Camaret
Magnetic Attraction
Roger and Margaret Pratt
Thu 25 Jun 2009 21:07
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A Lazy Day!
After writing yesterday everything speeded up -
just a bit! As we came down the Chenal du Four (early - it was about 2pm)
we had the tide against us around 3+ knots. But more importantly, the wind
decided to be assertive and we saw 35 knots. Didn't feel that serious, as
we were going downwind and the swell hadn't built up. But by the time we
got to the La Four light Roger decided that a reef was required (in case we
strained the sail.) (Everything had been straining for about an hour and a
half - I had been hanging on to the lazy jib sheet in case there was an
unexpected yaw, and even RCP was standing close enough to the binnacle to grab
if required.) Rounding up and getting the reef in was easier than either
of us expected - and then of course the wind instantly faded, and by the time we
reached the Pointe St matthieu the motor was back on. Can only think it
was the "exposed headland" effects reinforcing the wind. It wasn't the sea
breeze, as the direction remained due E, over the land.
We picked up bouy 39 in the outer harbour in
Camaret, and settled down at about 8pm. Landfall tradition
activated - champagne opened to the approbation of passing frenchmen, whom
Roger toasted. Neither of us was overly hungry, so biscuits and cheese was
just fine.
Today has been focused on trying to get the WiFi to
work with Vista on his machine (FAILED) and then tring to find a network to log
into (only partial success - the boat yaws about too much.) In further
pursuit of tradition we went ashore for moules frites at lunchtime - at the
restaurant Styvel we had their best. Frites were wonderful and vast
quantities of moules in an unusual sauce - not the classic mariniere, but with
onions, carrots(?!) leeks and courgettes and quantities of melted cheese.
Not much juice so I assume no wine. I remain unsure - tasty but....
both if us remain well. We went on to top up with veg and specials (Iles
flottantes, croques messieurs at the Super U. Berthing is 13.8 euros/night
- just for the buoy!
I also wanted to keep a track of my reading.
I've just finished Thaler & Sunstien's "Nudge" which is about the design of
choice architecture to aid social marketing; and have now moved on to reread
Elizabeth Longford's Victoria RI. This evening we're about to go ashore
again to visit the Tour Vauban and the end of the mole - an evening
constitutional.
Have had a number of emails from friends -
Marie-Christine who is about to go back to Turkey, and Carol to say that Joan's
funeral went as well as could be expected. Tomorrow I shall hope to hear
that my successor at the London SCG has been appointed.
Off to Loctudy tomorrow I hope on the early
tide..... the south going stream starts at 6.40 so it will be a rude
awakening!
The weather is still looking very unhelpful, smack
on the nose, for several days. Looks like Brittany for another
week!
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