Ouessant

The western-most point of "mainland" France - that is to say excluding the many islands that are sitting in the Caribbean or some obscure place in the middle of the ocean. The only way to get to and from this island is by Ferry. I would say the majority of the people that visit the island do so on a bicycle.








Sure it may look fairly flat in this picture, but I'll have you know - being the non-sporty person that I am - that bike riding on this island proved to be quite difficult. Of course, I was suckered into doing this by Flo, who said, and I quote, "There is really only one big hill that you have to go up - and its just after you pick up your bicycle - everything else is easy." I would like to let you all know that this was a LIE.

















So while the day did start out to be really nice with clear skies - after about an hour of being on the island - we were taken over by fog. It was stunning to watch the cloud consume everything.

























The sign is saying "a gauche" which means "to the left" (while pointing to the left) and then "a droite" which means "to the right" (while pointing to the right). I don't really understand the necessity of this sign - maybe its for the sheep?









Speaking of the sheep - and I just realized I should have added a picture of one of these - Ouessant is known for its population of brownish/black sheep. Even further, during a certain time of the year, the sheep are allowed to roam freely around the island. They are all tagged, so at the end of the season - the owners are able to go rally them up.


Here some pictures of what used to be a typical Breton home.


It basically consisted of one room which was divided by furniture. Here you see a hall-way looking thing - this is the view from the front door and what you are looking at are closets. Next to those closets are enclosed beds which are open to the kitchen. This will require much further explanation - which I will have to do in person - but one thing that's interesting to note is that Flo's grandmother actually grew up in a house like this.





























...and of course, given the rocky terrain there are a couple lighthouses on this island. But have a look at that windmill, you'll notice that it's unusually small. I think this is the only windmill left on the island - but there used to be around thirty.










Soon after this picture, you better believe we were napping. It was an exhausting day!