Wednesday 22^nd April 2015 – 16/52 – Pembroke to St. Peter Port

Despite the bright sunshine there was a strong headwind blowing at Pembroke Bay as I arrived to commence my weekly walk. The scene was quite spectacular as the tide was high and waves were crashing over the grey concrete apron that spreads the length of the bay. I waited until 10am before commencing the walk, but no one else turned up, and I had not heard of anyone joining me today, so I set off solo with the wind driving directly into my body.

The strong wind meant that it was a rugged and spectacular view out to sea as I wound my way around L’Ancresse Bay and onwards to Fort le Marchant, but the weather was not deterring the dog walkers, who I always see whenever I am walking in this area. Once going around the point and on towards Fontenelle Bay I was hoping for some respite from the wind, but this was not to be, and in fact it felt even stronger as I pounded through the pebbly path and onwards to Fort Doyle. Approaching Beaucette Marina I was greeted with the melodious clanging of the ropes on the metal masts of the yachts in the Marina, a familiar noise in weather conditions like today.

The relative calm and tranquility of the country lanes provided a welcome relief from the wind I had endured since commencing my walk, and with the warm sun it was very pleasant as I continued my rural pathway. I thoroughly enjoy walking through the lanes as it is so peaceful and quiet and there is always plenty to see, including sheep and Guernsey goats, who appeared to be enjoying the warm sun and an opportunity to have a nap.

Once rejoining the coastal path I was somewhat concerned by the amount of cow parsnip that is growing on either side of the paths: I certainly got the impression it is getting somewhat out of hand and taking over huge areas. The States have been spraying some parts in order to try and keep on top on this continuous growth.

Around Bordeaux I was again exposed to the strong wind but as I wound my way around the harbour I was fascinated to watch the seagulls, almost motionless and in formation, suspended in position by the strong breeze. There were plenty of cars at Bordeaux kiosk but nobody appeared to be venturing out of their vehicles, preferring to eat and drink inside!

On towards Vale Castle and then inland and through The Bridge, with the sound of the masts rattling again in the strong windy conditions. The wind had not hampered my progress and I was making good time as I passed through the South Side and on towards Bulwer Avenue. It is surprising how much can change in a month, with the Filling Station project along the front making huge strides, the gap which was there now being built in. I passed the site of the now-missing bus shelter that was demolished by a bus some days previously, wondering how long it will be before it is replaced.

I made good progress along the pathway on the seaward side of the Admiral Park area and then on and into my finishing point in St Peter Port, arriving around mid-day. Another leg of the challenge completed, with the sun still shining but no let up in the wind.