Island of Porquerolles
Sealion
Richard Martin
Tue 18 May 2010 18:20
We are back on the
move, as the Mistral that has held us up in Toulon for days is finally blowing
through. Having said that we enjoyed ourselves in Toulon and the sun has shone
all the time and it is getting hotter by the day. Last night a beautiful Swan
yacht (70ft) flying a Swedish flag, moored next to us. They had
left Antibes in the morning bound for Mallorca but gave up after battling
against 4/6 metre waves - so we probably made the right decision staying in
port.
This morning we left
early and although there was little wind, there was still a big swell left which
impressed Alison no end. We had wanted to go to Hyeres but the marina said they
were full - It is really amazing how many boats are going up and down the coast
even though it is early in the season - there are so many bank holidays in May
people are clearly having holidays & there are lots of regattas going
on.
Instead we
went directly to the Island of Porquerolles off Hyeres. It is really lovely. (I
wouldn't want to be here in the season, must be manic.)
There were a number
of pretty bays/beaches we could have anchored off, but with the Mistral still
around we went into the port, that has lots of space for
visitors.
The Island is car
free (other than a few service vehicles) and bicycles are the clear mode of
transport (numerous rental shops) - So it was out with our bikes and off we went
- big problem you need mountain bikes and our little fold-away bikes got some
funny looks. Anyhow we enjoyed ourselves - the smell of pine, olive groves and
some vineyards were all lovely. Well having done some of the island I think we
will stay a second day and explore some more.
Well it is cocktail
hour as you can see in the last picture.
