The Porquerolles

18-19/11/12

The wind blew an absolute hoolie all through the night, so we were pretty sure we were still not going anywhere today - on the water that is. On land we had an island to explore!

Gorgeous little boat!

Birthday boy x

We're moored on the outer wall

 We strolled up to the military fort, having read about it in the pilot as follows:

Sometime way back the French had a team guarding the island from the fort, but they got a bit forgotten by those on the mainland. The Brits were still trying to take France for themselves, but were roundly beaten. As they slunk off they stopped at the Porquerolles, advising the man in charge that France was lost so no point fighting, come on down to the boat for a cheeky drink and no blood will be shed. The Frenchman, unable to resist a tot, went quietly at which point the Brits burned the fort and sailed off with the Frenchman as hostage.

At the Fort was posted a history:

Way back when, after being humiliated on the mainland the Brits burned the fort after much debauchery acted upon the many virgins living on the island.

I paraphrase, but you catch my drift ;-)

Storming the Bastille!

Sadly we were out of season so many areas of the fort usually open to visitors were closed - sounds like an excuse to return in the summer!

We also checked out the little windmill, renovated beautifully and strolled along white sandy beaches - if you dig under the winter flotsam to find the sand - which Roxy did with much enthusiasm!!

A lovely day out for A's - ahem - 21st with a tasty lunch at one of the open restaurants.

Weather forecast for tommorrow is looking better so we might be off to pastures new!