Back in salty water

How many boats can you get in one lock!
Originally uploaded by rosailither.

On our return trip from Redon, we stopped at a little village called Rieux, where we had been recommended a good cheap restaurant, only to find it was closed for the whole month of August. Instead we made use of the cheap electric to put our washing machine to work. With a fresh breeze and temperatures up to 35°, it took minutes for stuff to dry.
We exited the Vilaine the the only lock, where we jostled for space with another 30-odd boats. Amazingly, most boats were squeezed in and we passed through unscathed amidst the carefully controlled chaos.
We have been astounded by the sheer number of boats out sailing along the French coast. On all our trips, there has been a whole line of white sails stretching out in front and behind us. Our red sails must still stand out, judging by the number of boats that whizz out to have a look and take pictures. To Dave's neverending delight!
From la Vilaine, we have done two day-hops, to the fishing port of le Croisic, and to the beautiful island of Ile d'Yeu. It's getting more touristy as we go, we arrived yesterday to huge crowds of people on the dockside awaiting a ferry back to the mainland. These ferries are slightly bigger than Sea Dream, Dave counted twelve 50-man liferafts on each side of one big ferry. Work that out!