A Yeu fisherman patiently checks his net. Hauling it in, the traditional way, hand over hand. Picking out the weed but retrieving no fish. As his dory rides the swell sure-footedly beneath him.
His boat is almost identical in design to the Poole Bay Punt. Where the requirement is similar: a stable seaworthy craft of strong, simple construction, able to beach land through surf.
Overhead, a twenty first century helicopter taxi buzzes busily to and from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, on the mainland. Ferrying time poor, financially well-to-do, carbon footprint indifferent, weekend visitors.
On the quayside, cycle traffic rises to fever pitch. All seats are filled, beneath the brightly coloured bistro sun awnings.
A trawler inspects its nets, after unloading the catch at a slipway. Putting a little something aside, for discerning face to face fresh fish aficionados.
Tonight, the northerly Vent Nocturne is forecast to blow heartily. Tapering off through the morning. Stargazer hopes to catch it in its passage-making prime, around dawn, to hitch a ride south.
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