STEPS 365

Wednesday 2^nd September 2015 – 35/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay.

What a difference a week makes: it was a beautiful morning, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze for our 11 mile walk today, a total contrast to the awful wet and windy conditions I had for the walk last week. Andy, my son, was my walking buddy today, and with my regulars not available there were no other walkers joining us for the 10am start.

The tide was well in as we set off, and as we progressed along the coastal road to L’Eree there were points where the tide was coming gently over the sea wall. There is always a lot of seaweed in this area and today was no different, with multiple piles off it both in the sea and on the foreshore. As we passed the toilet block at L’Eree it was quite interesting seeing the footprints of the seagulls in the sand against the sea wall, almost suggesting they might have been having a game of noughts and crosses!

On to Perelle, and we passed a group of building workers carefully repointing the sea wall in preparation for the winter storms possibly hitting the island. Once you reach Richmond Corner and get on to the coastal path heading towards Vazon Bay it is a splendid sight on a good day like today, with that long, curving bay lit up by the shimmering colours of the sea, the rocks, and the golden sand on the beaches. There were lots of local people clearly taking advantage of the sunshine with their children prior to them going back to school again tomorrow after the summer break, as well as other locals and holidaymakers doing their own thing on the beach and in the sea.
Once through Vazon and the popular Cobo Bay, (left)with the sea receding quickly, we were soon passing Port Soif (below) and the Kiosk. It really was just ideal walking conditions and it was great to see many people around taking advantage of the beautiful weather and views as the sea continued to retreat, exposing the rocks and the golden beaches.

For the very first time on this leg of my walks we went all the way around the headland at Portinfer, at Andy’s suggestion: an area I must admit I had never walked before. It was a total contrast to what I had expected and I was very pleasantly surprised to see how well the space had been developed to accommodate the Clay Pigeon Club, which is very active and well established on the island.

All this walking on such a lovely day was starting to make me hungry and I was starting to think about demolishing one of those delicious crab sandwiches at Rousse Kiosk; fortunately Philippa had not run out when we got there, and yes, they were just delicious.

Left – Philippa with some of her wares

Now on the tail end of the 11-mile walk we skipped around Picquerel and onto L’Ancresse Common. Ladies’ Bay was looking good as we passed – it was great to see swimmers out there, despite the low tide

Conscious of the bus times we had to put a spurt on to get to the finishing line at Pembroke Bay, but we made it with more time to spare than I thought we would have due to the buses running late because of road works.

Right – looking from the upper level of the Beach Cafe at Pembroke over L’Ancresse Bay to Fort Le Marchant.

We both had very much enjoyed today’s walk, and I was well pleased for Andy as this will probably be his last walk before he leaves the Island.

All photographs today are courtesy of Visit Guernsey and their wonderful contributors

Wednesday 26^th August 2015 – 34/52 – Icart Point to Pleinmont

Arriving back late from Gatwick last night, I woke up this morning knowing that this leg of the walks today would probably be the most difficult I would endure this year. With the knowledge that none of my walking buddies was available today to accompany me, and that the likelihood of any other hardy souls turning up at 10am at Icart Point was virtually nil, plus the appalling weather forecast of storm-force winds and heavy rain, I accepted that with one arm in a sling and the other holding a walking pole, this was going to be no picnic! My one consolation was that my good wife was available to support me at strategic points on the walk and that she had telephone contact with me throughout.

Angela – I was apprehensive about Eric doing this leg on his own – it is the most demanding and difficult, with treacherously steep and uneven steps: awkward even when it is dry and you have no hindrances, as he has with his arm in a sling. I was glad when he agreed to let me “track” him over the worst bits, so that if he’d had a problem I was quite close and could help, and we were able to stay in touch by phone. Picture above, the view from the car as we arrived at Icart, and left, Eric about to begin his trek. 
Surprise, surprise no other additional walkers appeared as I trudged off in the strong winds and light rain heading for Petit Bot. With the sea crashing in and the poor light prevailing I was nevertheless soon into a walking rhythm that I felt happy with, and despite the worsening weather I quickly arrived at Petit Bot. Not surprisingly, I did not meet one person on this stretch and as I passed through the Petit Bot Kiosk area there was no one around the Kiosk or on the beach. As always, a lung-busting climb up the steps to the top of Petit Bot, then I was through the coastal path and the climb down the cliff path steps at Les Fontenelles. As I turned the corner above the moorings, I could see some form of human life in the distance as three people were heading towards the Le Gouffre shop and café. By the time I caught up with them in this area they were safely tucked away in the warmth of their ‘H’ car and had the engine running.

I met Angela here for a very quick drinks break, and then carried on towards the Snail House. The strong wind and the rain were getting worse but I took some consolation from the fact that I passed some States Workers cleaning up the cliff paths with their regular maintenance work; in a somewhat selfish way I felt rather better that I was not the only one wet and battered by the wind! My decision to use a walking pole turned out to be a good one, as it gave me the necessary support I was looking for on the wet paths.

