Lihou Island

Now the tourists have left along with the migrating birds, we decided to talk a walk across to Lihou island.
Scanning the tide table and having watched the approach of spring tides all day, picnic safely in our back pack we set off across the causeway.

 

 

 

 

We found you can hire the self catering cottage which can be hired - sleeps up to 30 people and there was a family and friend all geared for what looks to be a great party tonight.  The kids certainly enjoyed the tractor drive across.

 

 

 

 

Once the scrum of 12 or so had all reached the island we all set off in different directions and the strange beauty of the place haunts you as you walk around. For the archaeologists amongst you there are the old ruins of the Prior to explore.

 

 

It only takes an hour to walk all the way around and we could see that in spring and summer it must be really beautiful with all the little alpine like flowers in full bloom . 

 

 

I can not make up my mind whether I like the rocks exposed by the low tide or not but I'll be back in summer to study the birds once they have returned to their breeding spots.

 

 



Where have all the flowers gone?

We arrived to an island bursting with bloom.  Hundreds of wild flowers everywhere we walked.

I couldn't help notice in this morning's soft fog that winter is on its way. Flowers are but a memory turned into seed heads, preparing for next spring.

I wonder what the island will be like in winter ?

Jewels from the sea - Sea glass from Guernsey shores

I have a new hobby. Collecting sea glass deposited on the various beaches when I go walking with Peace.

Then Brian and I turn the glass jewels into something unique and beautiful.
Made with love.

Out the Blue

Brian had to be shown "how to fish" in Guernsey as even the daily mackerel dried up on the Pier.

So the local lads called around one Wednesday morning to take him off to experience the fishing waters from a boat.

Out the blue

Great boat, great skipper and even better, fish for supper.

Plenty more and plenty of smoked mackerel during the week. I knew that smoker we carted from South Africa 11 years ago would come in useful one day.

Tracks in the sand

The morning walks have now had to become a morning run. Too much of the good life enjoying sunsets with a glass of wine around the fire!

When the huffing and puffing starts to take over, nothing better than pausing for breath to view

the beauty around us like these tidal tracks in the sand.

Where are the fish?

Spent all weekend in beautiful weather watching B casting.  No fish by us, but then nobody across the way appeared to be catching either.
Didn't dare tell B that Nicky's partner caught a 7lb bass over the weekend so the fish are there. Either we were not in the right place or .... you know there is always a fisherman's explanation !
Think I will take an old rod and Scarborough and do a bit of crabbing myself next time!

The French influence

Take a wander up from the marina and you enter the shopping haven of St Peter Port. The little boutiques give the town a distinct French feel.  The narrow cobbled streets and shops with names like Little Ginger en Provence next to Joules, adorned with the hanging baskets have lots of treasures to discover.

For those in peril on the sea........

Armed forces week here in Guernsey

Saturday saw the culmination of the celebrations in this island steeped in battle history.

The RNLB had an open day with the Spirit of Guernsey on show. Many a small boy clutching his father's hand was seen to be clambering on board and exploring every nook and cranny.

On this bright sunny morning it is hard to believe that this relatively small but high tech boat is needed on rough and stormy nights for all these yachts and fishing boats moored in the harbour.

All one has to do is look at the number of boats in the marinas to know that these brave men of the RNLB could be all there is between life and death around these ever changing tides and currents around the Channel Isles.

I am sure sombre thoughts were far away as both kids and adults enjoyed the model boat display whilst basking in the sun. All in all a very festive atmosphere at the marina.

My favourite was this yacht " Feel Good".  Fancy marina life?   Come and visit Guernsey.

The mail is in ......

I just love this island.  Driving into work each morning the news is always updated with

" The mail and newspapers landed this morning on time " or " the newspapers are in but the mail is delayed" etc.

Where else in the world would you get this news?

Blowing in the wind....

Well the wind blew a blustery 50 miles an hour this weekend but we did not let it dampen our spirits.
The sun still came out and everything sparkled under the bright blue skies.
Brian had intentions of clay pigeon shooting so we duly set off to the club in Torteval. An hour and a half and we were truly lost.-  So lost that we could not even find the sea!
After some very tense moments between driver and navigator we found a local cyclist who roared with laughter as well as trying to sound sympathetic.
Back on track we eventually found the hidden track to the shooting grounds to find they had finished shooting for the day. Never mind at least we know where to find it in 2 weeks time when they meet again.

 

"A holiday romance that lasted a lifetime...."

16 June All settled in

At last we have finished the unpacking and have started to find our way around. Guernsey may only be 24 square miles in size but you can still get lost. Yes seriously, it can be daunting negotiating the narrow lanes with a large truck or bus approaching from the opposite direction. Whoever has the pavement on their side, rides up to allow traffic through -  and beware the pedestrians!
There is this wonderful filter system where everyone politely takes it in turn letting the next car in. It keeps the traffic moving very effectively.

You don't pay for parking in Guernsey but you have to buy the parking clock for £2.00. When you arrive at the car park you set the time on your "clock" and make a mental note to return in  2hrs or 3hrs time accordingly.

 

 I believe the fines are pretty steep if you out stay your time.  We have exchanged our UK licences for those of the Bailiwick and reregistered our car.  Social security numbers have arrived and we have our tax coding. 

Every where you look there are signs of defence systems. Defence against the elements

and defence against potential invaders.

The above photos have a beauty about them. WWW2 didn't have this same
architectural style. The harsh concrete bunkers jar with the beauty of the landscape and the evidence of the "occupation" are everywhere to be seen.  A reminder to how the world can go mad, even in a beautiful spot like Guernsey.

6 June - Fishing being the order of the day.

You can't live on an island and not learn about the fishing. We have watched locals clambering over rocks and digging in the sandy rock pools collecting their bait for the day's fishing.

It appears that everyone owns a boat of some sort. From little dinghies with an 8hp motor in the coves, to full blown trawlers kept off St Peter Port.

The variation in the height of the tide is enormous here in Guernsey so I would not recommend setting off to sea unless you go with a local who knows the tides, currents and rocks around the island.  It wouldn't be difficult to make the local newspaper headlines "Boat runs aground on rocks....".

Personally I prefer to stay on terra firma playing with Peace in the water.

Peace thinks she is in heaven and can't get enough of the beach and water.

30 May Walking with Peace

Up early morning with Peace and Brian, we have time to explore before setting off to work.
The fog has a tendency to roll in from the sea early morning to burn off later under the sun.  There is an ethereal beauty about the island with its abundance of flowers,

 granite out crops

 

 

and sandy beaches.

I find it hard to believe that this gem of an island has fallen out of favour with tourists.

Europe's best kept secret.  We enjoy every moment walking with Peace.

25 May 2013 Arriving in Guernsey

We woke to a beautiful sunny morning and hastily packed the last of our belongings and set off as a family - Brian, Peace (our lab), Trouble (the parrot) and myself.

Arriving in St Peter Port, Guernsey, we were met by Mr John Hicks who helped us clear our belongings which had required permits through customs.  In true Guernsey style he led us through the maze of tiny narrow lanes to Dewerstone Cottage, our new home.

This cottage is actually 2 granite cottages joined together making a beautiful comfortable home.

Complete with a well laid garden to enjoy the summer evenings.

And like a lot of properties, it's own fresh water well!

Our Guernsey adventure has started.