Stargazer, satisfied to have just secured the last place on the scenic visitor pontoon, contemplates the statuesque Scots Pines and silver sand beaches. As a posse of paddlers puts to sea.
This morning Stargazer sailed from Roscoff, before even the fishing fleet was astir.
To catch the tumbling, racing, turn of the tide off the Ile d'Batz. Here the Morlaix ebb meets the outpouring of the Channel, into the Atlantic. Throwing up a bouncy ride. But compensating with an eight knot speed over the ground.
The waters smooth as Stargazer races west. The sun rising astern.
By mid morning, Ile Vierge is abeam. Stargazer's marker to begin the southbound leg of her summer cruise.
As we bear off, a local boat bobs out from amongst the fangs of rock. Which the lighthouse guards. Beneficiary of a hidden channel. Used, no doubt, to cheat the tide. For she is eastbound. A reminder too, that the westbound conveyor belt, which Stargazer rides, is within an hour of reversing.
Stargazer stands on. Speed over the ground dropping, as the tidal assistance falls away. Tip toes around the Libenter channel marker. And picks up the L'Aber Wrac'h flood. Funneled inshore behind the ria's natural walls of granite. Where the waters are calm.
I furl the jib, to rig lines and fenders, as Stargazer picks her way up river. Slipping along at four knots. The chime of her bow wave is the only sound to break the silence.
We follow the stone built channel markers in. Counting them off.
Enchanted by the juxtaposition of neatly manicured buildings and their wild and craggy surroundings.
Until we find our tranquil berth, amid the birdsong, beneath the Scots Pines.
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