Wednesday 14th August 2013
Wednesday morning was hot and sunny with little or no wind - we planned to explore the town and do a little shopping but when we checked the weather forecast for Thursday it gave force 5 with occasional 6 !!!
We decided to leave straight away and forfeit the next nights charges ( not easy to get refunds).
We motored out in company with a fleet of racing yachts all serious machines - they headed south as we headed for the Gull channel inside the notorious Goodwin sands sandbank.
The sea was smooth all the way to Deal and was comfy until we reached the shipping lanes where it became a bit lumpy but not too bad.
We had to run parallel to the traffic until two very big ships passed - then we had a good run across - aiming a bit West of the compulsory right angle crossing to keep the wind in the sails and make a course past Cap Gris Nez - the headland which is the nearest point to England.
We made a good course around the headland and passed a motor boat escorting a channel swimmer!
We eased the sheets and flew along south although the tide was now against us for the run down to Bolougne - Jackie decided to trail a fishing line - but we were doing 5.5 knots with no engine !
She caught a fish !!
But the poor little thing was being dragged through the water so fast that it was pulled off the hook and gone !
We arrived in Bolougne at about 6 pm and crashed out after tea - cream crackered.
Thursday 15th August 2013
A bit overcast this morning - so a leisurely start and a nice continental breakfast.
Shopping in the Carefore supermarket and then the famous Bolougne fish market - heaven !!
We cooked our live seafood in the massive pot that we keep on board for the job - then went for a walk up to the old walled part of town but found all the shops were closed - strange.
It was a local holiday for a fete !
We waited and waited for the precession to start then gave up and went back to the marina for tea.
Then we heard all the marching bands parading around the town for the massive crowds that turned out.
Just what we love - eating !!
A seafood extravaganza with G&T and wine - fresh French bread and a fruit merange desert.
After tea we walked to the beach and sat with a beer in the last of the sunshine - glorious.
As we walked back through the park we came across a music festival with quite good music - lovely.
Quite a day!!
Mike and Jackie Smethurst,
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