Saturday/Sunday, Sept 20 – 21, 2014 –
Having survived our first major storm in the Med, with the skies now blue, we started east again, motoring with almost no wind. This coastline of France is beautiful. There is little development. 
The terrain is hilly and green with a rocky coast, not the miles of sandy beaches we expected. It is a very natural environment.
With another day of high winds in the forecast we headed for a protected anchorage along the Ile de Porquerolles. A small island, at 1 by 4 miles, it has steep-to high cliffs that help provide some shelter. This area is not only a popular destination for those cruising along the Cote d’Azur, but also for local yachts enjoying day trips or weekends away from the mainland.
We arrived to find a sailing cruise ship, 650 feet long, near the anchorage. It was the Club Med2. That explained the volume of people enjoying the beach along side the anchorage. The good news with cruise ships is that they generally leave by 6 pm and this one did just that. The beach was soon empty but for a few boaters and dogs. We only got off the boat for our first swim in the Med. Bob also took the time to dive on the anchor to be sure it was well set.
On Sunday we dinghied to shore to explore the island of Porquerolles. It is a very busy place on weekends with a nearly full marina, ferries coming and going from the mainland of France, and the usual bike and kayak rentals. The island appeared so quiet from the anchorage so we were surprised to find a busy little town. That day they were hosting a 5K so there was lots of activity and energy. The town has lots of cafes and restaurants, and even their own school.
At the end of the day we watched the anchorage thin out as boats headed back to the mainland at the end of the weekend and a beautiful sunset ensued.
