Having a leisurely time

We left Concarneau on Saturday 19th May and headed off to Ile De Groix and Port Tudy where we stayed last year whilst on holiday, it’s a fairly small picturesque island which we fell in love with. We planned to stay there a couple of nights before heading further south to Belle Ile. On the Sunday we decided to get our new bikes out of their bags for the first time and cycle round the island. As we were moored on a mooring buoy rather than a pontoon Kevin had to take the bikes in the dingy and row ashore, the precision required for this was a feat in its own as Kevin had to balance the bikes in such a way as they didn’t fall into the water, and have enough room in the dingy for himself.

Loading the bikes on the dinghy for a trip ashore

With this achieved Kevin assembled the bikes ashore before rowing back to collect me, we got ready to set off round the island, however I was a bit “gung ho” and ended up with my bike chain stuck around the gears, so Kevin had to row back to the boat again to get some tools to fix it, I was not in the good books. We took the coastal path round the island which included several inlets and bays,  to get across there were steep declines and inclines which required us to get off the bikes to walk down and up again, on occasions Kevin  turned into a kid again and attempted to cycle down the steep rocky declines. At the end of our trip which was approximately twenty miles we both had sore rear-ends, and could have entered the silly walks competition.

Bike ride around Ille De Groix

After Ile de Groix we moved onto Belle Ile another beautiful island approximately ten miles long so we were not going to attempt cycling round it, however we did intend to circumnavigate it in the boat. Like Port Tudy on  Ile de Groix this was also a busy Ferry Port (Port Palaise), and so we needed to ensure we kept out of their way when entering and leaving the port. Whilst there we met another British couple who were also on their way to the Med, and like us was in no major hurry to get there. On our second day on Belle Ile we sailed off to find a quiet anchorage somewhere on the islands south coast, the one we found had a beautiful sandy beach and when the sun was shining you could have taken it for any beach in the Mediterranean.

Bev hard at work cooking

Anchored off Belle Ille

We liked where we were so much we stayed for two nights before moving off to find another anchorage further round the coast, however the swell was quite high and we could see the waves crashing onto the rocks on shore and so felt that to enter some of the inlets where we could anchor might be a bit treacherous so we decided to head back to Port Palaise and spend the night there.
Its now Monday 28th May and we are in Port Haliguen which is a large marina at the head of a peninsula in the Quiberon Bay just across from Belle Ile, and is a big sailing area. There is a fairly large tourist town  called Quiberon about a mile away, which has a ferry port  (Port Maria) and a lovely beach adjacent to the port, however yachts are not welcome there unless in an emergency. We intend to stay here for a few days stocking up and getting a few jobs done before we move off to Morbihan, an inland waterway.

As there are very little in the way of shops in Port Haliguen we have once again  got the bikes out, this time however as we are moored onto a pontoon so Kevin didn’t have to repeat his balancing skills whilst rowing to get the bikes ashore. We cycled to Quiberon which has some very expensive fashion shops, so no shopping for me, we also checked out some of the local restaurants for somewhere to eat  on the Saturday night.

As it is a French bank Holiday weekend there is a regatta going on and therefore Port Haliguen   is very busy, at one point we were rafted four abreast, however they only stayed for lunch before moving off, we are now rafted to just one boat with a couple of men, Martin & John from Dublin who are sailing along the French coast for the summer.
Yesterday we got the bikes out to cycle a 15Km circular trip around the tip of the peninsula, my rear-end had just about recovered from the tour on Ile de Groix. Whilst on the ride we came across a sign post pointing to Looe in Cornwall and giving the distance, unfortunately we hadn’t got the camera with us otherwise we would have taken a picture for the blog.
Last night as it was such a lovely evening Kevin decided to put the hammock up that Chris and Steve Wilshaw bought as a going away present, have to say it was very comfortable.

Today we are getting the boat ready to sail to Morbihan tomorrow, as we will be anchoring there we need to ensure we have enough food and water to last us several days before we move south again to another port or marina

Our location at the moment is Port Halgiuen, a link to Google Maps is below:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Quai+des+Sinagots&hl=en&sll=47.585905,-2.945194&sspn=0.05986,0.16222&geocode=Fc-S1AIdGKvQ_w&mra=ls&t=m&z=16

Our total nautical miles to date is 336m

Channel crossing and beyond

We have finally started our Journey to the Mediterranean, we left Plymouth on Friday 11th May at 14:00hrs and set sail for Fowey, we had originally planned to go on Thursday the 10th but as usual the weather scuppered our plans.  We stayed in Fowey for a couple of nights and on the Saturday we took a coastal walk to Polkeris beach which was about nine miles there and back. Although it was very windy the sun was shining for a change, as we got to Gibbons point on the way back to Fowey and looked out to sea it appeared that every man and his dog was sailing to Fowey so we were not surprised to find another boat rafted up alongside when we got back to Miss Lilly.

