En France 57

 

The scowling skies, of Stargazer's arrival, do not last for long.

The sun soon breaks through. Filling the Ile Tudy ferry with sightseers.

Bathing the enticing up-harbour coves in its warming glow.

Bringing Katy-Dee, with Roger at the helm, in from his anchorage among the Iles de Glenan. Where he sat out the fog.

First met on the Gironde. Last seen on Oleron. Roger from Chatham. Katy Dee moored on the Vilaine river. They tuck into the vacant berth alongside Stargazer. 

Roger comes aboard for a coffee and a catch up. Only to be phoned by the Arzal Lock. Due to the drought, the sea-lock into the Vilaine river (dammed as a drinking water resevoir) is to be closed. To conserve water. Katy-Dee must return forthwith, or find alternative accommodation for the winter. Roger drains his mug, fills Katy-Dee's water tanks and sets sail.

The wind is fair, from the west ; but light. It will be a long night, under engine, for the two of them. As they race to beat the closure deadline.