Day 7: Saint Florent
Driving north and across the mountain range, we descended on the seaside port of Saint Florent. In search for one of Corsica’s best beaches, ‘Lotu’ is reached only by ferry. So popular, a ferry departs every 30min. Having nominated our return time, a necessity at departure, we boarded the ferry with just enough space to accommodate our mob of 9.
Upon arrival Claudine was recommended to take a ‘small’ detour to another nearby beach that afforded more tranquil surrounds. We took to the recommended dirt track that would test the best modern day stroller. Alas, some of the terrain was too much for the ‘mountain buggy’ that was transporting Claudine’s nephew – Oliver. 25min later we resigned to the fact that we were lost. The lack of any signposting and multiple trails proved too much. Not even a scout or two could determine our location or proximity to this phantom beach. We concluded the most sensible outcome was to about face and return to the ferry and location of the beach where all our fellow passengers descended upon.
Although slightly overcast, we all enjoyed the beach and it’s waist high lukewarm water. Building of sandcastles and playing of beach side games commenced swiftly after some lunch. A small excursion located a freshwater lagoon that was the domain of the resident bovines. A few iconic photos later, some more swimming and playing then it was time to pack up and return. One of our fellow passengers had clearly enjoyed the beach a bit too much and consumption of the local Pietra beer. To the jeers of the almost full boat, our boozed passenger experienced some difficulty walking down the jetty and took an unplanned plunge. There certainly are worse places for a swim, and with his submerged esky, he certainly had some familiar company.
Day 8: Marie-The’s lunch
2013 is a year of great significance for the Felce family. Not only was it to mark the return of the Aussie’s chapter but it marks the 90th birthday celebrations for Marie-The. Although the actual date was in April, today was held as a date of celebration for the available relatives.
Henri, Claudine’s uncle and now permanent Corsican resident, had been recommended a beach side restaurant recently opened by a local restaurateur who has had much success with his other establishments. In the most ideal beach front, almost rastafarian style, we all thoroughly enjoyed a magnificent seafood inspired menu.
How time flies when you enjoy your surrounds, before we knew it was late afternoon. Claudine had elected to collect our friend Flore and her travelling companion from Paris who were arriving at almost midnight.
Staying up late to welcome our ‘continental’ friends we were provided a firework display, maybe to celebrate the US 4th of July, at the uncivilised hour of 1:30am. With the strike of 3 it was time to sleep and pray that the morning would not be filled with pots and pans ‘dans la tete’
Day 9: Beach & Helicopter.
Posted around Moriani for the past few days were advertisements for Helicopter rides. At 39euro a ride I graciously allowed Claudine the thrill end experience of taking to the skies to see our surrounds like ever before. Our apartment was positioned directly under the flight path that provided some initial entertainment for the boys but grew tiresome after the second day.
Every disembarking passenger praised the experience and encouraged Claudine to take to the skies. And she was not disappointed. Although the ride lasted less than 10min, the pilot ensured that the ride was memorable with some twists and turns and a fly over of some of the best landscapes.
On return, Claudine regaled us with a breathtaking video of her trip, which she was fortunate enough to fly ‘shotgun’.
The remainder of the day was spent not too far from home, in an effort to hide from the giant pink elephants that were trying to tap the peanuts out of our head, yes, some were a bit hung-over.