Yachts approaching Fowey

Whilst in Fowey we recieved a visitor, a rather grand looking mallard who had obviously taken a shine to the boat.

Having scrutinised the weather forecasts we made the decision that the best day to cross the English Channel would be Sunday 13th, our original plan was to go on the Monday. We left Fowey at approximately 12:00, the sky was clear blue but again windy and cold, although we both noticed we had caught the sun. We lost sight of land at 18:47 and crossed into French waters at approximately 23:00hrs. we had hoped that we would be able to catch the tide at the other end so that we could sail straight down the Channel Du Four to Camaret but by 20:30hrs it was clear that we would be too early so we changed course for L’Aber Wrac’h where we moored up to get a couple of hours kip before setting off again for the Channel Du Four and Camaret.

Having arrived in Camaret we planned to spend two or three nights there, during the first night the wind well and truly picked up getting to a force 5/6, and so the boat was rocking about on its mooring so not much sleep was had. On getting up in the morning the sun was shining but the wind was still in full swing, and on looking out to sea it looked rough and uninviting, there was only one mad person out there sailing. Whilst we were in Camaret we met three other couples who were also making their way to the Med, one couple was going via the French canals, the second couple were awaiting a crew to arrive as they intended to cross the Bay of Biscay in one hit, apparently the wife was going to do the sail across Biscay but after crossing the channel had decided against it. The third couple were doing the same as us, no fixed plan but generally heading south.
On looking at the weather to determine the best day to move south it looked like the Wednesday would be the best bet. When we got up the sky was clear blue and with light winds so we were good to go. It appeared that everybody else in the marina had the same idea as there appeared to be a mass exodus from the marina making their way to the Raz De Sien, another passage where you needed to get the tide just right and just for a change we got it spot on making 10.5 knots over the ground at one point.

Raz De Sien

Originally we had planned to sail to Audierne, but the weather was predicted to get very windy again, approximately force 5/6 from a south westerly direction which meant we would not get much shelter in the bay so we made the decision to keep going and head for Concarneau. The trip down was very pleasant brilliant sunshine all the way but again a cold wind, so we were togged up in several layers and wet weather gear to keep warm. At one point Kevin saw a couple of dolphins but by the time I had made my way up on deck (I was making our lunch in the galley) they had gone.
We arrived in Concarneau at about 21.00hrs, and for the first time on our journey we were able to sit out on deck until 22:30 partaking in a glass of wine and a late tea before it got too cold and we had to head below decks.

Oh how the weather changes, during our first night the winds again increased and the rain started, and at one point we even had a thunderstorm. Our first day in Concarneau was spent cleaning, doing the washing and Kevin trying to get the MiFi unlocked to no avail, it turns out that it was a French bank holiday and all the shops were closed. On his return to the boat several other sail boats were getting ready to go off on a race, the preparations and departures in strong winds kept Kevin entertained for a couple of hours before he got bored, he’s not used to having nothing to-do.
On the Friday we again tried to get the MiFi unlogged but apparently in France they can’t do this and we would have to buy a French Dongle and Sim card at an exorbitant price which we can only use in France, so we gave up, although we may end up having to pay up if we can’t get reasonable internet access through free WiFi during our stay in France, we use the internet a lot for getting weather forecast’s . We also took a stroll into the old walled town which is very quaint and from the parapets we were able to watch the race goers leaving the marina again in very strong winds.

Race day at Concarneau

We also did a bit of shopping in the market and even though neither of us speaks French we were able to get everything we needed, though at times trying to explain what I wanted was like something out of ello-ello.

We are now in the process of planning our points of call on our journey to La Rochelle which we hope to be at by early June weather permitting. We aim to leave Concarneau tomorrow and head for Ill De Groix which is a small island just west of Lorient, where we will spend a couple of days, one of which will be to cycle round the island.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Route+des+Plages%2FD202&daddr=47.347198,-3.161316&hl=en&sll=47.568187,-2.980042&sspn=0.781098,2.25769&geocode=FZTn1gIdemDL_w%3B&mra=me&mrsp=1,0&sz=10&t=m&z=10

We have finally started our Journey to the Mediterranean, we left Plymouth on Friday 11th May at 14:00hrs and set sail for Fowey, we had originally planned to go on Thursday the 10th but as usual the weather scuppered our plans.  We stayed in Fowey for a couple of nights and on the Saturday we took a coastal walk to Polkeris beach which was about nine miles there and back. Although it was very windy the sun was shining for a change, as we got to Gibbons point on the way back to Fowey and looked out to sea it appeared that every man and his dog was sailing to Fowey so we were not surprised to find another boat rafted up alongside when we got back to Miss Lilly.

