From Belle Île Follyfin turned north and east. As intended we did have a couple of nights in the Golfe de Morbihan, arriving there on Thursday 26th via Port Haliguen marina where essential re-provisioning and washing was accomplished, plus general boat maintenance tasks (ask the skipper). At anchor in about 10 metres over rock and sand, the opportunity to try out the creel again could not be missed. Indeed an interesting crab plus several small fish were trapped.
These were all returned to the watery deep, unlike the two spider crabs that we had caught the previous night just outside Port Haliguen, which were cooked and eaten. Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence (first mate too intent on devouring this very tasty fruit du mer!) but even the skipper, who 'dressed' the crabs agreed that all the effort was well worthwhile.
Leaving this peaceful anchorage on Saturday 28th morning, we turned south and east towards La Turballe where we found a kite festival in full swing. This lifted our spirits considerably after a very wet passage with virtually no wind forcing us to motor nearly all the way. The first really bad weather of this whole trip, so cannot complain - but we were very wet on arrival!
Our stay in La Turballe was originally intended to be for only one night, but high winds on Sunday caused us to change our minds as manoeuvring this large yacht in a very confined space in force 6 wind with many other expensive boats around would have been quite, no, very stressful. Instead we slipped our mooring at 05:45 this morning when there was no wind to speak of at all ... much easier! The dawn sky was stunning but red. Those shepherds really did know what they were talking about as the subsequent heavy rain showers proved.
We didn't mind though because we arrived about an hour later, as planned, just before high water in the historic salt port of Le Croisic. Established as such before the Middle Ages, the salt was used for curing fish and a large sardine fishing fleet was based here. Then in the 19th century it became one of the first swimming resorts. Not many yachts the size of Follyfin can get in to the pretty little harbour because it dries at low tide ... but because of our lifting keel we can.
Quite apart from wanting to visit this place anyway, it is very convenient for crew changes as the railway station is only 300 metres from the harbour. Not only is there a direct line from Nantes, only just over an hour away, but the TGV from Paris comes in here too. And our next crew arrived here this very evening by plane (Gatwick to Nantes) and train: daughter Laurel and her fiancé William. Of course we had to celebrate with a Crepe caramel au beurre salé.
So we have company for our last few days aboard Follyfin before returning to UK by car and ferry on Friday. During this time we hope there will be some serious bonding - skipper and future son-in-law wasted no time in getting down to this.
We also hope to fit in some swimming and fishing although the weather forecast looks a bit dodgy. No matter, in good company one is rarely at a loss especially when there are so many opportunities to sample local delicacies and wine (of course!)
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