Wednesday 15th. July 2015 – 28/52 –Pembroke Bay to St. Peter Port

Having lived on an island for some 33 years now, I get a clear indication of the current weather conditions when the presenter of the local Radio Station says ” there are no flights getting into Guernsey and none going out”. These were the words that greeted me as I sat and had my breakfast prior to taking on today’s walk. Not surprisingly when I arrived at Pembroke Bay the weather was dull, wet and not at all pleasant, but the seagulls didn’t seem to mind it as they strategically stood around the sandy beach sometimes putting their heads to one side as if to protect themselves from the wind. I was pleased to see Clive S turn up to join me on the walk as it is always good to have some companionship on dull days like today.

We set off towards Fort Le Marchant and quickly approached the car park, which I think we both feel is the most popular car park on the island for dog walkers, as, irrespective of weather we always seem to come across them whenever we are on this side of the island, today being yet another good example. Approaching Fort Le Marchant is quite the opposite, quiet and deserted, as we never hear any gunfire or see the red flag out whenever we are in this area.

The weather was improving as the forecast had predicted and it wasn’t long before we were skirting around Beaucette Marina and heading towards the quiet rural lanes and onwards to Bordeaux. I always enjoy the sea views across to the other islands but today was a totally different view as we peered across the water to a grey, misty murky scene that was in total contrast to the clear, bright blue shimmering sea view that is usually of picture postcard standard.

The kiosk at Bordeaux was somewhat deserted today with only a handful of vehicles frequenting the car park, but looking on the positive side we did not have to queue as we would normally do for our caffeine fix this morning.

The Bridge was its usual busy self again today, possibly with fewer people walking leisurely but still plenty of shoppers. The Southside of St Sampson’s can be somewhat precarious when walking as with the busy traffic and the parked cars you have got to be on your toes to keep your distance in such confined areas.

The sun was just about to start breaking through as we reached Richmond Corner and we were pleased to see the progress with the new buildings along the front, as the houses have now been painted at the front and, unless you know, they now blend in quite well with the other properties in that area. All of the work further along at the sewage outfall has created a big working area as the pipes are now ready to be sunk and taken out to sea. The temporary pipes across the road make an interesting sight and I would think a good conversation topic for the drivers in that area.

Despite the poor weather, which had improved markedly since we had commenced the walk, we had made good time and as we passed the petanque court near the North Beach car park, which always seems to have players playing, presumably in their lunch breaks from working in town, the time was around twenty past twelve. Clive’s wife was picking him up and I made my way to the bus stop to go back to Pembroke Bay and pick my car up.