Yachts approaching Fowey

Whilst in Fowey we had and un-expected visitor, a rather attractive mallard that had taken a shine to Miss Lilly.

Having scrutinised the weather forecasts we made the decision that the best day to cross the English Channel would be Sunday 13th, our original plan was to go on the Monday. We left Fowey at approximately 12:00, the sky was clear blue but again windy and cold, although we both noticed we had caught the sun. We lost sight of land at 18:47 and crossed into French waters at approximately 23:00hrs. we had hoped that we would be able to catch the tide at the other end so that we could sail straight down the Channel Du Four to Camaret but by 20:30hrs it was clear that we would be too early so we changed course for L’Aber Wrac’h where we moored up to get a couple of hours kip before setting off again for the Channel Du Four and Camaret.

Having arrived in Camaret we planned to spend two or three nights there, during the first night the wind well and truly picked up getting to a force 5/6, and so the boat was rocking about on its mooring so not much sleep was had. On getting up in the morning the sun was shining but the wind was still in full swing, and on looking out to sea it looked rough and uninviting, there was only one mad person out there sailing. Whilst we were in Camaret we met three other couples who were also making their way to the Med, one couple was going via the French canals, the second couple were awaiting a crew to arrive as they intended to cross the Bay of Biscay in one hit, apparently the wife was going to do the sail across Biscay but after crossing the channel had decided against it. The third couple were doing the same as us, no fixed plan but generally heading south.

On looking at the weather to determine the best day to move south it looked like the Wednesday would be the best bet. When we got up the sky was clear blue and with light winds so we were good to go. It appeared that everybody else in the marina had the same idea as there appeared to be a mass exodus from the marina making their way to the Raz De Sien, another passage where you needed to get the tide just right and just for a change we got it spot on making 10.5 knots over the ground at one point.

Raz De Sien

Originally we had planned to sail to Audierne, but the weather was predicted to get very windy again, approximately force 5/6 from a south westerly direction which meant we would not get much shelter in the bay so we made the decision to keep going and head for Concarneau. The trip down was very pleasant brilliant sunshine all the way but again a cold wind, so we were togged up in several layers and wet weather gear to keep warm. At one point Kevin saw a couple of dolphins but by the time I had made my way up on deck (I was making our lunch in the galley) they had gone.
We arrived in Concarneau at about 21.00hrs, and for the first time on our journey we were able to sit out on deck until 22:30 partaking in a glass of wine and a late tea before it got too cold and we had to head below decks.

Oh how the weather changes, during our first night the winds again increased and the rain started, and at one point we even had a thunderstorm. Our first day in Concarneau was spent cleaning, doing the washing and Kevin trying to get the MiFi unlocked to no avail, it turns out that it was a French bank holiday and all the shops were closed. On his return to the boat several other sail boats were getting ready to go off on a race, the preparations and departures in strong winds kept Kevin entertained for a couple of hours before he got bored, he’s not used to having nothing to-do.
On the Friday we again tried to get the MiFi unlogged but apparently in France they can’t do this and we would have to buy a French Dongle and Sim card at an exorbitant price which we can only use in France, so we gave up, although we may end up having to pay up if we can’t get reasonable internet access through free WiFi during our stay in France, we use the internet a lot for getting weather forecast’s . We also took a stroll into the old walled town which is very quaint and from the parapets we were able to watch the race goers leaving the marina again in very strong winds.

Concarneau race day

We also did a bit of shopping in the market and even though neither of us speaks French we were able to get everything we needed, though at times trying to explain what I wanted was like something out of ello-ello.
We are now in the process of planning our points of call on our journey to La Rochelle which we hope to be at by early June weather permitting. We aim to leave Concarneau tomorrow and head for Ill De Groix which is a small island just west of Lorient, where we will spend a couple of days, one of which will be to cycle round the island.

