Setting Sail from Cargèse

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon as I found myself in the quaint port town of Cargèse, a place that seemed to have been plucked from a dream. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of the sea, a stark contrast to the biting cold of the polar regions I was accustomed to. As I boarded the boat, a vessel that could comfortably house about 50 souls, I felt a familiar thrill of adventure coursing through my veins. This was not the icy expanse of the Arctic, but the promise of discovery was just as potent.

Dominique, the captain, and his son Joseph, both natives of this rugged coastline, welcomed us aboard with a warmth that belied the harsh beauty of the landscape we were about to explore. The boat, a small yet sturdy craft, was equipped with all the comforts one could wish for, including shaded areas to escape the sun’s relentless gaze. As we set sail, the boatmen provided updates in English, ensuring that even those of us not fluent in the local tongue could fully appreciate the journey ahead.

The Raw Beauty of Scandola and Beyond

Our first destination was the Scandola Nature Reserve, a place of such raw, untamed beauty that it could rival the most majestic glaciers of the polar regions. The cliffs rose dramatically from the sea, their jagged edges softened by the morning light. Dominique navigated the boat with the precision of a virtuoso, bringing us as close as possible to the rocks, allowing us to marvel at the geological wonders that lay before us.

As we continued our journey, the Calanques de Piana came into view, their creeks and caves whispering secrets of the ages. The captain’s commentary, rich with local lore, painted vivid pictures of the history and natural phenomena that shaped this coastline. It was a reminder of the power of nature, a force that I have witnessed time and again in the icy realms of the Arctic.

A Taste of Girolata and the Return

Midway through our voyage, we docked at the picturesque village of Girolata. Here, time seemed to slow, offering a respite from the relentless pace of exploration. I took the opportunity to savor a local meal, a delightful contrast to the freeze-dried rations of my past expeditions. The shaded terraces provided a perfect vantage point to absorb the village’s charm, a place where the past and present coexisted in harmony.

As we made our way back, the boat paused for a swim stop, a chance to cool off in the azure waters. It was a moment of pure bliss, a reminder of the simple joys that travel can bring. The return journey offered a final glimpse of the coastline, a farewell to a landscape that had captured my heart.

This excursion, a Scandola and Piana Discovery was a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world, a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. As I disembarked, I felt a sense of gratitude for the experience, a journey that had enriched my soul and reignited my passion for exploration.