Rock the Boat - don't rock the boat baby

Yesterday we viewed the calanques from above-today was by boat from sea level.   We considered renting out own boat to drive ourselves, but it seemed windy again so we opted for a tour boat covering 8 of the 9 calanques that run between Cassis and Marseilles. The tour was narrated - but in French-

so we were unable to understand.  They did give us a brochure in Englsh to try and follow but all I picked up was that there was a nudist beach-one of the first in France (only men seemed to be "enjoying" that freedom today)

and that the first calanque that we hiked to yesterday had a quarry that closed in 1981, but which supplied material for the Suez Canal and the plinth of the Statue of Liberty.

We saw some climbers - it's a popular place to climb - and I figure at least you stand the chance of a water landing with a climb here instead of just a pile of rocks. 

 

Now lots of photos. 

Forgot to mention-while in the actual calanques you were sheltered from the wind it could get pretty hot- but on the sea the speed and wind were creating quite a chilly spray.  My lips tasted of sea salt, and we pulled on our hoods to keep dry. Maid of the Mist anyone?

Farewell Calanques.

We also learned that yesterday's child ducklings in rowboats were probably just beginning sailors.  Today they had sails. 

 

Back in the harbor again. 

We relaxed this afternoon, and also went on the hunt for fuel. It had to be a hunt and not an errand because of another strike. This is French strike number two of our trip-first train workers, now an oil refinery strike affecting deliveries of gas to stations all throughout France.  All of the stations in Cassis were closed; found a very long line in the next town over - La Ciotat - and after a 40 minute wait we were able to fuel up for our trip to Nice tomorrow.

People just got out of their cars to chat while waiting.

The line was so long that I was able to get out and go shopping for snacks so we came home to a happy hour of wine and French cheese. The wine is from the vineyard next door which has been in operation since 1523. I guess almost 500 years of operation means they have pretty much figured it out. - the white wines of Cassis are quite good. 

We are staying in a great Airbnb here in Cassis that comes with some belly rub loving kitties. 

Rich started a new tradition of two bottles of wine on our last night in town-one early and one with dinner. Did the long walk home uphill sober me up?  

Goodbye Cassis-see you tomorrow in Nice.