Month: July 2013

Calvi to Ile Rousse Monday

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Today we were up and off to the beach not far from our hotel.
Lovely white sand and a really nice place to spend some time.
After a swim a little petit dejeuner – cafe, baguette and orange juice. I’ll have to get my fruit intake later!

Then it was off to the Citadel and with an audio guide we found out about Nelson losing his eye, Christopher Colombus being born and then dying in Calvi (after he discovered America), and other stories about how the French won everything they ever went in!

Then it was down the road 22km to Algajola where our friend has an apartment. Its a gorgeous little beachside village. Not pretentious, just quiet and charming and would be a great place for a holiday. Almost wish we were staying here with Inky (aka Ian) and Ali so its a pity he couldn’t come from London and host us. The wind had whipped up a little so no swim – we just had to move on to a lovely lunch at one of the beachside cafes. When in France have a salad Nicoise and or Moules – mussels which we did with a fresh Rose.

Of course Steve had to check out the life saving arrangements at the beach – and I think the lifesavers (the Sappeurs Pompiers)  thought it was a spot inspection by the French lifesaving movement!

There were lots of camping areas to stay and a great set of cabins just on the beach which kind of looked like “Binna Burra by the sea”

We continued into the next village where are staying for 2 nights and are right on the water and it sounds just like Caloundra. We roamed the shops before checking in and Steve once again “won” the shopping. He bought two shirts and a pair of shorts. I managed just one cotton dress.

Now is afternoon siesta time and catch up with the blog and emails before we walk along the promenade into the Ville for dinner.

This is the life!

Porto to Calvi. Sunday 7 th

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Now the swim trek has finished we are enjoying our time in Corsica..

It’s spectacular. If you watched the first few days of the Tour you would have seen it then. The road we are travelling is so winding and narrow. Very slow going but so beautiful. We went on a 3 hour boat trip up the coast to the Scandola National Park. It was lovely on the boat just cruising along. Saw some spectacular rock formations, assorted bird life and fish. Had a swim at Giralato where we stopped for half an hour.

gorgeous scenery


Back to Porto and then back in the car for a drive along the winding coast road to Calvi.
It was very warm and Steve’s school friend now living in London (with a holiday house in Algajola near here) told us about visiting the Fango River for a swim. We had to scramble over rocks but getting in was a joy. All bubbly and a little like a spa.

Enjoying the free spa in the
Fango River


We dried off and continued to Calvi which is a port attracting the most incredible leisure boats. We sat in the late afternoon drinking cocktails, admiring the super yachts (and sometimes laughing at the antics of the owners). Boy! there is some money wrapped up in these big babies.

Steve’s favourite yacht . Classy!

Walking further along the port, music from the “party” yacht attracted our attention. It was a party for Diesel and all the beautiful young things were boarding for a good time. Great fun watching them wobbling along on super heels to party central.

Sat at another bar and some of the owners of the super yachts came in and air kissed everyone in sight. Not us – we are invisible tourists! They are a type. All tanned – thin, brown, wrinkled, fair haired women; and fat, longish haired, long sleeved linen shirts with the sleeves rolled back, sunglasses perched on head top men. I love looking at them!

A Calvi style welcome for the Tour de France.
Note the bikes used are real!

Dinner was lovely – at a little place back from the glamour port. But it was attracting quite a young crowd so not sure about that! I had a great grilled sea bass and Steve had lamb.

Walked back to our hotel and were walking against the stream of young people heading to the bars along the waterfront. Made us feel just a little old.

Few observations:
– the latest for girls out on the town is short shorts and ankle boots – preferably with studs.
– White waffle bath towels
– Crazy drivers
– French not quite as warm and friendly as the Italians

Bonafacio to Porto

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Had a great nights sleep and nice breakfast (for 15 euros – why we have to pay in France I don’t know)
Then a taxi to the airport to pick up our hire car and away we went.
Oh boy , what dramatic scenery along the way. Winding roads, sheer cliffs, breath taking views. We really enjoyed the travel and hopefully Steve enjoyed the driving! He’s having a few beers now to recover.
We had morning tea at Propriano, a lovely little very French boating village, and lunch at the much larger Ajaccio which reminded us a little of Nice. Lots of boats, shops, cafes and gelato.

Propriano 

We moved on through the coastal route to Porto and it was so dramatic climbing hills and dropping down to the coastal towns. Some really lovely sandy beaches. Corsica is proving to be a well kept secret. It’s really lovely.

We arrived in Porto at 4.30 and our hotel is well located on the little harbour. We booked a boat tour tomorrow to explore the coast by sea and will head up to Girolata where there is a National Park and the Sandola Gulf. Hope we can get a little swim in. I am missing our time on the boat and even miss the swims!

Porto – mountains meet the sea

Just completed a survey from Swim trek. All good comments from us!

Saw the results of the Lions Wallaby game. Dismal result and Robbie Deans could be out of a job !

