Tuesday 19th April - hike to Calanque de Marseilleveyre

This is me and the boys after our first climb! The track I think is more for goats than people..............................

This is an example of the track - this bit of the track was safe-ish; the track was also like this as we went around the calanques (cliffs) too and I was pleased Karl was with us as it was hard at times to see where the track went.......I had to keep up so I didn't get lost!

Today was hike day - we were heading deep into the calanques; into unknown territory - one of the ladies at the information centre said the hike was not recommended for children under 12 years of age - she clearly did not realise we had "Kiwi kids" - I was more worried about me!!!

The hike to Calanque de Marseilleveyre went to heights of 300m and was 6.6km - but first we had to get to the starting point.  This involved a walk to the metro; 2 metros and then bus 19 to the end of the line (this is where me and the kids had been last week - we showed Karl our spots) and then onto minibus 20 to the last stop at the end of that road - Les Gordes and then our hike!

There is no road to this calanque (and in fact to most of them) and they can only be accessed by hiking or boating = we plan on exploring them by boat one day but while the weather is not too hot decided hiking them would be a good plan too!

It really was a beautiful walk with lots to see - 

The first calanque we passed - Calanque de Mounine and then it was mostly along with coast toward Marseilleveyre

There is the beach we are heading too - looks great and we are almost there........................

Almost there and just a little red!!!

Of course after our picnic lunch the boys were off for a swim - beautiful but water a tad chilly -
 Karl and I just dipped our feet! 

Loki off for an explore around the rocks.........................

Followed closely by his brother of course - Connor trying to find some shade!

After a couple of hours at the beach we decided it was time to head back to begin the journey home.  Although there was a bar/restaurant at this calanque, we decided to hold off on our "beer" until we were back at Les Gordes, particularly given the dodgy climbing and descending ahead! Super hard on the ankles and my poor knees!! Hiking is great said me never!

Anyway the hike back was faster that the one in and then is was time for that well deserved beer and it tasted great.  Then time to head home on the buses and metros home - the buses go right along the coast which is so beautiful - so many beaches to head to in summer - wahoo.

We made it home and dropped our gear off and headed up to our little local square area for a drink and a chill out before getting pizza for dinner - perfect end to a great day - I hope I can walk tomorrow!!!!