114. St Peter - Jersey - House and Pet Sitting - Episode 37

Jersey is a self-governing democracy with its own independent financial and legal jurisdictions. It's only 45 sq miles, making it about a third the size of Malta.

The trip was a 4-and-a-half-hour, slightly bumpy, ferry ride from Poole, but all went well. 

Cruising past the island of Guernsey on our way to Jersey.

Jersey is very much like the UK was 50 years ago. It's quieter, more laid back and, there are few modern buildings to spoil the architecture of the past. Vincent, a bearded collie, lives in a cottage in the village of St Peter. We were greeted by the owners, a lovely retired couple. They took us out for dinner and the next day, we drove them a whole 5 minutes to the airport. Upon loading our suitcases into the lounge Pam said, "Oh! You have moved in!" Max pointed out that without emptying the car, there would be no room for a lift to the airport.

Vincent, a good looking boy.

All the street signs are in Jerriais, the local language, and close to French.

One of the many small farms around the village of St Peter.

Our favourite moo.

Love the brows! The English girls would be jealous!

Max was giving her a good scratch.

Some of the dwellings around the village.

Even though the island is tiny, there's plenty to see as we headed north along the coastline. 

On this fine day, Vincent accompanied us.  Here he is sporting his new harness that we bought.  The one they used for him he hated, as it trapped his muzzle and looked very uncomfortable. This one was more robust, allowed him to pant and was as tough as Kevlar.

Bonne Nuit Bay.

St Catherine's Bay Breakwater.

Time for a rest after a big day.

Being in a small community, the people are genuinely friendly, courteous and happy to chat. Even when crossing the road, the cars will stop and allow us passage even though we're not at an official crossing!

St Albus Bay.

He has beautiful eyes...when you can see them. The owners insisted we put girly hair clips in his mane to keep his hair out of his eyes, which is the trademark of the breed and similar Dulux dogs. Mas wrestled with the temptation to cut it all off so that life would be easier for all of us, but we weren't allowed.

One of the many watchtowers around the island.

Nice to see this on the side of the road.

Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle was built over 800 years ago and is of the best examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character. You'd need a full day to see everything it has to offer. We had a couple of hours and did our best to get around.

The castle was literally built into the natural rock formations.

In trouble again...

One can see the French coastline from the top. Max is keeping a look out for invaders!

A sculpture of a typical knight of the times.

Gotta love the helmet!

The coastline is dotted with lookout towers as the Channel Islands have been a hot spot, from the many invasions of the French, to the eventual occupation of the islands by the Germans in WWII.

We stumbled across this co-op. It supplies organic local produce plus a vast range of other goodies!

Our first-ever High Tea in style overlooking St Aubin Harbour

Chilling out at St Aubin harbour.

Another 'in the moment' trip up north to Plemont where we found  a very picturesque 

Plemont Beach...

...with the most amazing caves.

The one on the right went a fair way in. One must keep an eye on the tide as it comes in quickly here.

We really enjoyed our stay here. It wasn't crowded, the people were friendly and nothing was too far away to visit. We both agree it has been one of the best places we've stayed. We're heading back to Daniel's for several weeks while he and Ellen spend some time in Majorca, an island just off Spain. Daniel is in the process of acquiring a Private Pilot's License. I couldn't think of a better place to do it!

Getting a good view of Jersey was difficult as we pulled out of port, however, coming into Guernsey on our way back to the mainland affords an opportunity for a snapshot.

The adventure continues...

And to finish off, for your enjoyment and/or amusement, we have our up-to-date pet sit album.