Travel Articles
In the spirit of roving adventure, Gilbert Park embarked on a solitary expedition across the amicable waters of Brittany. With a week’s schedule neatly packed with seven diverse ports and seven distinctive eateries, Park set sail on his trusty Mitchell 28 ‘Let’s Go’ from Plymouth to Northern France. His wife, Maire, set her own terms of engagement, indulging Parks’ aquatic passion by agreeing to join him later at St Malo for a gentle exploration of the area.
With little more than chirpy dolphins and occasional looming container ships for company, Park traversed a trek of about 100 miles before a respite at St Peter Port, Guernsey. Then, it was onwards to Jersey for a few days before homing to France. Bypassing familiar ports, he elected St Brieuc as the destination for his all-important passport stamp.
Sailing into unchartered territories, our protagonist loads the deck with anticipation, maneuvres past every harbour from Poole to the Isles of Scilly, and takes us on a gripping mid-life cruise that begins from Torquay and concludes at Plymouth.
On the 31st of June, the ship made a beeline for Salcombe, its furthest westernmost point so far. Thanks to the companionship of his buddy, an unexpected boost in speed thanks to tidal currents, and the delicate sunshine illuminating the serene waters, the voyage started on a high note. Yet every voyage perhaps, isn’t complete without hitch or two.
After wrapping up a quick tour of Salcombe and some relaxing hours, a trip back to the boat took an unfortunate turn. The outboard engine’s starter cord failed to fully recoil back, and a moment’s distraction flung the companion’s smartphone straight into the waiting waters below.