21st June 2018
To learn the tides and currents in this area, our first trip out of Port Chantereyne Harbour was accompanied with 40 years of local knowledge, French sailor Olivier Mennier and his Canadian/French partner Dana Zaruba. What a fantastic few days with good company and to learn so much. Our destination was the closest of the Channel Islands …. Alderney. 25nm from Cherbourg but only 15 kms off the coast of France it is self governing British Crown dependent, not part of the European Union neither does it have anything to do with France. With a population of 1,980 on 8 km2 of land, they even have their own currency but cash it in before you leave because no other country wants it. During WW11 after the Germans invaded France then Alderney, Hitler was delighted to have taken small piece of Britain. He turned the small island into labour camps with his worst SS Generals overseeing them. This fascinating little island with its cobblestone footpaths, charming old buildings and homes has so much history and such wonderful friendly people who have plenty of mysteries and tales to tell.
Looking like rocks are actual German bunkers still spotted around the landscape.
A rocky outcrop to the west of Alderney is the breeding sanctuary for the cute little Puffin. Even with it’s webbed feet and chubbiness, it can fly and dive underwater for food. They have no need for human company and do not visit the main land preferring to keep to themselves.
The only Puffin seen on the island….
They are so cute I am putting a photo of a puffin from Mr Google for you to see.
We enjoyed good old British fish and chips for lunch, all gluten free with a local beer.
German SS accommodation where ‘ladies of the night’ would kept them entertained. A rail line barely noticeable in the sand allowed quick mobility of artillery from the small side door.
Happy little piggies in a free range pig farm.
The woman who owns this property, at her own expense, looks after any neglected horse from anywhere in the UK. They live the rest of their lives out here, fed, loved and faith restored in humans.
Sailing back to Chergbourg…..
