Screen Background -

Shakespeare Hotel St Clements

16/05/2009 By car from Sheffield via M1, A38, M42, M40, then down the Fosse Way, stopped in Morton on Marsh for lunch at the Marshmellow Cafe. Then continued via Stow, Burford, passing Swindon, Marlbro, Salisbury & on to Poole for overnight stay at the Premier Inn Poole North.
17/05/2009 By car to Weymouth (32miles) for 0900hrs to catch 1000hrs Ferry.

Condor Ferries operate 4 vessels, 2 fast car ferries between Weymouth/Poole & Guernsey/Jersey, 1 slightly smaller fast ferry between Jersey & St Malo & a conventional ship "Clipper" between Portsmouth & the channel islands.
Below are the descriptions for "Express & Vitesse".

Launched	1998
Gross tonnage	5,005
Service Speed	41 knots
Length	86.62 metres
Beam	26 metres
Max Draught	3.5 metres
Crew	30
Passenger Capacity	750
Car Capacity	185
Seats	750
Power	28,320 kW
Shipyard	INCAT - Hobart, Tasmania, Austrailia

These state-of-the-art fast car ferries operate between the Channel Islands, the UK and France, with space for 750 passengers and 185 cars. A computerised ride-control system offers the smoothest possible journey along with many other features and facilities.

Onboard Facilities

• Spacious air-conditioned passenger lounges
• Guaranteed seat for everyone
• Reclining seat option
• Caféteria serving delicious hot meals and snacks
• Duty-free shop - for all the essential bargains!
• Upper deck bar and shop
• Club Class Lounge
• Children's TV room

---------------------------------------------

Moving away from the loading ramps sideways we reversed out of the harbour before doing a 180 degree turn.

Just after we set off there was an exercise where the rescue services helicopter lowered a man on to the upper rear deck but I never managed to get a photo of it, the sea was rough & too much spray. After about 10 minutes it came back & picked up their man.

Despite the ship, the channel crossing to Guernsey was very bumpy, I was expecting this as I had been watching the weather forecast & info' from the channel lightship 62103 
(goto www.ndbc.noaa.gov). 

My wife was sick several times. It was a bumpy ride. The final leg from Guernsey to Jersey was much better.
By the time we drove off the boat in Jersey she was feeling better & was starting to get hungry.

We drove to the Shakespeare hotel & settled in & she was ready for Dinner.

Photos from the Hotel front patio area.

The local wildlife

The hotel viewed from the beach

Hotel approach by road from the East.


The beach, a few yards of sand & pebbles then loads of rocks. There are better beaches on the island.


Monday, went to Jersey Pottery at Gorey, greeted by these two ducks in the car park.
Had lunch in Spinnakers Bar & Grill.





Went on to see the Eric Young Orchids but I forgot they are only open Wednesdays & Saturdays, we ended up at the Steam & Motor Museum, not much to look at from outside but full of nostalgia.



Tuesday, we used the Hotel mini bus for a visit to St Helier, 1000hrs to return at 1600hrs. Visited Cosy Sofa on Peter Street which is owned by the son of a friend. Bought some Belgian chocolates at Leonidas .... in the market, choose your box size then fill it with your choice of chocolates, or buy it ready filled.
Had lunch in the Brassierie in de Gruchys department store (next to M&S).



Wednesday, visited the Eric Young Orchid Foundation near Victoria Village - took a few photos--


























Next, Bonne Nuit Bay for lunch & some more ducks









Time to spare so headed for Jersey Pearl, but we came across Bouchet Agateware Pottery on the way. She bought some earings & a pendant, not too expensive.

then on to Jersey Pearl. A bit pricey but she managed to find another pair of earings & a necklace.

back to the hotel at St Clements, via St Ouen's Bay, St Brelades & St Aubins Bay, St Helier at rush hour.

Thursday, packed up & loaded car, had to be out of hotel for 1000hrs. Time to spend as not due at ferry terminal until 1300hrs for 1430hrs ferry.
Decided to go back to Gorey & Jersey Pottery. Then up the coast to St Catherines Breakwater. Called at Ransoms Garden Centre for coffee then slowly wandered back to St Helier.

The return ferry journey was a much more pleasant Journey, sea like a mill pond we even had some chips.
Managed to get a few more photos & we came across the Condor Clipper, it followed us into Guernsey harbour, follow the sequnence of photos as it did a 90degree reverse turn into the berth within the confines of the harbour.



We arrive (above) & behind us (below) is Condor Clipper


We proceed into the harbour.


We carry out our reverse turn.

The Clipper entering the harbour.

nearer

nearer


Coming to a stop.

Then reverse turn.

n
This is the Orchid we bought, packed carefully in the car.