When Neptune Shows Who's Boss!

Like the south west coast of the UK, Guernsey has had her fair share of battering from the elements t. Fishermen battened down the hatches and hid their boats in "safe" harbors.  This didn't always protect them though as this poor chap found out.

Neptune picked this boat up and deposited her high and dry on the rocks. It could have been worse. She wasn't smashed to pieces.

The west coast has suffered the most with the wall breached at Vazon and L'Eree as starters. But out of the chaos, the sea gods always hand back marvels for fleeting moments for us to wonder over.
With the massive spring tide the long forgotten peat beds were exposed for the first tie in 70 years and along with them the signs of an ancient woodland which would have stretched the whole way to France.

Better look quickly though. The changing sands are all ready starting to cover this hidden treasure.

The black "rocks" are peat. It's like walking on a trampoline when you step on it. Peace was far more interested in having a splash.  So we sent her for morning run along the beach the lazy way.  - tennis racket and ball.

Others were far more energetic. Making the most of the early waves as the tide starts to turn.

Admittedly hardly Hawaii size breakers but then it was low tide.

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!