Back to our life in France

(Posted by Daniel)

As the kids were still jet lagging on Saturday, we were all up by 6:30 am. Normally, this would annoy me, but today I had plans. I had prepared everything we needed the night before and we were out the door shortly after to finally do something I have wanted to do for a while.

A few weeks ago, we attempted to hike to the famous calanque d'en vau, but I did not realize that the final portion of the trail that descended to the sea was much too difficult and dangerous for children. We arrived to the calanque but only could gaze down from the top of the high white cliffs to the inviting turquoise blue waters and secluded beach below that seemed to be calling my name. At that moment, I decided that I had to find another way and that we would then safely visit that calanaque. After asking some locals, a friend informed me of another more reasonable route.

Upon arriving at the beach, Jaxon instinctively ran to the water and stared silently for a while before beginning to strip off his cloths to get in -- a typical Jaxon ritual regardless of the weather.

To motivate Jaxon during the long hike, we pretended we were explorers, and as we got an early start, we were some of the first to arrive and were able to have the beach to ourselves for a while.

Jonas is becoming quite the beach bum. He loves playing in the sand and rocks. Hopefully he doesn't wear down his one budding tooth.

I of course brought my snorkeling gear. Jaxon is starting to learn how to use his, but I think he will need to practice more in the bath tub before seeing any fish in the sea. I enjoyed exploring the underwater landscape and observing the many types of fish in their element. The Mediterranean Sea is extremely salty which makes swimmers very buoyant and swimming effortless. On many occasions I would float motionless as a school of fish slowly swam by.

The water has gotten a little warmer and Janet decided to get in.

Rock climbers littered the sheer cliffs which of course did not escape Jaxon's attention. He climbed to the top of a small bolder and enjoyed the view. We did not try the cliff behind him.

On the way back to the car, as we rose from the deep canyon to the plateau, the wind picked up which sure got Jonas excited. He loves sitting forward facing during hikes and stopping occationally to touch the leaves of the trees and feel the rough surfaces of the rocks. It is fun to watch him as he explores the world around him although we have to keep a close eye on him to make sure he does not swallow his discoveries.