Ile de Ouessant

Friday, January 30, 2015

Ile de Ouessant

Follow us on Twitter: @UnlikelyVoyager

Saturday, July 19, 2014

This morning, the fog lifted, leaving the island in front of us covered with low lying clouds. The sun came up and after a brief breakfast of muesli and toast with Marmite (gaining us many points with the Brits on-board, who had never met Americans who liked this tasty spread), we took off for the island. Rendezvous at 3 pm, or should I say 15:00 hours, for the next leg of our sail sail.

We briefly visited the islands small village, bought sandwiches and wine for a picnic, sent some postcards to parents and kids, and set off for a long walk.

The town from the landing

Dominated by its unique church tower

The Islands landscape is classic barren sea-scape: the ground covered with ferns that are constantly rustled by a breeze, the houses all with the same architecture, all of them made of concrete with two chimneys, one on each side of the house. The gardens, most of them tended, are in full bloom, especially hydrangeas.

A walkers paradise

Agnes in the harbor

Characteristic architecture

Our destination was one of the several lighthouses on the island. We walked about 5 miles and after reaching the lighthouse, we took pictures, and toured the shop of a local craftsman, then started looking for a good picnic spot.

The lighthouse in sight

At our destination

John was very tempted by these handmade weather vanes

Colorful outdoor display case

The further lighthouses

John decided we should take the grassy trail that followed the coastline and its cliffs. Wonderful views of the water and shore. We soon found the perfect spot.

You must click on these images to view them in a larger size

Our picnic spot

The grass on the trail was mowed and the trail looked more like a park path that is constantly being kept up. Grass bordering the trail was very soft and plump. John called it "springy turf": you feel like you are walking on springs. Very cool.

Johns shortcut home

The scenery was worth the walk!

That way lies England

While walking back, we saw the town was closed and all the residents were home in their backyards having lunch al fresco. Such nice traditions.

Peeking into backyards

The flowers here are trained to grow in perfect bouquets, of course.

Time for one quick drink!

At 15 hours, the Blue Peter was flying, and Luke was ready to pick us up for our next destination, Isle de Molene, a 2 hour sail.

John & Mark look happy during a brief drizzle

Who needs foul weather gear? Its a water sport!

Back on Agnes we sailed past the famous light house that is in every stormy picture in the world. Voila!!

Sailing fast towards Molene

My favorite seat -- on the windlass

The view aft.
Yes, that is a knife on the mast. In case of prates?

The ride to Molene was quick and quiet. We arrived at the island of Molene just before sunset, at about 8:30pm. Knowing that we had at least another hour and a half of sunshine, we organized a little trip to the shore.