Human seal Colony

The Human seal colony on the Cote d'Azure

On Monday we were in Cassis, which is right on the coast – Cote d’Azure. Lots of fancy buildings here, all piled high on the rocky mountains surrounding the sea. And the sea is really something to look at for sure. It’s not called Cote d'Azur for nothing! The water is a brilliant azure blue, as the rocks and sand are mostly white on the coast. The water is so clear – the visibility the best we’ve ever seen. 

Parking was hard work that day, but we finally managed to find a spot on a steep hill above the town and started our walk for the day. Our plan was to walk a couple of hours to a cove which was recommended in a guidebook as a gorgeous swimming spot away from the crowds. Well – everyone must have had that book as when we began on the actual track there were another 40 or so people walking alongside us! Ha-That’s right – we’re not in NZ! How did we think walking over a treacherous mountainside would put off other people? Well, the walk very nearly put me off, as it was probably close to 40 degrees out on the track, in little or no shade most of the time, and basically straight up or straight down on a rocky, scree slope. I was not looking forward to making the return journey up again. But when we got there – oh wow! It was a small fiord type bay, with boats dotted out at sea. A few kayaks on the beach and people, many people. 

Through the gorge towards the sea

We managed to find a nice spot of shade on the rocky edge of the water where we could look over the sea and watch the fish swimming about. The people on the beach reminded me of seals sunbathing in their colonies- all luxuriating in the sun, not moving from their spot. In fact, it was surprising how many people didn’t actually get in the water. A few went all the way in, getting fully submerged, but many went only up to their waists, but more still stayed on the beach. Too hot not to get in! The water was cold enough to be refreshing but not that bone-chilling type that would put me off. I went snorkeling (properly, for the first time I have to admit) and saw wonderful schools of fish that were close enough to reach out and touch, and lots of little lone silvery-blue ones with big eyes and little smiles painted on. 

On the way back up the hill, I felt like having a tantrum about climbing up the big boulders to get back to the other side of the bay. I knew it would be pointless though of course, and the girls – even Noa – weren’t doing any moaning so I thought I’d better pick up my game. I did see a boy halfway up crying because of the effort and exhaustion of the climb – I knew how he felt! But luckily the way back never seems quite so far as the way there, so we got to the next beach without too much muscle ripping or fainting. We swam at the next two beaches we came to – having dried off and become hot and sweaty already since the last swim. Was a good day of exercise and feeling like I’m really experiencing summer here. It always feels like a better summer if I go swimming.