1. Cavalaire to Calvi

 

Mainland France to Corsica 

We had a wonderful crossing with some good wind from the North East before calm weather at the last part. We sailed then motor sailed then motored. 

We left Cavalaire at 04.50 hrs with a lovely sunrise. Mister Sun looks as if he is already wearing his sunglasses!

The crossing was without incident with very few ships sighted, the nearest being a Corsican Ferry. We made sure we got out of the way.

Lesley found a good perch.

Look no hands! The wonderful autopilot takes over.

We had a hitch-hiker who joined for the trip. A little sparrow. At first a little timid but then became very friendly and no longer timid. I was able to stroke his chest and he would move around with me. 

Becoming a little too friendly stopping me drink my tea

Even worse when he decided to sit in my supper of beautiful pea, asparagus and fennel risotto. He wasn't trying to eat it he just wanted attention. 

Marine Traffic showing our route  (thanks Ian)

Sunset nearing Corsica

When closer to the coast it was dark with the high mountains above and the sea mist below - the lighthouse light flashing it's two sequence flashes yet you cannot see any discernible features or changes in the pattern of the coast. No bay opening up, no boats just the mountains above and sea mist and lighthouse below. All together looking quite ominous. Suddenly you start to see small twinkling lights of the occasional house and then a bay opens up in front of you through the mist. The sky clears and you slowly move forward to drop the anchor and feast your eyes on the wonderful sight of Calvi at night. 

This morning at breakfast in the cockpit we see the rugged mountains that are Corsica. Some even snow capped yet here we are anchored in a bay with a beautiful town with its enormous long beach. The mountains are famous for their walks and spectacular views. At this time of year there are very few people and only five yachts anchored in a bay of at least 2 kilometres wide. 

The fortress at Calvi is one of the HQs for the famous French Foreign Legion that has inspired many a story or novel. The soldiers of the Legion would join from all over the world with not questions asked where or why they joined. Criminals, jilted lovers, family black sheep, adventurers all joined but had to abide by the harsh discipline and toughness the Legion was renowned for.