Dandelion 18

 

Stargazer lies beside a Chasse-Maree (traditional French lugger. Literally: ‘Tide Hunter’), on the weathered stone quayside, of Saint Vaast La Hougue. Where time moves at a stately pace. 

Thunder clouds rumble by overhead. Leaving a stilled peace, and vivid colours, in their wake. 

Beyond the harbour gates, the tide rises and falls.

Covering, before revealing anew, the rocky bed, of the drying approaches to the fishing port.

Where sacks, of cultivated oysters, perch on weed festooned tables. Opening their shells, to sift nutrients from the sea. Closing, on contact with the atmosphere. Fattening for market.

Out in the bay, the silver sand beaches, of the Ile Tatihou, take a dip, twice daily. Plunging, before emerging dripping and refreshed

Daytime tides are favourable, and strong, over the coming days. Winds fickle and tricky to forecast. Shaped by local effects. It will be a matter of seizing a chance, when it offers. For Stargazer’s onward passage.