Simon's blog

As part of my tour around this beautiful Island I call home, I ventured down to St.Ouen’s Bay. The tide was on the drop and it had been a beautiful day.

The sun was still up, and the bay was as usual looking gorgeous. I spent a short time down the bay and took the following images.

Continue reading “Tour around Jersey Part 2”

Sometimes, it can be hard to write a blog. Not knowing what to write or show.

So for this, I thought I would take you on a tour of Jersey, my home, the small southerly Island that although only 45 square miles packs a lot in. The plan for this first post, I thought I would take you to the Sand Dunes.

The Sand dunes, or ‘the dunes’ as I call them are a unique habitat due in part to the important flora and fauna they contain and are very sensitive and highly threatened habitats throughout Europe. The Sand Dunes in St.Ouens Bay Jersey are protected by an SSI (site of special Interest).

Below are a few images that I took on a short walk.  The lone tree in the distance is always a good marker to aim for when you start a walk on the dunes as you can see it from the car park. You can see St.Ouens Bay in the distance.

The images below, just a couple of the colourful plants that you can find on the dunes.

I love how the above plant looks against the blue sky. The image below, be prepared for some hard walking, the dunes can take it out of you with some of the paths being steep with shifting sands.

A walkers paradise, no matter what time of year. I have been walking these dunes for years, either with my dogs, my family or just on my own to explore and think. If you are lucky enough to visit the dunes on a day like this, then you will see this part of our special Island of Jersey in all of it’s natural beauty.

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another gorgeous day in Jersey, so I decided to head out for a walk on the East coast of the Island with my camera in hand. I decided to start from the Royal Bay Of Grouville which is also known as  Long Beach, it’s a beautiful bay with Gorey Castle at the Northern end of the bay, its perfect for long summer days and ideal for watersports. From there I made my way around to Archirondel via Gorey Harbour & Castle.

Along the way I stopped off at the Gorey Gardens, to take in the view of the bay and take a couple of photos of the various flowers on display. They really are starting to burst into colour.

Gorey Harbour sits beneath Gorey Castle, in the 1800’s Gorey Harbour served the local Oyster boats, these days it’s home to smaller fishing craft and private yachts.

Along the pier there are local bars and restaurants to enjoy local food and drink while taking in the views. On a clear day the French coast is visable.

Just a small part of the gorgeous Gorey Gardens with the harbour in the background, when the tide is in the harbour takes on a very different beautiful look.

Walking along the promenade visitors will come across this delightful small boat which has been used a flower bed! I love this image as you have the castle in the background along with a view of the once fishermen’s cottages.

 

A local flag flies proudly with the castle in the background.

A huge piece of Jersey Granite, with the origins of the name inscribed. It has been called different names in the past with the more familiar name of Gorey dating back to the 1330’s.

An imposing view of the ramparts of the castle taken from the castle green below. If you visit Jersey, the castle is well worth a visit. The views from the top on a clear day are breath taking.

A short walk from the castle green lies a well covered path which leads to a small cove.

I can remember as a child walking down this path to go fishing with my father and grandfather, this day that I was there brought back wonderful memories of those times.

This is the cove that the pathway leads to, a beautifully quiet spot on the east coast. Sitting beneath Gorey Castle it’s a beautiful spot to take in the view or to just sit and think!

Just a few feet from the steps on the beach, I came across these beautiful wild flowers growing near the rock face. A perfect combination of natures softness against the hard rock face.

This little chap seemed to be happy bathing in the Spring sunshine.

Walking back up the pathway to the green, I noticed these gorgeous white flowers, spring really has arrived!

After leaving Gorey, a short drive brings you to Archirondel Bay. Again, this is a bay that I spent many happy times at as a child. The colours in the sand caught my eye so I had to include it in the photo of the Tower. The tower was built in 1792 and was used as a garrison for the artillery soldiers. Today it is used as a holiday let and can sleep up to 10 people.

This for the time being, ends my short walk around this beautiful part of Jersey, in the distance you can see the breakwater arm of St. Catherines, this will be the next part of my eastern explore to follow..

 

 

 

 

Today we mark an important day in our year. We mark the 73rd anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands from the occupation of Nazi Germany during the second world war. Every year this day is celebrated by the Islanders and visitors to the Island

Three Chelsea Pensioners march down towards the parade arena.

The Union Flag and the Jersey Flag are flown from the old Tourist building in an re-enactment of that day in 1945 when the first British Troops arrived.

A member of the Band of the Island of Jersey performs in the Royal Square.

Islanders gather in the May sunshine to enjoy the celebrations.

Musical entertainment provided by the Optimistic Voices.

Islanders young and old join in the celebrations, it is so important that the Island’s carry on this tradition and celebration so that future generations understand why.

Flags ready for the parade.

A light hearted moment before the parade.

Crowds are entertained in the Royal Square by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

The young islanders ready for parade.

Young members of the Cadet forces proudly stand outside the Royal Court building.

Members of the Pipe band prepare in the sunshine.

Band of the Island of Jersey

Standard Bearers.

Young islanders re-enact.

And our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.

May 9th 1945. We must never forget that day, as so many gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. We will never forget them.

 

 

Well, that was a gorgeous Bank Holiday Monday! 25c and blue skies. I decided to take a stroll along the North Coast and it was stunning!! A bit hazy in parts but so beautiful.

After that, a quick drive down to the West Coast, and of course St.Ouen’s Bay looked beautiful.

A beautiful morning here in Jersey C.I. and the start of the 2018 Jersey Boat Show.

The weather forecast is good for the next few days so lets hope it will be a busy one for the show.