29 June - 12 August
We had a few days getting settled and finding our way around La Rochelle. It's now the holiday season in France and the town is busy. In the evenings around the old port the place is bustling with people promenading along the quay, the bars and restaurants are full of people, there are street entertainers and stalls selling bits and pieces.
We started to sort out our couple of problems - we ordered a replacement windlass and chain, and contacted a couple of people (in England and France) about our corroding steering column.
We then flew back to England on 3 July for Amanda & Martyn's wedding (Jim's niece) on the 5th. A lovely wedding: the bride was beautiful, the groom handsome and, although very windy, the sun shone. In the week we were back we managed to see most of our family and some friends.
On our return to La Rochelle the windlass and chain were ready and Jim (with my assistance) installed them.
Just after our return from England an annual music festival started with a number of venues around the town - the main one being open air next to the entrance channel - many people listened for free on the grass across the water. There were also bands who set up around the port. The end of the festival coincided with Bastille Day, 14 July. We went into town to see the parade in the morning, and in the evening we went back to wander around and see a big fireworks display over the water. Everywhere was heaving with people and a great atmosphere.
Since then we've spent time on odd jobs around the boat, wandering around La Rochelle, and still trying to sort out the problem with our steering column.
At the end of July we flew back to England for a couple of weeks for another family wedding (Anne's cousin's daughter Pauline to Lee) in Leeds. Again a lovely wedding with a particularly thoughtful service in the local church. Pauline and Lee looked terrific and very happy. Although it rained earlier, the sun shone on them after the wedding. We again met up with lots of family and friends whilst we were back.
We returned to La Rochelle on 12 August.
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