The weather was appalling while he was doing this stretch – it was raining so hard I could hardly see to drive, and was very concerned about the state he would be in, exposed as he was.

Heading towards La Corbiere the rain was really lashing down and I was somewhat apprehensive about this next difficult stretch of steep climbing steps. Time-wise I was doing surprisingly very well and this gave me a psychological boost for the remainder of the walk as I headed towards the La Prevote Tower. Having passed the Tower in a somewhat wet and bedraggled state I was pleased to see human life again in the form of a dog walker and three children: the dog would be the only one I saw throughout the whole of the walk.

It is always a tough ask on this stretch of the walk, yet despite the still wet and windy conditions it really was a spectacular sight to see the sea crashing in to the rocks and the sounds that it made. On approaching Les Tielles, would you believe it, I met only my second cliff path walker heading in the opposite direction, a tall gentleman in shorts: I just hoped he was aware of the terrain he would be encountering in the next hour or so! I was pleased to see Angela waiting for me at Les Tielles, and had a quick stop for a drink and an energy bar – and a photo, above – and then on for the final push over Pleinmont Point and on to the finishing line at the Kiosk at Portelet.

                                         Eric coming past the tower above La Congrelle
Boosted by the fact that the rain was subsiding and the wind was lessening I pushed on with the Watch House at Mont Herault as my next checkpoint, then on past the next tower and bunker to Pleinmont Headland.

From the bunker at Pleinmont looking back to Mont Herald Watch House and La Prevote Tower, and left, Eric beside the bunker.

It is always interesting to listen to what locals and visitors think of our Occupation heritage sites, and today, as always, these fortifications stood firm against the elements, an everlasting memorial to the many hundreds of slave workers who built and died alongside these concrete constructions.
Suddenly as I climbed on to the top the wind and rain increased considerably, making it hard going over the Headland, but the wild and raging sea towards the Hanois Lighthouse was something else and I could not help feel sympathy for the crew of a passing fishing boat being tossed around in the midst of it all. What a relief to get off the Headland and to turn inland! To my surprise I found that the weather changed very quickly, with little wind and the sun shining through!

I arrived at the Kiosk around 5 minutes past 1, and I was well pleased with that, taking into consideration my physical limitations and the appalling weather – undoubtedly the toughest and wettest leg I have completed.

My husband is absolutely my hero! He completed this section safely, and in record time! I don’t know how he does it – they say Guernsey folk are stubborn, but I think that Eric shows that Yorkshire folk are their equal! He pushes on whatever the obstacles to raise money for Autism Guernsey, a charity understandably dear to our hearts as our son founded it, in this year of the Autism365 Challenge. He is wonderful.

Wednesday 19^th. August 2015 – 33/52 – St. Peter Port to Icart Point

I really did not know how I was going to get on with this leg today with my left arm in a sling due to my broken collar-bone (I am left-handed), and the wet and damp weather prevailing, but what I did know was that my walking buddy, Clive S, was going to be there, which was immensely re-assuring under the circumstances. The whole landscape changes considerably when it is damp and cloudy but it was great to see the cormorants flying low across the water both singly and in pairs.

The wet conditions were not as bad as the forecast had predicted as we set off up the steps and on towards Fermain Bay. On a good day we would normally come across numerous other walkers and dog walkers, but today they were conspicuous by their absence. I was having to adjust to the wet and slippery cliff path as we headed on, but generally I was quite pleased with my progress, and as and when I did need some assistance Clive was there to help me.

The Kiosk at Fermain Bay was open but completely empty when we arrived, as was the beach – a huge contrast to the busy Bay we normally encounter when walking in this area. On towards to Marble Bay we went and at last met 4 fellow walkers heading in the opposite direction towards St Peter Port. The climb up the long steps at St. Martin’s Point was very hard work and I was gasping for air when we eventually arrived at the top. Nobody at all was using the Kiosk, a stark reminder of just how important weather is in making a living wage from such businesses.

We went on around towards La Moye Battery and on to Petit Port, the dull and overcast conditions nowhere near ideal for showing the Bay off in all its natural glory. We quickly got around to Moulin Huet, and decided to take the top path up to the now deserted Bon Port Hotel and onwards to Saints Bay.

The weather was somewhat changeable at times with the odd heavier shower but on the whole quite reasonable for walking. It would appear the St Martin’s Parish still have to put in more work to get the proposed new cliff path down to the Saints Kiosk completed, something I know they are very keen to do during the winter.

The rain somewhat intensified as we climbed out of Saints Bay, but having made good time the finishing line was not far away, and the remaining part of the walk is a relatively, straightforward track round to the finish at Icart Kiosk.

We were delighted to finish at around 12.45: a good time in relation to the legs we have already walked on this section of coastal path this year. I was very pleased to have got through this leg without too much pain and difficulty from my injury, and was very grateful to Clive for supporting me today.

