Les Calanques
Trip Start
Jan 06, 2008
1
4
5
Trip End
Oct 07, 2008
Marseille,
France
Friday, February 1, 2008
Here's what I wrote while we took our break overlooking the boulder covered "beach." There isn't any sand, so I don't know if technically it can be called a beach.
"The Calanques are gorgeous! We've been here 23 days now and this is my second trip through the Calanques. I can't put into words the magnificence found here, but I'll try
The first view of the Mediterranean
.'These cliffs shoot nearly straight up out of the Mediterranean, which is a deep, crystal clear teal. The sun and wind dance on the water's surface, moving together down the coast and out to sea.
'The winds here are called les Mistral and they blow full force at the top of the mountains, but taper off to a strong breeze the closer you get to the water's edge.
'The cliff swallows (I guess that's what they are) soar from one nook in the side of a cliff to another so effortlessly, peacefully, and slowly. They just seem to float.
'Seagulls rest on the boulders that have broken off and fallen into the water, evidence of what has to have been a huge landslide.
'There is a little fishing village located just to the west of this little rocky set of beaches. It is completely hidden behind a cliff except for the occasional fishing boat which rounds the corner. There is one now, gathering a pot that it must have set earlier.
'These massive cliffs are scaled by amateur rock climbers [there were a number of them out on my first trip to the Calanques, but I didn't see any today], and I wish I could experience that feeling of adrenaline mixed with this breathtaking view and the caress of les Mistrals
Umm... wow
.'The cliffs are a myriad of colors, white, orange, brown, with stripes of grey from centuries of rain, interspersed by deep green foliage, trees and brush that seem to defy gravity.
'The cliffs in the distance are smoother than the ones I'm resting under. These jut towards the sky in different levels which reflect the setting sun with the most beautiful peach glow I could imagine.
'There is one slice of a cliff that has split from the shore and sits about fifty feet out into the sea. I would love to try to climb on it this summer when it's warm enough to swim, but looking down on it, I can't see a way to climb up it. The sides are too vertical until you get about 1/3 of the way up (maybe 20 feet). I'll see if there's a way in a few months :) I can't wait!!
'Kendra and I made the trek to the lookout point and then walked back down and have stopped almost at the nude beach but just past and above the flat rocks and little beach that Interact brought us to the other weekend. *Interact is a group of Euromed students that work to help us international students find our way around campus and get a feel for Marseille, as well as just being an all around huge help! They also throw parties in our dorm on Tuesdays..
The smoother cliff to the right
. crazy Frenchies!*'I love that this is my "backyard." If it is this breathtaking now, I can't imagine what it will be like this summer.
'I'm sure the sounds of waves lapping against rick, les Mistrals blowing, the occasional squawk of a seagull, and the random outburst from Kendra singing half a line of the song playing on her ipod will remain the same.
'I just saw a seagull flying with a fish in its mouth, drop the fish and catch it in midair - twice! Must be dinner time."
So, did you get a feel of how amazing it is here?
I would really like to climb the cliffs and camp up there one night this summer, but don't know if that's allowed. I'll have to find out.
BY THE WAY!!!! I found out that I can do an internship this summer instead of writing a thesis, so I'm looking at jobs in Paris. If anyone has any information about, or connections at Bain & Company (consulting) or World Wildlife Fund, please let me know!
Love you!
PS - I put the map pin directly on the overlook where we sat and I wrote.
Comments
Great descriptions
I loved reading your descriptions, that is awesome writing. I would love to read about your future climbing adventures.
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Manager