AL & La Rochelle

Hello Virtual Shipmates

So we have been in La Rochelle for a couple of nights - since the third one is free, we just can't resist!

Since Al arrived a week ago we had a few easy days in Marans - got the second anchor kitted up with a nice new chain & rope in preparation for all those lovely Spanish Rias.  La R is as seductive as always with its 3rd night free, terrific ice cream but a disappointing sardine & squid experience at the P'tit Bateau Bleu.

Tomorrow we set off for Ile d'Oleron - just a short hop but hope to get a nice sailing breeze and make sure that the autopilot is under our control.  (Really this is a matter of good sail set as all you salts will appreciate.)  If we are truly going to the land of Flamenco & tapas, we need a good reliable 3rd hand - and this one doesn't answer back!

Mainly English boats on our pontoon - well, i suppose the French live here anyway.  For yo TV people - Sunny Side of the Doc is on - so lots of overheard conversations about the seamier side of filmmaking.  

OK - time to go and prepare the supper.

Trip from Marans uneventful - little wind; motor on to charge batteries.  Al has new iPhone and is taking pix like .....  anything.  

 Our berth in Marans.  Ducks, reedwarblers as neighbours! This is an old canalgoing to Niort - also a branch to La Rochelle but much of this is not maintained.

And here we are in our berth

Entering the La Rochelle old harbour

New lock gates for the Chaloutieres Bassin - yes, they are big!

Coming soon - Ile de Oleron!