Small Islands

I have a love of islands. Perhaps it’s something to do with growing up in Britain, an island nation. I have a love of the sea. It’s all connected. I don’t live near the sea; a small negative for the otherwise beautiful part of France I’ve chosen to call home for the past few years. So when I got an invitation to visit a small island off the northern coast of France – or southern coast of England if you prefer – it took little thought on my part before accepting.

Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands is home to Tatiana, her husband Darren and their dogs Mac and Loki. Before Covid they organised and hosted Schnauzerfest walks on the island. Now they’re doing it again and I am joining them. Not just me, more excitingly, the dogs and Michel are coming with me. I think the last time Michel joined us for a Schnauzerfest event was when we were in the UK filming for Britain’s Top 100 Dogs, back in November 2018. Then it was Renae, Twinkle and Cerise who formed our little family of five.

Since then, we haven’t all been to a Schnauzerfest walk together. Angel’s never been to one at all. So it will be an exciting trip on many counts. It will, I am certain, be the most southern of the Schnauzerfest Walks taking place this autumn. October is the month walks happen in earnest. But as the weather can get stormy the further into the autumn we head, Tatiana has sensibly opted to kick off Schnauzerfest Month a week early. It also means I can take the time off and join them.

While I am on the island I hope to visit Guernsey SPCA. I am keen to see more of the great work they do helping and protecting animals. This is the 150th year it’s been doing its work. The island itself has a long and fascinating history. I’ve been reading up on it and I’m sure I’ll be absorbed by a lot during our trip. Small islands appeal to me and I am incredibly excited about it all.

We’ll be heading north soon, making a trip of it in the campervan, to be on the island for the walk on the 23rd of this month.

If you by any chance happen to be on the island, or would like to visit and join the walk, drop me an email for details.