Boats, Harbours and Relaxation

Water is generally accepted as being a relaxing feature.  If it is calm, running slowly past, or as part of a pond, lake or harbour then this can be very true.    If its tranquility and peaceful nature appeals then you may enjoy a French town called ‘Honfleur’ in Normandy.

I think that this idyllic harbour has a lot going for it.  Boats on water create a lovely view, covered seating provides shelter from the weather so you can comfortably eat and drink outside admiring the view and there are lots of little shops to buy exciting things in.

As I walked around the harbour the smell of French food being served by the local cafes was welcome and pleasant, the occasional cry from the seagulls above reminded me I was at the coast and the whole atmosphere was very relaxed, but there was a great buzz in the air.  For me it was an excitement at finding such a gem, a combination of the weather, others enjoying the harbour, the general hustle and bustle of life, and from my experience, friendly folk.

There are many great harbours though, one such place that is always a personal favourite is Portscatho in Cornwall.

There is the lugger (jetty) in the picture that people jump into the sea at high tide.  The harbour where people keep their boats mostly during the summer months.  The village is friendly with a great pub ‘The Plume of Feathers’ where I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed good food and a pint or two!

The two pictures above are very different, one is a town, the other is a village, but both have friendly people, a great atmosphere, and feel welcoming.  If I had a boat, I can imagine this is the sort of place I would come down to, and when the water has risen at high tide take it out and enjoy some sailing or fishing…

 

If you get the chance to go to Clovelly, Devon though I thoroughly recommend it.  If you stay in the town, and take a walk down at night under a moonlit sky, the view can be breathtaking.  The sound of the water lapping at the shore, or the ropes pinging the masts if there is a little wind I find incredibly relaxing.  It helps that this particular place is a 16th century harbour and steeped in history, it just oozes character and even if just have an afternoon to visit and have a Devonshire cream tea, it is well worth it!

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