09:00 to 15:30 – 6.5 hours to do 28 miles. When leaving Port Haliguen to go North you have to take a wide birth around the rocks. There is a very attractive lighthouse on the rocks.
The tide was running against us in the morning and in the afternoon the wind blew up, on the nose again. We saw French boats tacking through the wind over the rocky areas going into Port Louis but we played it safe. The sails had to come down as the wind was a struggle to steer against. There are some impressive large racing yachts in Lorient which were being put through their paces. It is a very busy harbour with everything from ferries to canoes, full vigilance required.
We came to Lorient on our way down, but were turned away from Port Louis due to a festival. This time the lovely young lady in the dorey boat directed us to a pontoon and even took our ropes.
They are building a new Marina office, therefore the facilities are currently in Porta-cabins, but are good, clean and free. The marina is 28 euros per night.
The lady informed us there was a market in the streets of Port Louis tonight so we went straight out for a look. They were setting up, so we went back to the boat for tea and ventured out again later.
Our chambers of commerce would do well to heed this lesson as the evening market was a roaring success. All the businesses, cafes and restaurants all stayed open and the place was buzzing, just for the sake of a few road closures, no drama, just common sense.
This man was selling ‘Tarte Flambe’ which are like thin Pizzas, cooked over a large wood burner. The safety elf would have an apoplexy. People then ate their tartes on bench seats, at long tables, under a homemade tarpaulin, easy and fun for all the family.
Many different types of stalls lined several streets and a party atmosphere was helped along by street singers, bands and young people outside a bar drumming along to music, different but enjoyable. I managed to squeeze in a chocolate crepe and we bought 4 flavoured sausages.
9th July – Wednesday
Jobs day. Thoroughly cleaned the boat, she has done us proud so far and needed treating. Mick changed all the oils and filters and serviced the engine. We rewarded our efforts with a Full French Breakfast, everything was French except the Beans and Sausage.
We managed to wet the bed, as we (he) left a window open during servicing which was not shut during washing. Slightly embarrassing looking sheets to hang out.
Full wash and brush up of ourselves and the boat prior to our night out. I know… another. That’s 2 in 2 weeks. Joy.
The pizza restaurant Il Pirata had been recommended by Gordon and Louise. We located it on the night of the market and were eager to try it. The Pizza’s were excellent, with ample toppings and lovely thin crusts. We put pictures on Facebook and got many comments. Let’s face it, people like pizza.
We had a walk around the Citadel, it was a lovely sunny night and a good end to a days hard work.
10th July – Thursday
Very sad news from home regarding the death of a work colleague and friend, once again re-enforces our trip. We then took some time to gather our thoughts and headed to town as previously planned.
Lorient is a large town about the size of Manchester, but with sea. The streets are on a grid pattern and are mostly modern, presumably due to the war. We paid only 2.70 euros for a ferry from Port Louis Marina to Port de Peche, and a bus (quarter past and quarter to the hour from the marina) into town. Bargain.
Had a good look around, it’s strange now living on a boat with limited space that shopping has lost some of its appeal, and I don’t need anything and we have nowhere to put it anyway. (Yes I did just say that).
Picture of Mick pointing out the boat location with a bagette.
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