(Happily!) becalmed in Trouville
Been a bit irregular on the blog posts lately but have managed a few Facebook updates. Remember to check here for those.
Just a day or two ago I was sailing a very different Normandy coastline. Impressive chalk cliffs corresponding - in a geological sense, I can now appreciate - to the Sussex coastline of Britain. Between the occasional descents and ascents are usually small towns; or sometimes nuclear power stations - to be given a wide berth if a visit to the local gendarmerie station is to be avoided. I stopped at Dieppe, Saint-Valierie-en-Caux and Fécamp, before arriving at Le Havre where the cliffs dip for a last time before the Seine estuary.
The currents are strong on this coastline and with failing wind rounding the final headland was a struggle. I had contacts in Le Havre, but before reaching there was called in to the beach by members of Dionysien Fun Club. Barbecue and a social Stand Up Paddle session ensued. That was that for the day. Laurent and Corrine kindly provided accommodation for the night.
It's been hot! Mild sunstroke and - perhaps - mild over-indulgence at the barbecue resulted in another migraine, which resulted in a much later start on Sunday than I'd planned for. Which meant losing the wind before getting across the Seine estuary. Meaning a long paddle - with a now repaired short paddle - to get to land on the south shore.
Small waves on entry to the beach at Trouville. The sail failed to release smoothly from its tied down paddling position and became buried by swirling water whilst being pressed onto the barrel. That could easily have snapped the mast or terminally torn the sail. A careless moment. Luck got me through it with only a small hole to a panel. Easily repaired. Won't let that happen again.
A very big thank you to Stive from North Shore surf school: room for gear, food, a place to stay, some local history, and calm and relaxed company.
Today the weather is calm too. Also humid and - to my still slightly aching head - oppresive. Resting and refuelling is the best option. Crepes at Trouville for lunch. Now at chez Caroline et Emmanuel in nearby Touques. Strength returning. Hoping for a breeze tomorrow for westward progress toward Normandy's D-day beaches.
