Guernsey? Not So Fast.

”CeeCee was right in his raptures over sailing into St. Peter Port. The harbor, with the town traipsing straight up and steeply to the sky, must be one of the most beautiful in the world.” (Quote from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society)

Well, things didn’t work out like planned. The winds did not abate enough to allow safe tendering, so said our captain and the harbor pilot (who managed to board our ship, but just, we gather).

At this point, I can’t even say it came as a surprise. But this was definitely a disappointment.

Ever since we read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, we’ve wanted to someday see the Channel Islands, Guernsey in particular. In preparation for the trip, we both reread the book, and loved it just as much the second time around.

But it was not to be. We got a glimpse of Guernsey. Just close enough to seem like it was in our grasp. But not. Can’t say it struck me as the most beautiful port in the world, but I would like to have walked through it.

Fort protecting the port (1) and St. Peter Port, Bailiwick of Guernsey (2) and (3)

Instead, our captain said we would head south for a bit then he would take us close to shore so we could see St. Malo. Then we’d sail by Jersey, eventually going near Cherbourg. After all, we had an unexpected day at sea to fill and only 120 miles before we reach Le Havre, our next port.

Well, our sailing route fell short of the described plan. We did sail in the direction of St. Malo, but never saw it. We did sail by Jersey, close enough to make it out.

Cherbourg? Who knows if it is still a possible sighting.

An odd day. At least it was sunny and the seas were calm, at long last.