Cruising Landfalls: Memories and Inspirations

This is a time for fond memories of landfalls made; and of anticipation of landfalls to come.

Whether you are reminicing or seeking inspiration, here are some of my favourite landfalls from past cruises .

There are two pictures for each of landfall. I've given a cryptic clue, to the location, in the title above each pair of photographs. The locations are given in the final section, headed "Answers." Enjoy your plans and memories!

 

GARDEN CITY


 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN WELCOME

 

 

 

 

 

DEVON JEWEL

 

 

 

 

CHAISE LONGUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME TOWN BUOY

 

 

 

ROSE TINTED SPECTACLE

 

 

 

 

 

UNDER THE ARCHES

 

 

 

 

 

OUT IN THE BAY

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHERN FORT - ITUDE

 

 

 

 EN - GULF - ED

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASQUE LANDS BECKON

 

 

ANSWERS

 

GARDEN CITY:                        St Malo
                                                    The Grand Jardin lighthouse, St Servan waterfront

NORTHERN WELCOME:        Dunkerque
                                                    Mermaid buoy in the offing, Inner harbour

DEVON JEWEL:                        Dartmouth
                                                     Day Mark, Castle

CHAISE LONGUE;                    Noirmoutier
                                                     Lighthouse, La Chaise anchorage

HOME TOWN BUOY:               Poole
                                                     Anvil Point, Brownsea Castle

ROSE TINTED SPECTACLE:   Ploumanac'h
                                                     Wave sculpted Granite Rose, Man made chateau of Granite Rose

UNDER THE ARCHES:            Morlaix
                                                     The winding river channel, The Viaduct

OUT IN THE BAY:                    Ile d'Yeu
                                                      Lighthouse, Harbour

SOUTHERN FORT - ITUDE:    Boyardville, Ile d'Oleron
                                                      Low tide at Fort Boyardville and off the breakwater

EN - GULF - ED:                        Golfe du Morbihan, Vannes
                                                      Port Navalo lighthouse, Vannes cathedral

BASQUE LANDS BECKON:    La Rochelle
                                                      Vieux Port towers, city walls (with Stargazer beneath them).

 



Santa the Seafarer.

A flotilla approaches Poole Quay. It's lead by two lifeboats. They are draped with tinsel. This is no RNLI rescue "shout."



A crowd gathers on the quayside. A stout, white whiskered man, dressed in scarlet, steps ashore. A cry goes up from the crowd: "Santa has landed in Poole."



Up by The Fishermen's Dock, Santa's Helpers prepare to meet him. This is no chance landing. It has been planned in advance.



Santa steps ashore to meet the crowd. Young hands stretch out to touch his magic robes; make Christmas wishes. Santa smiles and guffaws throatily and shakes hands.



Meanwhile, the Helpers harness reindeer to a waiting sleigh. This is definitely a carefully choreographed visit. But why would Santa visit Poole at his busiest time of the year? Shouldn't he be making for his grotto at the North Pole?



Santa climbs aboard his sleigh and waves to the crowd.



An elf takes up the reins, and calls to the reindeer, in a strange tongue. The sleigh moves off with a jangling of festive bells.



The Dolphin Marching Band escort the sleigh, as it sets off north. Bound where I wonder?

 Can it be that Santa's Grotto lies, not at the North Pole; but to the North of Poole?


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Location:Santa's Grotto, North Poole