had come undone and bouy and long rope were floating off. John set off in pursuit and caught it.
    Next day we headed to Ile d'Oleron via Fort Boyard and anchored just North of Boyardville. It was bottom of the neap with 1.8m of tidal movement! We stripped down and greased 2 of the winches and had a swim or 2. The wind had dropped during the day and we had a quiet night, next morning was gloomy so we rowed ashore to have a look round Boyardville the bit we saw, which I suppose wasn't much, wasn't very pretty. In the afternoon there was bit more wind but not much and some random swell and the boat start making whale noises? Can't figure out why. We did some swimming and John did his good samaritan bit and rowed out to 2 paddle boarders who were making no progress to shore and had been trying for about 20mins we think their safety cover was chatting on beach. The second night was noiser than first as more windy and our 'whale' wouldn't go away. This morning, Friday it was raining and after checking batteries we headed to the North of the island and St Denis d'Oleron where we are now comfortably moored listening to the wind. Should be here 3nights, planning on a longish cycle tomorrow as not been here before so should go see some more sights. Attached church and beach huts from St Denis d'Oleron and Fort Boyard    Läs mer

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    Ile d'Oleron out and about

    6 augusti 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Yesterday we rode the North part of the island, we headed to the lighthouse Phare de Chassiron for a gawp before having some of the nicest coffee we have tasted here in France at cafe Vue de La Mer. Then we rode down part of west coast, on cycle track some of the way. (Only some of the way because as anyone who has tried to follow a French cycle route will probably be able to tell you occasionally the signs just stop). We stopped a few times to pick blackberries they were delicious. We passed through Les Huttes, Chaucre, and Domino before crossing the island to the east coast via Cheray and St George d'Oleron to the Port of Le Douhet for a galette John was on his last legs. Then back North passing through Les Boulassiers and La Brie les Bains to get back.
    As I got bored later I baked fruit cake and bread rolls.
    Today we took containers and although we again failed to follow the cycle route we have lots of lovely blackberries.    Läs mer

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    Royan and Cognac

    9 augusti 2017, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We arrived in Royan on Monday we had had to get up at 6:30 so John could have breakfast before we left St Denis, any later than 7:30 and we might have grounded on our way out. First 30mins or so wasn't good wind against tide, but once we got round the Chassiron headland on the North of Ile d'Oleron it was a much smoother trip, we used sails to assist and arrived just North of Gironde river estuary by 12:30. We had hoped to anchor off beach for lunch but there was a French fishing boat hauling in trots and it look like he was going to haul through us if necessary. So we upped anchor to move into estuary. We thought pilot book was kidding about the amount of time to allow, but we had to go out wide to clear the sandbanks and then it took a further 2hours to reach Royan. So into Port about 4:00.
    Welcome wasn't the most effusive we have received and they seemed bemused that we wanted 4 nights and initially I thought we were going to have to move on. But they found us a mooring eventually but we think it is normally used by something smaller. there are few foreign visiting boats we've only seen 2 others but quiet a few english and irish accents in town
    On Monday there was only time for a short walk around town. Its new, the original city destroyed by RAF in WW2. Tuesday we went shopping both supermarket and market, managing to dodge worst of showers, we also visited cathedral and booked trip to Cognac by train with tasting. That's what we have been doing today, Wednesday, Cognac town is old and full of character. Our tour was at Chateau de Cognac, Baron Otard Cognac the tour was very interesting the Chateau was great but cognac is still horrible. Tomorrow will be a little more shopping and a cycle east along coast then Friday we will set off for Spain. The firing range is inactive until 28 august and forecasted wind slight so although it will take about 24hours should be pleasant enough. Viva Espana.    Läs mer

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    11

    Port Medoc, south bank of La Gironde

    11 augusti 2017, Frankrike ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    OK so sight change of plan, it was very blowy yesterday Thursday, so although calmer today John thought sea still likely to be bumpy so we only came across the river mouth to Port Medoc near Verdon sur Mer. We are heading to Spain tomorrow fingers crossed. This is a modern, purpose built marina but a bit isolated. We did our washing there was no laundromat at Royan and walked to town went back this eve for tea, delicious meal from shack along bank of creek pictures not great but here you go.Läs mer

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    Hondarrabia Spain

    13 augusti 2017, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We made it 23hours of motor sailing and 141miles, the conditions were good light winds that died early evening and by 5am sea flat. Our first sight of the Spanish coast as the sun rose was of mountains, stunning.
    We had tried to go to the French Port on the other side of the estuary, but once we got in and were along side another boat the marina rep came to say they were full. Why they hadn't just answered my radio call and told me is anyone’s guess. We were going French just because we hadn't checked the Spanish phrases etc and after working 2hour watching shifts my brain was struggling. But needs must and I asked for a place in my best pigeon Spanish and yes Golf cinco (G5) was ours for the taking, still no wind so we got in OK with a fellow sailors assistance.
    Town is different with what look like Swiss Mountain chalets as well as high rises. Off to bed now for a Siesta.    Läs mer

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    Hondarrabia still

    14 augusti 2017, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    So we managed to get a good nights sleep and felt much more alert today, forecast is good for the next week nice and settled so we will be heading on soon. Yesterday evening we watched a rowing regatta, looked like there were 13rowers and a cox, the course was out and back twice John thinks total of 4km. They were single sweep oars and fixed seat so lots of leaning back drawing the handle across their body. Very impressive. The local team were in green and although they were last in their heat the support from the crowd was great with lots of people wearing green clothes or neckerchiefs. The other things we are pleased about is that the sea is back to being a lovely green/blue colour not a churnedup yucky beige.
    Today was very very hot 39c in shade, we faffed around this morning trying to make some plan for the next part of our adventure and did some baking, pannacotta, apple tart and chocolate muffins, before collapsing and dozing.
    We met the owners of Ocho a Jersey registered motor cruiser again, we had first seen them in L'Aberach then again Roscoff and then just the boat at La Rochelle, apparently he had had to return for work but they are also heading towards the Mediterranean so might see them again. Late afternoon around 4 we re-provisioned I have decided we need to buy a shopping basket on wheels (think old lady shopping bag) coz the bag was heavy to carry but it was way to hot to use a rucksack, John also had a bag to carry just in case you thought I was only one working hard and getting warm.
    We now also know that the temperature peaks at about 4 so will be going out earlier in future.    Läs mer

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    Basque coast
    San SebastianGetariaGetaria

    Getaria

    15 augusti 2017, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So we are moving west, it was a much nicer temperature today but John thought it was a little cool, mostly overcast some light rain.
    The Basque coast has some stunning scenery with spectacular rock formations I have taken some photos. We popped into the bay of San Sebastian on our way here as it’s iconic for this coast, it is very developed a lot of high rises but some old buildings too. There was a swimming event on as we came in it looked like people were swimming from one bay to the west out and around into San Sebastián. Getaria is beautiful much more picturesque. I again used my best Spanish to get a berth and it went well until a very quick response then who knows what they said. But when we had moored and meet voice on radio his english was very good so not sure why we conversed in bad Spanish!.Läs mer

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