Guernsey Pick & Mix

Last day in Guernsey, we checked out of the hotel and toured the island driving all over and stopping where we fancied. We drove through St Peter port and across the centre of the island ... stopping at an industrial unit retail .. with some old kilns
From here we dropped back to the coast and around the end of the island we had not yet explored .. we came to Saumarez Park, where the national trust had some exhibitions.
By now it was time for some food so we drove around looking for a likely spot .. along the north coast and found an Indian still open for Lunch ... Then it was back down to Saumarez manor. Here we wandered around the house and gardens, followed by a drink and a chat with the coppersmith in his lair.

We drove along the south coast to Moulin Huet cove, a short walk down a narrow path - I can see why Renoir liked it.
It was time to return the car and go to the airport for our flight back

We flew back on a different plane .. pressurised cabin and two crew! .. there was only us and another couple on the flight so we got to choose our seats..

A last look at Guernsey and then it was back to Southampton and home.

Herm Explorer

We caught the bus into St Peter Port, from the other side of the road to the hotel, and then after some window shopping, caught the ferry to Herm. 30 mins later we were being dropped off at the jetty, by Rosiere steps

We walked up the path to the "village", and bypassed everything, setting off for a tour of the island .. past the sails sculpture by the yacht club and the Gormley man.

Looking North to the end of the island, around the top, and down to Shell beach

Not a complete shell in sight, but lots of people, most of whom seem to have come by boat, and moored in the bay.

Up a sandy path took us over the cliffs to Belvoir bay - where more boats were moored.
Onwards and around the south tip in the woods and scrubland before coming back to the jetty, just in time for the next ferry to dock.

Leaving Herm

The Supercat car ferry from Portsmouth, just arriving.

Castle Cornet at the end of the breakwater, we wandered down there and had a sandwich outside, but baulked at the entrance fee.

Leaving St Peter port we followed the coast path South past the underground museum, and up a steep path to the cliff tops.

Here we explored fort George.. then on along the wooded path to near the hotel.. we cut inland here, unsure of the route and following signs. and arriving back at the hotel for a rest.

For dinner we dropped down to the next hotel down the road (le chalet) which we had passed yesterday . much calmer and pleasant service.

Transfer & Headland, Guernsey

Transfer day ... a cab to the airport after breakfast. This time to the other side of the airport building .. and a long wait, although we could see the plane on the tarmac. We waited for the other flights leaving that day before we walked out and loaded for the short hop.

A last look at Alderney
This was the reflection in the window .. no photoshop used here.

Landing in Guernsey we picked up a hire car and headed out to explore.
We cut over to the North and had a quick bite to eat in a pub on the beach, by Portelet harbour

From here we walked up around the headland and on towards the ranging tower in the fields - it was not open when we got there - it was only open for a few days a week.

Dropping down from the top we headed for fort Pezeries, old Napoleonic gun emplacements

And the medieval table des peons.

From here we headed back to the car and drove along the coast north, we passed a car park with signs to a WW2 bunker museum. This had been restored and made into an attraction.

Off to the hotel - Fermain valley hotel - we were in the annex and nice and quiet.
After dinner - a rushed and not at all relaxing meal, we walked down to the Fermain beach through the tropical gardens. Here was a Napoleonic tower lit up in the evening glow.

Coastal Traverse, South Alderney

This time heading in the other direction up the other side of the harbour past more luxury residences .. there seems to have been a major conversion of the old fortifications into summer palaces.

A bit of beach-combing and looking out to the bird sanctuary island.

Around the corner and we approached Fort Clonque - we should stay there some time - it is a Landmark trust building.

Climbing the steep path to avoid the cliffs.

The views looking back were spectacular including Gannet island ... white from Guano

A slight dog leg or two around old WW2 gun emplacements, and around to the back of the airfield.

We could not go down to Telegraph bay as the sign said it was unsafe.

A couple of interesting artifacts - an old threshing machine, and one of a series of earth balls - sculptures around the island.

Back to the hotel via the town again for coffee and sandwiches.
In the evening we went to the local "chippie" for fish and chips - fantastic fresh fish.