Returned Volunteer

I have just been back through the blog whilst the weather is cold. I get enquiries through VSO about my experience from new volunteers. I have added a few bits about the VSO process and done a bit of housekeeping.

I have put retrospective comment or info in italics I hope that helps, I will continue to add as I think of things.

I hope any new volunteers find the information useful. A big part of the experience is finding out for yourself and everyone is different.

I cannot really go into detail about my placement other than to give general information and to say I had a great time and that I am currently on the VSO books looking to go again for a short term placement.

I am still in touch with lots of the people I met both from VSO and other voluntary organisations.

Red roof

Flying lesson

Took off from Shoreham airport in a PA28 Piper Warrior, we flew along the coast to Beachy Head Lighthouse, inland for a bit and then circled around Seaford taking photo's.

Cherbourg to Newhaven

The journey home, ended up mainly a motor sail as the promised Force 4 wind never appeared. A long day but sunny and calm, not much freight to dodge along the way.

Granville

Very tidal marina, + or - 3 hrs of High Tide. The area outside the Marina sill dries as you can see from the top picture. The first night there a motor boat tried to get out too near to the sill going dry and got stuck on it, made for a nights entertainment.

Ended up here for 2 days due to bad weather, pleasant town some beaches and a tidal pool which I had a swim in. On the way in we sailed through hundreds of jellyfish so I steered clear of the sea.

St Malo

Busy port, historic walled city with vibrant night life, there was a live concert the night we were there. Just stayed for one night as pressing for home now.

St Quay Portrieux

A bay I found walking between St Quay and Binic, about 5 miles. Loads of beaches to swim from, very nice tourist area, great for kids. Binic was for me a nicer port but tidal access is restricted, however you are in the centre of the town and some great restaurants.
The night we arrived at St Quay there was a spectacular fireworks display, not to welcome us I think.

Treguier

Marina is on a river a few miles from the coast. Very old and historic town, good place for a wander round and some good eating to be had. Very tidal so access has to be timed well. Will visit again as had a good time there.

Lezardrieux

Picture of the town centre. The marina is on the river and about 7 miles from the sea, you can actually sail further down the river. Great place to stay, will go again. Would love to live by the river there, very scenic and relaxing.

St Helier, Jersey

The marina and the tall ship that delayed our exit from the harbour. On leaving the harbour the engine overheated and had to be switched off, think we collected a plastic bag over the water cooling feed. Had to sail away for a while and recheck the engine, fortunately it was ok.

Ambitious Alice

Amitious Alice on a berth in St Helier, Jersey. Where we flew out to pick her up. Bavaria 34, 10.9m long max 8 berth but that would be a squeeze. A couple of nights in Jersey having a look around, Saturday night was lively.

Still Mumbling

This walking is hard work!

Mumbles Again

Two weeks cat sitting for Helen, a chance to sample the pubs aroung the Gower peninsula.

Hogmanay Wedding

Beatrice and Tom after the ceremony in Rothesay, Bute, Scotland on New Years Eve

Hogmanay in Bute

Adam breaking in just before Xmas without his key

The big mistake, Adam!! was using my camera to take the photos and not deleting them!!

The Mumbles and Gower Peninsula

At the end of a wind swept day a pub with a fire and good food is a welcome sight.

The Mumbles and Gower Peninsula

Boudha Kathmandu

Biggest stupor in Nepal, at dusk very busy with the faithful walking three times round and praying.

Swayambhu Kathmandu-the monkey temple