No Sleigh Ride

Corsica

We did an early morning run through the narrow passage at Porto Venere

Then waved farewell to Italy & the lovely little church on the rock

Leaving Le Grazie, we stepped out into a bit of a swell (Mistral generated) which we thought we had a handle on until it came to us that we were skidding and skipping to a NW swell meeting a SE swell.  Interesting & very strange!  Our voyage was cheered along by a lone dolphin, quite old and large, who popped by briefly.  So, continuing to dance our way across to Corsica, we finally came to rest at Macinaggio, where we hoped the anchorage would give us refuge for the night.  The anchor was hardly wet before a rib, with 6 men-in-black (never too many, GS says!) requested permission to board.  We could hardly say no, it was after all the French coast guard and we were the only non-EU boat in the bay.  The last time we had met them was in the Caribbean when they couldn’t wait to search Boy Wonder’s cabin…hee hee hee!  We passed muster, had a nice chat and encouraged them to apply for a job in Guadeloupe.  Another day, another dance!

These were the colours of first light that greeted us

 

Followed by stunning views as we motored down Corsica's east coast

Next morning we left early, although were last to leave the anchorage.  A nasty swell had kicked in overnight and even the Cap’n was pleased to leave.  Sad really, as the water was so clear and the cape so wild, it reminded us of our time in the Caribbean.  Most used the wind to head north (perhaps to France) but not us; we had plans to stay at a marina in Bastia.  By now, we’ve discovered that calling ahead for a berth in peak season means there will always be a “no vacancy”, so we tie up to a “reception” dock, visit the office, smile and hope for the best. 

Vieux Port, Bastia

We enjoyed our stay at Port de Toga.  Aside from the vast supermarket opposite with rows and rows of wine, we found a Thai food takeaway and even a roast chicken pop-up shop - of all things.  We skipped sushi at €35 per tray but relished the opportunity to tuck into foods we'd not had for years.  The Cap’n took the time for a sexy French haircut then we visited the old downtown precinct before having lunch at Vieux Port – loads of mussels in creamy onion sauce as only the French can do.  We also learned that Bruce is a “bateau pneumatique” and GS scared the locals when she inadvertently used the men’s showers at the marina.  Since when have the French been so modest!   

Ahhh!  We began to feel almost human.....

This large church was closed but had an interesting
structure (unfortunately not enhanced by most
unattractive modern additions)

It also came with interesting graffiti...

with humour as only the French could have