May, 2016 - DIEPPE, FRANCE

We motor sailed to Dieppe.  The last time was via our Camper Van, in January 2015.  Much warmer this time and most of the museums, etc were now open.

This is an important stop for us as this is where so many Canadians lost their lives in a botched raid in 1942.  The Canadian record for the number of lives lost in a single day of action was here on this raid.  They claim that the lessons learned here saved many more lives on the D-Day invasion of Normandy.  I hope so.

The marina reflected in the Harbormaster's window.

There are over 50 restaurants within 3 blocks of our dock.

The sun will shine directly over the maple leaf set in the stones on the date of the raid.

The chateau anchors the hilltop at one end of beach.

Friend Alan vies the beach from the chateau.

The view from the German bunkers.

Bunker air vent.

The other end of the harbor is anchored by a church dedicated to mariners lost at sea.

Ship lost at sea.

Joan of Arc.

Christ statue overlooking the sea.

May, 2016 - BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, FRANCE - POST 3

We explore the city and take in the sights offered by this resort town.  It was May 1st, a holiday, so many of the shops, restaurants, museums, etc were closed.  No matter the sun was out and we were experiencing the warmest day we have had in some time.

Church in the lower town.

One of the few restaurants open.

The old walled city.

The Royal Palace.

City Hall and bell tower.

Note Sunglasses!!!

Fountain near the Cathedral.

Street view from the city wall.

The Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Chateau/Museum (closed for the holiday).

Memorial to the War Dead.

The trees are in bud.

Stature to Jenner and Woodville, pioneers in immunization.

Pre woman's liberation?

I go snow boarding.

One of the developers of the boat propeller.

May, 2016 - BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, FRANCE - POST 2 - ART ON THE MALECON

The city boasts a beautiful walk along the harbor, with many artworks and statues along the way.

Sharks.

UK and France shake hands.

Fisherman's wife traditionally sold the fish at market.

Fishing Captain and friend.

Argentinian General San-Martin honored.

April/May, 2016 - BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, FRANCE - POST 1

April 30th we leave Ramsgate for Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.  Wind is light and we opt to Motor sail the entire way, due to the heavy traffic, in the Straights of Dover.  At times we had 16 vessels in sight and had to take action twice to avoid collision with freighters.

We cross over into France at Noon and tie up to the dock at 16:00.

The marina is a bit rolly at high tide and the fishing boats leave from their docks across the harbor at about 3:00, resulting in a pre-dawn wake up call.  This is more than made up by the fresh fish market on the quay each day from 8:00 to 13:00, the Farmer's markets Wed and Sat, the beautiful walks on the sea wall, the many restaurants, shops, and cultural/historical sites all within a few minutes walk.

We say goodby to the white C lifts of Dover.

On the dock at Boulogne-sur-Mer, with SV "Voila"

The fish market.

The Aquarium.

Captain and Admiral of SV "Voila"

The beach

Sand Yachts for rent in season.

Sandra on the inner breakwater.

The light at the end of the inner breakwater.

Vessel Traffic Control Tower.

April 2016 - RAMSGATE/ SANDWICH, UK

Our last Port in the UK was Ramsgate.  No wind in the wake of the stormy weather resulted in a motor sail the whole way from Queensbough.

We meet up with friends Alan and Felicity on SV "Voila" at the marina for a planned joint cruise along the French Coast and Channel Islands.

Waiting for weather we did a day trip to Sandwich.   Famous for the invention of the sandwich (and more recently the drug Viagra) it is the best preserved town of its period in the UK.  In Medieval times it was the 2nd busiest port in Britten.  Now the harbor is silted in and only accessible for small boats at high tide.  Sandwich is currently the European Research Center for drug giant Pfizer, with over 3000 employees at their facilities just outside of town.

The Earl of Sandwich was considered for the position as Earl of Portsmouth, but it was not to be.  Imagine, we could be eating "Portsmouths" instead of "Sandwiches".

We took the self guided walking tour and had lunch at a pub built in the 1400s.

Ramsgate Harbor

Sandwich Guild Hall, now Tourist Center.

Guild Hall stainless window.

Guild Hall meeting room framed by dragon and lion.

Old town wall now provides an excellent footpath.

Pub at bridge toll gate where we enjoyed lunch.

Signal light along the river.

What remains of the harbor.