Guernsey - 25 July

Up and about early and caught an early tender to St Peter Port. This gave us the opportunity to catch the first No.91 bus of the day. The 91 circumnavigates Guernsey in 1 hour 40, and hugs the coastline for most of its route. On a beautiful morning of clear blue sky it was quite special. Small villages, beaches rocky outcrops and marinas - and when we got back the queue for the bus was three bus loads long and growing.

Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands and, after many conquerors across the centuries, eventually became the property of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It maintains a significant degree of separation however, with its own currency and no VAT- and it is one of the worlds primary tax havens.

Its most challenging times occurred during WW2 when the Channel Islands were occupied by German forces for close to 5 years. Slave labour built much of the German infrastructure, including a 500 patient underground hospital with operating and X-ray rooms, cinema and munition stores.

A quick coffee and then around the waterfront to the restored Victorian La Valette sea pools and the La Valette Underground Military Museum. This museum covers all aspects of Guernsey's military history, with a particular focus on the German occupation - and is housed in a German tunnel complex.

Then a return along the waterfront and a walk of St Peter Port town. This was a slow uphill meander to the top of Candie Gardens, its nearby cemetery, St James Chapel & Elizabeth College, the Sunken Gardens and the High St. Opportunity for Pat in the shops while I partook of a pint of lager. With two cruise ships in, St Peter Port is jumping and small groups are playing all over town (as I sit in the Pub, "Johnny Cash" is playing) and I have just heard a Punch & Judy show announced - they will need to hurry as England is looking to ban such shows.

The town is awash with colour from thousands of hanging baskets and planterboxes in full bloom - a beautiful place on a beautiful day.

The size of the port, two cruise ships, ferries, a small quay entrance, a short tendering quay and the spectacular weather which had attracted many boats out of the marinas all contributed to a 1 hour queue for returning tenders.

Very pleasant dinner with our new found friends, then off to the live show - comedy tonight and with some good laughs. Another early night - oh where have those years gone where cruise ship nights extended beyond midnight!!!