I'm writing this on Thursday 2nd July 2015. We've made it to Brittany! (arr. 18th June) - after an exciting "sea" crossing from St. Malo to the Barrage de La Rance and a beautiful run up the estuary, a night's free mooring at Dinan and also at Evran, we now find another great town called Tinteniac situated on L'Ille et Rance - about 35 minutes South of St. Malo by car and a bit less, North of Rennes.
We decide to make our home base here at Tinteniac where we are befriended by a very special "fellow boating" couple - Marie and Olivier and their young family. (responsible in large part for the decision to stay.) We meet up too with their artist friends Fred and Anne-Clare who's house over-looks the port. They all make us feel at home.
Cick on the above highlighted words for some pictures....
("Jacques Cartier" Basin, St. Malo - shown here with the red boat coming out - is where Body and Soul was re-launched)
Barrage de la Rance looking North - click here for more exciting pictures
We land at Tinteniac
After the first week we decide to book in for the winter and operate from here at least for this season. It's a dream come true and the beginning of a new life. But what a journey all the way from Montauban ! starting on the 23rd March - eastwards on the canal de Garonne to Toulouse for our hull painting in the dry dock there, then, with our good friends - Bob and Christine Hoye-Turner on their boat Sassi ; we travel in tandem on the Midi to Le Somail where we say our fond farewells and proceed alone, towards the important encounter with a crane and transporter at Grau D'Agde, pausing for a few weeks at Vias whilst waiting for a final date from the transport company and the crane people :
Alte'AdAugizeau . We could not fault this Company for their efficiency, price and general helpfulness. The "Convoi Exceptionel" lorry driver, Nicholas managed the journey from Agde to St. Malo in only 2 days! (Normally 4 days)
Allemand Chantier , responsible for lifting out, were also faultless in their professional treatment of us.
There are so many people to thank.
Pictures will be plentiful if you are interested - in the appropriate album in the left hand column of this page ("The adventures to Brittany") although this process is on-going and will take time to complete and depends on the availability of "wifi" . Otherwise read on when there is more....
But firstly, what's good about Tinteniac?
1. All services are within easy walking distance, including a library, bank, doctor (medical centre), large "Super U" and fuel, weekly market, bars, Vet and post-office, bus service (50mins to St Malo or Rennes.)
2. It's a petty port with large grass verge, mature trees, good walks, tables and exercise park etc - electricity and water at a very reasonable price. It is free of traffic.
3. Will take us for a winter mooring, again, at a very reasonable price.
4. Situated within easy reach of both St Malo and Rennes.
5. Excellent unobtrusive camp-site for caravans or tents.
6. A delightful neighbouring French couple (boat people) with new born baby who have made us so welcome - introducing us to their jazz loving friends - including two excellent, professional contra-bass players, both of whom have already accompanied me - plus drums and guitar! (oh rapture!). We now have wifi from their box.
The story is yet to be told....watch this space for all the interesting cock-ups on the way...and for our decision to move another 5klms to Hede-Bazouges.....
After all, It was never going to be plain sailing, was it?