Protected in the river of Auray
Comfortably installed at the buoy at the tip of the Vide-bouteille in a bend of the Auray river, we are perfectly protected when the fifty or so knots of wind sweep through the region. We were not protected from the rain, unfortunately, but it did not last and gave way to a beautiful week, almost summery.
A welcoming port
Under a radiant sun, we set off to discover Le Bono, a small jewel nestled in a green setting. A pontoon crowded with dinghies welcomes us a little before the mole. The wisteria blossoms in the well named street of the port which goes up towards the village square.
A well-stocked grocery store, lively cafés and a famous bakery are all within walking distance. While taking the time to stroll, we pass over the old bridge, built more than 150 years ago. We also walk to the cemetery which houses a very special resident, the eternal Bernard Moitessier.
Visit to Moitessier
His tomb is in the image of the character: in a corner of the cemetery, a palm tree grows. A simple slate is set up at its foot. Sailors and admirers have gathered there necklaces of shells, shackles, cigars, and other souvenirs of the life of this tireless sailor. As it is customary to leave an object to invoke his protection, we do not fail to place a piece of driftwood that the children have pyrographed.
Walk along the river
A little further, we go to discover the Tumulus of Kernours, more than 5000 years old! Without flashlight, the children chirp with excitement tinged with fear when we go under the ground in the stone gut. The cell phone helps us to illuminate the burial chamber but its light does not allow us to distinguish the engravings which, it seems, are there.
After the tumulus, we take the pretty path that borders the river. The walk with the scent of pine trees, lets us see beautiful properties and magnificent panoramas. Near the Berly cove, there is a small beach for the enjoyment of young and old.
A washing machine on board
The stopover also allows us to load on board Arthur a washing machine. The operation is made possible thanks to the quay of the port where we move to fill up with water. Then, we carefully lower it through the porthole of the rear companionway. A few moments later, the first round of laundry was drying in the Morbihan sun! The water consumption of the machine is not negligible, but with 3 children on board, it became really necessary.
We also put the paddle in the water because the river is an ideal playground for children. They look forward to the zodiacs and other boats to play in their wake. Parents may not enjoy the heavy vacation traffic and dancing speedboats, but that's a small price to pay in this resplendent setting.
