9th August - A Surprise meet-up in Cherbourg

Do you speak Garlic?

We woke late (unusually) to blazing sun, blue sky, zephyr breeze and snatches of passing French conversation.  Breakfast was leisurely, finishing off in the baking cockpit with coffees, teas and sunblocks, before setting off for our re-introduction to uptown Cherbourg.

We checked out our favourite restaurant “Le Vauban” on the way to our chosen coffee-spot- the “Café del ’Etoile” where a ringside table was available as we arrived.  Cherbourg is the place to be on a sunny Summer market day, and as ever, we marvelled contentedly at the shapes, sizes, fashions, and diversities of the constantly milling crowds.

Fast food-don't mind the smoke

The market was its usual delight— no matter how often, it is a real treat to wander amongst the stalls large and small, all over-burdened with every type of produce.

On board "Valkyrie"

On the way back to the boat we were surprised to see that “Valkyrie” had berthed nearby, so we went  to greet our friends Roger and Jack from Yarmouth. We had a great welcome on board, and an impromptu cheese and wine party to boot.

Valkyrie was en route to Alderney, about 25 miles west, and Roger showed us the still-live lobster he was taking to a friend.

As they were leaving, using superb boat-handling skills, Roger manoeuvred  his 42-ft boat around to “Middle Watch” to collect an ensign passed to them in a fishing net by Gill.

Passing the flag

The rest of the day was mostly relaxing in the sun, with a trip to the shower block and a little refreshment at the Yacht Club while taking in some  TV action of the Olympics. A great day!