Photograph of Moulin Huet to Pea Stacks courtesy of Sarah Snell Photography – https://www.facebook.com/sarahsnellphotography?fref=ts

Saturday 22^nd August

I took the opportunity to go and watch Peacehaven FC v Guernsey FC in a scheduled Ryman South League game whilst I was in the area to watch a 4-day County Championship cricket match between Sussex and Yorkshire at Hove.

I had a very pleasant surprise when the supporters had a whip around and raised £66.40 for my nominated charity Autism Guernsey and the Autism365 challenge I am completing this year and chronicling in this weekly blog.

It was a really superb effort on their part and I am very grateful for their support. With that donation and a further £20.00 given by my good friend Barry, who was also down watching the cricket with me, my total to date is £720.00 raised.

Amazing!

Wednesday 5^th August 2015 – 31/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke

I was really looking forward to this leg as I was to have my grandson, George (6), with me as well as my son Andy, who as many will know is the Chief Operating Officer and founder of Autism Guernsey, the charity for which I am raising money throughout 2015. In addition two of my faithful stalwarts, Clive S and Sue D, were with us.

Conditions were damp and a bit miserable to start off with as we headed towards L’Eree, accompanied by the high tide, which was smashing against the sea wall. Fortunately the wind was not a problem as in previous legs, where we have had to contend with some strong head winds. George was delighted to see the circus again in the wet field, having been at the show the previous evening – there was certainly little or no movement of personell this morning, probably all having a lie in in their caravans.

George was doing well despite the wet weather and we hastily moved around to Perelle still with our wet weather clothing on. There was a lovely moment at Perelle where George, who was carrying a collection box, was called back by a gentleman in a car, who gave him a substantial amount of coins.

Around Richmond Corner and on towards Vazon Bay we went, where there was plenty of activity both on the sandy areas and in the sea, with some spectacular waves crashing into the sea wall and spraying over the top onto the path we were walking on. Would you believe we bumped into the same gentleman who donated earlier on at Richmond Kiosk and once again he continued to put coins into the box – I just never fail to be amazed by the generosity of people in Guernsey!

Rainwear was starting to come off as we came around to Cobo and the sun was starting to break through. It was nice to see swimmers in at Cobo as well – always a popular spot on a nice summer day. There was also a group of people kayaking.

We had a toilet/drinks break at Grandes Rocques, and having covered some 6/7 miles already I thought George at his age would start to flag (We had devised a plan to have him picked up by Nana at any stage where he himself said he wanted to stop) but there was no sign of it and he looked and said he felt well at this stage.

It was beautiful around Port Soif with the sea receding and the white sand glistening in the mid day sun. The weather was, at this stage, probably the best of the day and I was delighted for all of us that we were doing so well. Having Andy along today was a real bonus as he not only gets on very well with George but it was nice for him to meet Clive and Sue and chat with them about Autism Guernsey and the work that is being done by the charity.

The strong tide and heavy swell had certainly whipped up the seaweed and the fore shores were littered with large amounts, but on a more positive note it provided the seabirds with a possible new supply of food.

With this being the 8th time of doing this leg it now seems well established that we break for a drink at Rousse Cafe and have one of Phillipa’s delicious crab sandwiches, and with us all salivating at that particular thought we kept up a reasonable pace and headed towards Rousse Tower which is such a significant landmark on this part of the coastal path. George was really looking forward to this crab treat and he was not disappointed: he polished them off in fine style at the Kiosk. Sue had left us as we turned away from the road towards Rousse. Some 9 miles into our walk today and George had a new PB, having previously completed an 8 mile charity run last year. I really thought he would call it a day after a short break and refreshments at Rousse Kiosk, also knowing his Nana was there with the car, but no, he was determined to finish the whole 11 miles!

We had a very pleasant sunny walk around to L’Ancresse and around the back of the golf course; the sea views were good and we did have paddle boarders out on the sea. There were not a lot of golfers around today, however, which is unusual. We were delighted to cross over the roadway near the Chouet toilets and head around the back of the Golf Club and then to our final stop at Pembroke Bay and a well earned sit down and drink at the beach cafe.

This was a very special day for a very proud grandad and father, having both Andy and George with me, Clive and Sue today. It was an amazing achievement by 6 year-old George, who I’m convinced must have been born with Duracell batteries already fitted! He even asked as we were having an ice cream at Pembroke if we were walking back, and genuinely seemed ready to get going all the way back!

Yet another leg completed and yet more money donated for Autism Guernsey.

Andy added his own comment on Facebook, so I have reproduced it here – thanks, Andy!                                                     “What an honour to walk with these two fellas today as part of Dad’s weekly walks for his Support Autism 365 challenge. His 31st walk of 52 and the 11 miles today means he’ll have walked around the island 8 times this year by next week! An amazing effort, as it was also from 6 year old George today……yes, 6, and not a single moan from him as he proudly collected money for the cause.