Long Weekend Off

Well we are finally back in Plymouth having spent a few days at home and in the Lake District, the intention was that we would commence the first leg our journey today an sail to Fowey but we have been thwarted again by the weather. Having looked at several different weather sites it look as if tomorrow may be good to go, we will just have to see when we get up.
We had a great few days at home, my daughter Claire came up from Milton Keynes on the Friday to see us, Kevin’s son David was home for the weekend, and we got the chance to see Kevin’s daughter Rachel, her husband Mike and the granddaughters Summer and Taylor. Then on the Tuesday evening we managed to catch up with my son Steven.
On Saturday we headed off to the Lakes to meet up with Kevin’s brother Steve and his family to celebrate his birthday, we took a leisurely drive up the motorway and then on through the south lakes to the north calling in at Ambleside for some lunch and a bit of shopping. When we arrived at the camp site everybody was off on a cycle ride so we took a stroll to the local pub.
When we got back to camp there was still nobody around so we sat in the sunshine awaiting their return, we didn’t have to wait long, Harry was the first back followed by Sophie, Steve Wilshaw and his wife Chris with Steve and Madeline bringing up the rear a few minutes later.
The evening was spent under the Awning of Steve Wlishaw’s Motor home, it was a cold evening and so we all had our jackets on and several  heaters on the go.
The following day Kevin and I decided we would climb Hellvelyn, and Kevin’s brother joined us, it took us two and a half hours to get to the top, we used to do it in two hours, I swear striding edge gets more difficult each time I climb it. The weather was fairly good with just a few snow flurries, with the end of the walk being in sunshine.

Madeline arranged for Sophie to go horse riding, and quad biking for Harry, whilst the Wilshaw’s went off on another bike ride.
That evening Steve had booked a table at the Troutbeck Hotel for a meal but before we went the champagne was opened and we all partook in a glass. The meal was fantastic, we were all spoilt for choice, with Harry managing to polish off all three courses which were adult portions.

On the Monday we set off back home again taking a leisurely drive back which again was in the rain. Tuesday was spent doing the washing and getting everything ready to leave early for Plymouth the next day , with all bags packed and having spent a couple of hours with my son Steven we sat back to have a relaxing evening with a glass of wine.
Wednesday we were up and ready for our taxi pick up at 8:30am, we arrived at the station in plenty of time for the train, the journey took just over 4 hours and most of it, you guessed it, was in the rain. When we arrived in Plymouth we had a couple of busses to catch to the marina we looked like  couple of pack horses with all our gear, on hindsight we should have started bringing stuff down earlier when we had the car. With so little room on the boat we did wonder how we were going to store everything but with some juggling around we managed it. I (Kevin) suspect we have brought far too much as usual, so hopefully after a while we can start to “thin” things out a little.
So with a bit of luck we will be able to set off tomorrow and our next blog will be about the start of our travels.

Finally all jobs competed

Well we are now back home in South Wingfield, we travelled back yesterday (in the rain) after completing all the jobs on Miss Lilly. The past week has been frustrating at times, what with having to dodge the rain showers to get the jobs done, and especially when we were unable to get the radar to work. After much consultation of the manuals which contradict each other and conversations with the men at Raymarine and Mount Batten Chandlers we were informed that we needed another cross over connector, more money. With the connector purchased and installed there were still problems so it was another trip up the mast for Kevin (notice I don’t go up). It turns out there was something not connected correctly, with this rectified the radar worked, whoopee!, everything is now working.
On the Sunday evening it was blowing gale force 8/9, the boat was being blown sideways and at times I had to hold on to the side of the bed to stop me rolling as the bed seemed to be tilted over, so not much sleep was gained that night.
Tuesday and Wednesday were lovely and sunny although the breeze was still cool, it was nice however not to keep having to put wet weather gear on, and be able to sit out on deck for our lunch and an evening aperitif.

Tuesday was wash day, the boat resembled Widow Twankys wash room at one time, still it saved us bringing it back home to wash and then having to cart it back again.
 Wednesday was spent cleaning and polishing, however I bet by the time we get back it will need doing again when the seagulls have finished pooing all over it. After we had finished Kevin suggested a stroll to Mountbatten pier, on the way back we couldn’t resist stopping off at the Bridge for a drink (notice there is a pattern emerging here).

Once back on the boat we noticed we had a missed a call from the other Bev and Kev who we met at Yacht Haven Key, they were over at Sutton Harbour and asked if we would like to join them for a meal. It was then a mad dash to spruce ourselves up and catch the water taxi over to the Barbican to meet them. We ate at a quaint restaurant called Shirley Valentines,  which served Greek/Turkish food, it was very nice but oh boy was it filling, didn’t stop me having a dessert though, dread to think how much weight I have put on since retiring.
Thursday was the trip home, we were up at seven so that we could get an early start, and to drop off our old radar and chart plotter as Bev and Kev the 2nd had decided to buy them off us. With farewells and the agreement to meet next Thursday (weather permitting) to sail to Fowey together, this would be our first stop off on our journey to the Med.
This weekend we are planning to travel to the Lake District to meet up with Kevin’s brother Steve and his family, and Steve and Chris Wilshaw, as its Steve’s birthday (Kevin’s brother), can’t believe it was a year ago since we were last there for Steve’s 50th, where we had a raucous weekend participating in a wine tasting competition and dressing up and reliving the seventies music. I think this weekend will be a much quieter affair, although I am sure the wine will still be flowing.