Had a beautiful dinner at La Mer -right on the front of the harbour with the most beautiful view. Steve had duck and I had just had the first meat meal since I left. Pork ! And very nice it was too.

Goodbye Sardinia

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Last day in Sardinia started with a 1km swim at 7am,  which I did with the diehard swimmers out the front of the hotel with Francesco in the front (with his little tiny yellow boat) and Gleno in the back. No stingers was a bonus. 
Then back to the hotel – breakfast all together and then the goodbyes started. It was such a great week and so many really nice people. 

Francesco and his little yellow boat

My last swim

Memories include: meeting all the swimmers first night and discovering so many coincidences; finding I could manage to swim at least half and more of the distances; making new friends; laughing hysterically at Chris G’s ballad of Gleno – a very funny poem which started with Glen our guide but then moved on to mention everybody. This was backed up with boisterous singing led by Chris, our French American party boy. Oh how cute is he! Then there were the crystal waters, great lunches, interesting walks, funny beer sessions after the swims ( Francesco couldn’t get over the number of beers the group could go through) lovely dinners out with the group, and of course our lovely Francesco who hails from Rome and speaks English so well and has a great sense of humour. Last but not  least was the encouragement I received from everyone and to my surprise being presented with the Capo Bianco. 

I really must keep swimming! 

We packed up and, with the Freemans and the Ambroses’, caught the midday ferry to Palau where we then caught a bus to Santa Teresa for the ferry to Corsica. It was magical travelling across and arriving to see the rugged cliffs of Corsica and Bonafacio perched on the top. 

Our hotel, the Santa Teresa was high on the cliffs and our room had a birds eye view. We wandered the town – the old one which was interesting with its old gates, but its quite touristy. Had a great meal with local wine and got back to the hotel quite early as the sun went down at around 9.30! 

The 3 islands swim

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Biggest swim today -for me!

We motored off on Marco’s boat and arrived at the first island, admired the “pink” beach then moved a little down the coast and off we went.

The first swim was 5 km and I started a little behind the first group, swam the channel, had a little break then finished with the group at the most gorgeous  bay – Santa Maria. I must have swum about 3.5 km . I can hardly believe it. A week ago the furthest I had ever swum was 1km.

We stopped for lunch and rest time and swam a little in the crystal waters then set off at 2.30 for the next 2km along the coast to the lighthouse. I did more than half – so all up around 4. 5km! 
There I go

Lunch was a gorgeous pasta dish with salad. Francesco with his bandana prepares a pretty good lunch.

Francesco making lunch

The ride back was just a little rough as the wind has come up a little. 

Now in the hotel having a coffee followed by a Aperol Spritz. Dinner out with the group tonight. They are such a fun group. All starting to bond.

Tony, Kerrie, Chicca, Steve, Isabelle, Liz and Peter

Swim trek Day 3

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Group at rest

An early morning start. 6 a.m. wake up, dress, down to breakfast and ready to go by 7. We had to beat the wind for an inter-island swim.

We headed down the sea to the right of the hotel and the swim was across the sea to Spargi Island. I decided not to do the channel cross. It was a 4 km swim all up. A 2km across the channel and then another 2km to the bay we were going to. It’s interesting travelling with Francesco in the rubber duckie. He gives me lots of insight into the swimming styles, points a out areas of interest and its good fun. 

The Yellow Caps are off to Spargi!

The yellow cap girls, Isabella and Liz did a great job, keeping a perfect line across the channel. The orange group with Steve did a little detour so ended up getting caught by the pink group headed by Clare from Canada, a real ball of muscle. I have taken to calling her Action Girl.

I joined them for the swim along the coast, around the headland and into the bay where we were having morning tea. 

After the break we headed off for the top of the hill, a walk though stony prickly bushes to the top where the bunkers from WW2 still exist. It was a half hour climb up then some sight-seeing and a half hour back. So quite energetic.

Th group on Spargi hilltop

our guides decided the wind was too strong so we headed back across the channel to La Maddalena where we moored for lunch.

Only problem. – Glenn had to drive the rubber duckie back to the hotel to get the rice, and on the way back the engine failed so Francesco – who was preparing our lunch had to take off to rescue him. So Marco the big boat driver took over. It provided us with a few laughs as we lounged on the deck of the boat. This is the life! 


our lunch beach

We got to laze around or swim in the crystal waters. Finally they arrived and we enjoyed a lovely lunch of rice salad full of lots of goodies like olives, tomatoes, capers, artichokes, mushrooms and soaked up with bread. Yumm

 

lunch before the second swim


We then had to wait the required time before beginning the afternoon swim. Off set the yellow group of Isabella and Liz and they decided to explore each of the bays and coves and really enjoy the swim. The orange group, followed by the competitive pink group, were soon hot on their heels – they had cut some of the explorations of the bays and cut across them. Francesco just shrugged his shoulders and said” they are missing out on the best scenery”

Once again I hopped in half way through the 2.6 swim and really enjoyed the last 1.3 km. I’m getting a little used to it now and feeling stronger.

