Guernsey to France

Sorry, this is a bit of a catch-up updater as we've had a busy and entertaining time since the last post.

We had a slightly uncertain, 'will-we, won't we?' departure from Guernsey after a couple of days exploring (and with Barbara and Steve taking the ferry to walk the coastal path of the neighbouring island of Herm); the fog rolled in.

Visibility decreasing

Five minutes later!

Thankfully it began to burn off just after lunch which was perfect for our planned departure to Lezardrieux in Brittany. As soon as we left the southern coast of the island astern, the fog lifted completely and we had warm sunshine, though precious little wind for the 50 mile passage.

We managed to fly the Irish Flag for a while and took a detour through a patch of water which we'd normally give a very wide berth.

The shallows and rocks of Plateau de Barnouic are marked by a stone beacon to the east and a cardinal mark to the west. In strong winds and currents this would be a dangerous place to drift into but we sailed through it.

The Barnouic beacon just visible beside the forestay

We arrived into the Trieux river just before dusk and with the rising tide pushing us nicely up river to the visitors' mooring pontoon opposite the marina. Having been here last year made it a less stressful arrival for the navigator and we enjoyed the rocky scenery as we approached Lezardrieux.

The bridge at Lezardrieux was  covered in scaffolding last year; now fully restored

A day here gave us the option for a good coastal hike, a restock of food and wine and a fantastic meal at the Auberge de Treiux, an excellent and popular restaurant where we were lucky to bag the last table.

Our next trip was around to Paimpol, another favourite haunt from last year. The coastline here on the Rose Granite Coast is imposing and a challenge for the navigator in the large tidal range. We managed to sail with a following wind to a lunch stop at the Ile de Brehat.

As the crow flies it's only 3 miles to Paimpol, but by boat it's closer to 10

Detail of the rocky channels of the Ile de Brehat

Barbara in photo mode

The drying harbour of Loguivy de la Mer

Local hazards to navigation

Our lunchtime anchorage, with rain squalls

Our lunch stop allowed us to take the rising tide up to the lock gates of Paimpol and the place was very busy with local and visiting boats - we'd happened to coincide with the last day of a Breton folk festival.

Waiting for the lock to open

A busy port. Maunie was rafted alongside a Jersey yacht.

Traditional Breton dancing, with bagpipes

Lunch of Breton Galetes at Les Alizes - the owner recognised us from last year and was very welcoming.

A sailing trawler from 1914

Steve and Barbara enjoying the 'harbour cinema' 

We all enjoyed the contrast of the two French ports and planned further coastal voyaging to the west over the next few days. The weather, however, had other ideas.....