Jersey, Saturday

Dear All,
We had this morning free before meeting Roger's cousin for nibbles. After breakfast we had a short drive to St.Aubins. We had walked there and back on the first night. We have since realized what an effort this must have been as the drive there seems very long. However, it was lovely on the promenade above the beach. The tides are incredible in Jersey with the water disappearing for a very long way and boats stranded on dry or muddy flats in the harbour. At night the coast line is lit by light globes strung right around the beach front from St.Helier St.Aubins. This looks very pretty.
This morning at St.Aubins we visited their Saturday market but there was nothing of interest. Afterwards went to the Harbour Gallery which had some interesting craft and jewellery but most things were very expensive. Afterwards we headed to Corbiere to view the lighthouse. On the way stumbled across a car boot sale (more my scene) and picked up some earrings and a dahlia as a present for Katrina and Chas who were hosting the afternoon event. Afterwards we went to Reg's garden which had a fete with treasure. The garden was beautifully planted but to me the aviaries and shed roof tops wrecked the vistas. (Hopefully, we may visit Samares Manor Garden tomorrow morning.) We had just enough time for us to meet Phil and Angie at The Goose - the pub near us. We were surprised that they had come by taxi but when we saw the narrow private driveway down a steepish hill with long drops on the side we understood. Katrina and Chas have a beautiful stone house with a part of it converted from stables. The back garden is totally surrounded by trees and the beautifully mown green lawns enhance the stunning woodlands. In Spring it must really look wonderful.
We had such a lovely time. Katrina and Chas have a severely physically disabled daughter of sixteen but she has recently successfully completed her o level including French which is no mean achievement when she has to dictate everything.
We arrived back at the hotel at about 5.00pm. I decided we should explore more of Jersey. Our road trip took us firstly to Gorey. We didn't climb Mt.Orgueil castle
but the area is a very pictuesque little fishing port. We headed North through St. Clement, St.Catherine, St.Mary and St.Martin. We also went through Trinity too hoping to find a Gallery that we had seen on our travels last night. Eventually found it - but although it looked impressive no opening times were displayed and
there was little information elsewhere so we may have to give it a miss. Next door
to this gallery tucked back from the road and behind a hedge was a restaurant- Oakland's Lodge. We were both quite hungry but not as hungry as they envisaged with their huge serves. The food was excellent. Roger had sizzling prawns while I chose
sole stuffed with spinach and prawns with a lobster sauce. They were served with royal potatoes, a speciality of Jersey, and vegetables or salad. After all our wanton driving for hours before tea we were cleverly able to travel directly to our guest house without any extra scenic tours. So here I am blogging at an almost decent hour and putting off sorting through papers and pamphlets for the final cull.
We have had a wonderful time. Hopefully, tomorrow will also enable us to experience more as well as enjoying our time in the Manor.

Love to all
Hope to see you soon
Jo and Rog