We returned to the hotel for showers and a wrap-up analysis of our stroke. Quite a funny but informative critique of our swimming style taken with an underwater camera. Francesco was great and handed out lots of hints.

Isabella in the yellow group has the best style but needs more strength to go fast. He said I had a great style for only 4 months swimming and gave me a few hints on how to improve.I’m feeling very pleased with myself and so encouraged.

We did this over a few shared Prosecos – so all was good. We watched Australia win the stage of the Tour team time trials and are now in the room catching up before dinner.

Tonight the whole group are going into town to La Perla Blu for dinner.Francesco has organised it and no doubt will wear his”night time” hat a rather cute beany style skull cap. He’s quite a gorgeous character.

So far swim trek is going well. Not so nervous now!!!!! And the group are so encouraging.

Swim trek Day 2

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Today we started at 9 am so no real rush.Breakfast with some of the group and then a walk to the jetty.Our bigger boat arrived with Marco the driver. We all squashed aboard and towed the 2 rubber duckies as support vehicles behind.

Crossed over to another island and Franesco explained today’s plan. A 4 km swim, lunch, walk, rest then a 2.5 swim. Ohhhh I thought another ride in the rubber duckie with Francesco as 4 km is beyond me. I dropped in half way and it was probably the hardest part if the swim. I missed the beautiful sandy bay near the closed down abandoned club med style resort.

I made it! Yah to me. Then we had a rest and lunch – a lovely pasta salad, followed by a walk up the hill to see the view and the stone statue of Ciano, father of Count Ciano, Mussolini’s son in law. Amazing stone statue in 3 parts now. Lots of photos.


Back to the boat and motored off to start the next swim. Only 2.5km! But by now it was quite windy and the current was running – fortunately in the direction of the swim.

I dropped in half way and swam probably 1.5km

Back to the hotel for clean up and a few drinks, then short rest before a group dinner at the hotel.

Lovely day and the swimming was fine. Getting used to it little by little.

Writing this before dinner. So more news later.

Arriving at La Maddelena

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The fun has begun . Swim trek has started.

Our  hotel is good. Just by the sea about a Km out of the town . View from the room, large verandah, comfy bed. Not luxurious but  good for week’s stay. Definitely worth asking for a sea view.

View from the hotel

 

Beautiful bay views

 

Our terrace


We met the group last night and had a dinner together with our guides Francesco and Glenn. Let me describe.
Three couples from Sydney. One couple from London. All friends. Turns out there are multi coincidences. They are ex-water polo players (with their wives) from Sydney Uni and although in their 50’s know our son Rob from Syd Uni water polo. Then turns out one of the ladies knows my sister Catherine as her children went to Catherine’s school ! Liz also knows my niece Helen because they swim together at Bronte swim club where they live!
So many coincidences from the Sydney crew.
The others are Emily – 30’s from UK; Clare – 30’s from Canada, Isabella – 30’s a Swiss doctor. All 3 have done swim treks before. In fact there are 3 doctors, a nurse and a radiographer, so medically we are fine.
Then there are 3 brothers one from Paris,one from London and last from California – they are half French and range from 30-40. All married, but on a brothers bonding week. This is there 3rd swim trek. Last swimmer is the class clown Chris from London. Very funny, very pale and now quite red from sunburn .

We had our first group meeting and had to introduce ourselves and say a little about our swimming. Well I didn’t have much to say except I’ve only been swimming for 4 month! And that I’m so nervous I could vomit!

Everyone seemed lovely and encouraging especially Francesco our lovely Italian guide. He is from Rome and seems to be the loveliest guy.

The next morning we met down at the little beach near the hotel. The TEST!
We started with a 300m test swim, to group us. I got a yellow hat! Then breakfast and we were given our hats. I’m (naturally) in the slowest group with Isabella and Liz. So off we went for our 1.7 km swim around the beautiful bays to our picnic spot – an unused convent only reached by swimming or by boat. Had lunch and rested and wandered around then at 2.30 we set off for a 4 km swim. I cleverly stayed on the rubber duckie with Francesco and dropped in half way through the swim. We finished at a jetty then had to dress and walk 2-3 km back to our hotel. Talk about tired! And it’s only day 1!

Poor Chris our one Englishman -turns out he is a very good swimmer but so pale he burns easily . He has burn marks on various parts of his pale skin.

Small local  beach for a little training!

When we finally got back to the hotel we had to swim 4 short laps by ourselves to be videotaped for analysis of our stroke! More swimming!

We cleaned up had an hour off then walked a km to our restaurant for dinner.
To bed by 10.30 and a Sunday sleep.

Tomorrow start at 7 am for a crossing from island to island.