Le Weekend en France au bord de la mer ...
Sunday morning and everyone is here. Last evening we counted over 100 boats, large and small, anchored off this beautiful beach on the SE corner of the island of Houat (pronounced like 'that' but with 'w' instead of the 'th') a few miles SE of the much larger Belle Isle. So this morning we decided to beach Follyfin, get away from them all for a few hours and do some essential maintenance requiring us to be on dry land.
Shortly after my last post, the weather deteriorated. I spoke too soon. This didn't dampen our enthusiasm for the great little town of La Roche Bernard, still on the Vilaine, where fresh moules were enjoyed for lunch before setting off on Shanks's pony to investigate winter berthing opportunities. Spares were duly collected in Arzal on Wednesday and further research on winter berthing proved fruitful: this is where we will winter Follyfin this year, sheltered behind the substantial Arzal barrage and out of the water. With a high pressure forecast for the weekend, we headed out to sea again on Thursday, south along the coast towards the attractive fishing town of Piriac-sur-mer. The entrance to the large marina stuck on the outside of the town is tricky, not accessible in all weathers nor at all tides. But we made it and were rewarded with dinner Chez Grand-Mere, a small restaurant off the beaten track stumbled upon whilst exploring the town. Now in the Loire region, the wine had to be savoured also. The sunset over the tidal entrance made up for the very public public toilet spotted on the sea-front.
Early Friday Follyfin pointed south-west towards Houat, despite overcast skies and light winds contradicting weather forecasters (so what's new?). This slow sail afforded a fruitful fishing opportunity: 3 mackerel, small, medium and large so that was supper sorted. Right on cue, the sun came out and has been shining ever since. At last I have managed to swim in the sea - better late than never!
Houat is gorgeous with an other-worldly feeling, no cars but lots of fishing boats and unusual flora. Unfortunately we didn't have it to ourselves for long ... Friday night and anyone and everyone with a boat that floats arrived to join us.
So Saturday morning we moved round to the other side of the island, hoping for some seclusion. Hadn't reckoned with the French Weekend though (mental note for next time: keep to mid-week, not in July). Sunset was good though!
Have decided to stay for another day and enjoy some more sand, sun, sea-bathing.
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