On the buses by Patchy
We have had a lovely week and a half in Jersey. Mom moaned about the midnight start from the Isle of Wight, but as Leslie Frank glided past the Needles lighthouse, we were both tucked up in bed, not to be seen again until our shift started at 3am. Bertie, didn’t do a single shift, but snored his way through the night blissfully unaware of the container ships and fleets of racing yachts. Mom and Dad had to get Covid tested on arrival, and were then free to roam the island. They were both very impressed with the set up, with private testing centres for mariners which are completely free, and taxis at the bus station offering free rides to Covid vaccination centres for the locals. Mom said that it is very interesting, that whilst Boris has gone quiet on the vaccine passport, there is a free NHS app which shows you are fully vaccinated, and which allowed us to avoid any quarantine. The Marina staff came and met us on the pontoon and remembered Leslie Frank from her previous visit. They suggested that Bertie could become their office boy. I thought this was a good idea, as I could be rid of him in the day, but Mom and Dad weren’t so keen.

We have done loads in the first week, but my favourite is when we walk into town and hop on the bus. I love riding on the buses. It is up to the bus driver, whether they allow dogs onto their bus or not, and we have to sit on the floor or on a lap. We get a lecture from mom whilst waiting for the bus about being on our best behaviour, no barking, no licking feet (Bertie’s fetish) and certainly no peeing up the bus wheel on our way in or out. Whilst Bertie lies on the floor, I luxuriate with my body on Dad’s lap and head on Mom. We always sit near the back away from everyone else. I like looking out of the window and sniffing the fresh air. Today Bertie was naughty and tried to sit in the aisle so everyone could admire him. When Dad moved him to under the seat he let out a long howl. Luckily it made people laugh, so we were allowed to stay on! The reason I like the buses so much is because it leads to a very long walk, a picnic lunch and an afternoon snooze on the beach after a good swim. Most days we walk 10-12 miles along coastal paths, and have dropped down to secret little swimming bays. On the first day I shocked mom by joining her in the water. I love swimming out to her and if it is warm enough, swim beside her until I get too cold. I am definitely her water baby! If Dad is lucky we stop at a little cafe for a bacon bap for breakfast after getting off the bus. Bertie and I have noticed that he plans each walk to start at a cafe! Sometimes, he waits and has a scone and lemon drizzle cake for afternoon tea. We have enjoyed checking out the old forts, the fisherman’s chapel and Corbiere lighthouse. Jersey is famous for its dairy ice cream, but you have to eat it really quickly, so that the seagulls don’t peck it first. It has been so hot, that Mom has taken to buying them for Bertie and me. So far we have had toffee crunch, salted caramel and vanilla. Tomorrow I am hoping to try Jersey black butter ice cream! The lady in Gorey now puts our ice cream in little pots when she sees us coming so we each get our own plateful. Today, we walked across St Ouen’s Bay and stopped at Bergerac’s favourite restaurant for Moule frites. There were sand flies on the beach and Bertie exhausted himself trying to catch them, which was a good thing, as he was fast asleep on the way back and Mom and Dad could relax!

Mom has enjoyed all the fresh seafood. She wanders off to the fish market and comes back with her bags of goodies. Poor old Dad is more of a carnivore, but has kept quiet or he will be expected to do the cooking. She has had lobster, but only those with one arm, as they are a lot cheaper than those with two! She has also had oysters, tuna and mussels. Black bream is next on the list, which apparently is native to the area and in season. We have also eaten bags of Jersey Royal potatoes. Mom is rather pleased that there are three sewing shops within a twenty minute walk of the marina. It is no wonder that Dad has tried to keep her out and about on the buses!!