We'd gotten there. Now what? It looked like Alderney would be the only Channel Island we would be able to visit. The long term weather forecast didn't look good at all. Weather windows would be few and far between. If we left for Guernsey and Sark we could be stuck there for some time.

This would leave us with very little time to get back and turn the whole holiday into a mad dash for home. Guernsey and Sark were off the itinerary. I didn't mind (much) as Alderney's my favourite island anyway, but the rest of the crew were quite looking forward to the others. Still, they realised my argument was valid. Three or four days on Alderney. There are far worse places.

It turned out to be four days - two sunny ones, two more overcast. What did we do? Explored the island - nothing much had changed. Good - don't fiddle with perfection. Time on the beach, swimming, walking, shopping, ... and repeat.

Meals out never did disappoint - the local crab in particular was very nice. Some much so that I did have it two days in a row. And I like the feel of the place - unhurried, unspoilt and yet... I could live there. If I could afford it. Natives were friendly, local fishermen waved to the kids. I helped a local yachtsman pick up his mooring, as being singlehanded he had some problems. We chatted for a while. Charming man.

More beach for the family, more walking and some reading for me. Yanni took the tender for a spin a couple of times. Checking out new arrivals, looking for potential friends. Afternoon tea or a couple of beers at the Alderney Sailing Club. The holiday feeling was well and truly with us.

Whilst Brigitte and Yanni were off shopping I took Evita for a walk along the breakwater. Father - daughter chat, and we spotted some puffins too.
Last night: I treated Brigitte to a posh dinner at the Braye Beach Hotel. And very nice it was too. It would have been so simple to ease into island life. However, we could not afford to do so.

Sailing tomorrow, forecast for tomorrow was not all that brilliant, but it was the best day of a bad lot.
I hope to be back soon.